Introduction to Chicago Economics–Macroeconomic Analysis

Students will gain an introduction to the economic approach as applied to macroeconomic analysis. The program begins by examining the role of prices in allocating resources, builds an analytical framework for macroeconomic studies, and applies this framework to fiscal, monetary, and international trade policies. Afternoon sessions offer opportunities to explore ideas developed at Chicago, read relevant articles, and analyze data to deepen their understanding of macroeconomic theory.

Key topics include:

• Efficiency and market failures
• Unintended consequences of policy interventions
• Economic growth and its determinants
• Human capital, labor markets, and AI
• Financial markets
• Fiscal, monetary, and trade policies

• Rising high school seniors, who are at least 15 years old, preferred
• Strong coursework in mathematics is required as the course relies on equations and diagrams as part of the instructional mode of delivery. A course in calculus is preferred.
•  A prior exposure to economics and statistics is preferred but not required. 
• The program's medium of instruction will be in English, so students should be comfortable in an English-speaking learning environment
• Applicants must be Hong Kong residents or be eligible to study in Hong Kong during the program period

Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:45 am with an intermission in the middle and discussion sections will be held from 13:00 to 14:30. While each day varies slightly in format, a typical day includes:  

9:30 to 10:30 – Lecture  

10:30 to 10:45 – Mid-morning break  

10:45 to 11:45 – Lecture  

11:45 to 13:00 – Lunch  

13:00 to 14:15 – Discussion sections  

14:30 to 16:00 – Campus available for optional group or individual work  

Excursions & Guest Speakers: Special events will be integrated throughout the program.  

For each of our Summer Academy programs, students will also have the opportunity to participate in sessions led by a UChicago admissions counselor to better understand the highly selective admissions process practiced by U.S. colleges and universities. Such sessions will give students a window into the role that essays play in the application and how an application is holistically reviewed for admission.

Kotaro Yoshida is a Senior Associate Instructional Professor and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies. His teaching and research focus on macroeconomics, money and banking, and related fields. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University. At Chicago since 2012

The University of Chicago Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics is a globally renowned academic center known for pioneering the “Chicago School” approach, which emphasizes free-market principles, empirical rigor, and critical debate. The department has produced many Nobel laureates and influential thinkers, excels in both theoretical and applied research across diverse economic fields, and maintains strong ties with leading policy institutes. Its undergraduate and graduate programs attract top students who go on to shape economics worldwide, fostering a vibrant intellectual community committed to advancing economic knowledge and policy.

• Early Bird Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
• Regular Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

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• Program fee includes the course fee, use of the UChicago Campus in Hong Kong facilities, one meal and refreshments during on-campus days, excursion expenses, and shuttle buses to and from campus and Kennedy Town MTR Station. Program Fees are non-refundable once paid unless the program is canceled by the UChicago campus in Hong Kong.