The Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT) is a grassroots student organization that aims to recruit students to STEM PhD programs at the University of Chicago. GRIT is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds, especially those who are underrepresented in the STEM workforce. To this end, GRIT’s work is divided into two central components: recruitment and retention. Recruitment is organized by clusters/departments for graduate programs while retention is organized into five teams focused on specific issues.
GRIT is by graduate students, for graduate students. We do not represent the University of Chicago in any official capacity, and our views do not necessarily reflect university policy.
Information regarding the programs and groups that GRIT works with can be found at Who We Support. More information for prospective students can be found on the Prospective Students page. Interested in working with GRIT as a current graduate student at the University of Chicago? Check out the Get Involved page! We welcome all STEM graduate students to GRIT and its teams, regardless of identity
Any inquiries can be sent to the GRIT leadership team at ucgrit@gmail.com!
Upcoming events
Thursday, October 9, 2025: Stand Out! Personal Statement Workshop
Are you applying to a STEM PhD program? Join us for a virtual interactive workshop to help strengthen your application! Get tips from current PhD students across the biological sciences, physical sciences, and molecular engineering divisions. Registration is open now.
We will help you craft a narrative that highlights your academic rigor and potential to thrive in graduate school. We request that you submit your application draft a week before the workshop, but you can update your submission during the workshop. Remember that the deadline for UChicago is in early December!
- 4:30 PM- Welcome and general tips for personal statements
- 4:50 PM- 6:30 PM- 15-minute individual break out sessions. Attendees will speak individually with a student from their program(s) of interest to discuss their personal statements
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025: Immunology Application Assistance Program
Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in immunology at the University of Chicago? Check out the Committee on Immunology (COI) Application Assistance Program. Registration for the 2025-2026 application cycle closes Wednesday, October 15th, 2025. This program connects applicants with current immunology PhD students, and it provides applicants with the opportunity to receive feedback on their application materials. Register here!
