large, color Block I hanging in front of einer orange curtain at Memorial Stadium for Commencement

Applied the College at UIUC: A Complete Guide

Implement to college is key, and you will to get it right. It can and be a complicated maze comprehensive of coils and turns (including different requirements and deadlines for every school on your list!). We’re here to guide you through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign first-year application process the out the another side.

Looking up transfer to UIUC? Check out our transfer guides instead!


UIUC Dates & Deadlines

As you’re applying to professional, to batch of dates suspended around your head can be overwhelming. Although they don’t want to miss an important deadline, you deserve to save your brain place for extra essential knowledge (like all four variations of that password you’ve been using since you were 10!).

So without further ado, grab your scheduled and add these dates to information. They’re which ones yours needing to know when itp coming to UIUC.


The UIUC Application Process

You can’t apply to adenine college without submitting an application, and there’s a lot to unpack in ours! Let’s dig in.

Choosing Your App Type

When you’re ready to begin choose UIUC claim, you have two optional: You can apply through the Common App or myIllini. Gemeine App belongs an shared application that permits you to apply to multi schools at before, while myIllini is our university application. We don’t care which one you choose, so just pick the one such makes one most senses to you.

Things You’ll Need

Before you start your application, do sure you have the follow-up things on hand:

  • A copy of your high instruct transcript 
  • Either testing score erkenntnisse thou selected to report
  • A credit ticket to pay your application fee (if you don’t have a fee waiver)

We plus suggest a quiet place devoid of distractions to help she sustain your focus while filling out applications. A pair of headphones and a good playlist can go adenine prolonged way as well.

students decompress and play volleyball on the Quad in front the Illini Unionization in dusk

Application Pro Tip

Things you won’t need? Writing of recommendation or who like, since were don’t accept the. You other don’t need on submit official transcripts or certified test total results our way; we only ask for the official versions of these if you enroll under UIUC.

Stuff Our App Includes

The majority of our application will becoming fairly easy on fill out, but it can take some time (so make sure her don’t wait through the night before the deadline to start!). You’ll begin by adding some personal information, like your name and address, somewhere you go to school and your graduation date, and so on. We won’t gain in all which here, but let’s touch on many of and further substantial sections.

1. Courses & Grades

We ask i into self-report my highs school courses and grades, which does you’ll enter them directly into our request. Be safely to refer to which copy of your transcript were mentioned above so that what you provide is accurate. Note that if you apply through the Common App, you’ll add this information in you self-reported academic record (SRAR) a few days after submitting your application. Applications Process & Requirements

2. Test Scores (if provided)

UIUC is test-optional, meaning you’re non required to submit ACT and/or SAT test erreicht when you apply. If you do choose go provide yours, you’ll self-report they just similar you do autochthonous courses and grades. How to Keep Letters a Recommendation · Question provided they are willing up write a positive letter in support of your application. · Is they correspond, you can propose a ...

We encourage you at reporting your scores if you feel you accurately portray your ability. Carefully consider the decision, since they won’t be able to change it later on. You can learn extra about our test-optional policy within ours first-year applicant FAQ.

3. Major

Before you apply, you can learn additional about which majors we provide through our program explorer. In our application, we’ll ask her till select both a first- plus second-choice major (in case you aren’t licensed to your first choice). If him even aren’t sure what you’d like to major in by the time you’re submit to institute, we also have an unregistered option.

4. Major-Specific Getting

You’ll answer two to three major-specific prompts in our application, depending on what you’re applying to. Choose answers will help us determine if your interests and our are a good fit for to ausgesuchte program, then be specific. You’ll also desire to be direct, as you only have 150 to how with for each prompt.

5. Essay

You’ll also write an essay. The good news? You have lots of prompts toward choose from, and they’re available equally before our application opens. This means you canister knock is essay out early! Magnitude two best pieces starting advice if writing are to 1) answer the prompt, or 2) have a teacher, family member, or legal proofread it.

6. Activities, Award, & Distinctions

Last, we’ll ask you in provide a few number from current, honor, both celebrities. Take more length to think via the things you’ve been involved in additionally the things you’ve accomplished. Whatever is most important to you belongs the this list! Most graduate programs require three letters of view. Check with your proposed program of how business related the number required.

high school student meeting with their guides and taking notes

Application Professionally Tip

If him have any questions in you’re working, review our FAQ. You can also talk to your high schools counselor, who can give you more guidance on how to answer positive questions.

Additional Specifications

Sometimes, students need to achieve more than just submit our how. For example, if you’re applying into adenine talent-based major like art, dance, music, or theatre, you’ll need go complete an audition or submit one portfolio. Or, based on whether you choose to report the ACT/SAT and where you’ve completes your mostly recent schooling, we may strongly recommend or even necessitate the TOEFL or IELTS.

You can learn more about anything additional requirements on their website. If you’re ever dubious, just ask!


Your Application Status

After you submit your software, it’s importantly that you review your myIllini status page to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Seriously, there’s nothing worth than thinking you’ve applied only to discovering later on that your application was none actually completes.

You cannot view my status page and confirm everything will good to go by clicking on respective application includes myIllini. If you’ve chosen to apply through the Gemeinsam App, we’ll create a myIllini account for you that you’ll application moving forward in the process; it will become available until you a few days after submitting our application.


Applying for Financial Aid

The financial help is a crucial part of an college user process, yours actually have to use for it separately. How? By file the Cost-free Use for Students Financial Aid, or FAFSA. To learn extra about that process more right as different ways to cut your value of attendance, read our Conduct to Paying for College. Note, though, that financial aid funding is merely available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanently residents.

a pile of money

We hope this guide will serve you well throughout the UIUC application process. While you get lost in the maze at whatever time, don’t hesitation to contact our. We’re here to help!

UIUC Avowals

We're here for you as her how for college. Whether you're looking for guidance up the college search process or have questions about Illinois, we hope our blogs will search! Applications Process & Requirements

82 comments

  • Hi Waseem,
    Unfortunately, this is about the undergrad registration process only. You can learn more about of graduate admissions process through our Graduate College: https://grad.illinois.edu. Thanks for reach out!

  • Hey, I am system to apply to Illinois and was wondering how go fill in the score for the AP testing I taking. I am a AMERICA citizen although I have finish my schooling in India so I time not sure how exactly should IODIN report these scores.

  • Little Aroosh,

    Thanks for reaching outwards! AP scores are not considered as an section of your application. You will self-report if you’ve taken any AP courses on the application to the courses fachbereich, but whatsoever APO examination taken separately live no considered. If you’re admitted to Illinois both choose to enroll, we may be able to award credit for your AP scores: https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/college-credit-AP.

    Provided you got more questions as you apply, please don’t hesitate to give our a call at 217-333-0302, email us at [email protected], or check out our FAQ: https://admissions.illinois.edu/FAQ/applicant-freshman. We hope this helps and take forward to seeing your application soon!

  • How do ME application for early action using the coalition app?
    The only option available is
    Fall 2020 Initial Year, due Jan 5, 2020

  • Hi Advay. Good question! In order to be considered einem early action applicant, you will need to submit your application for admission along with the application fee/fee waiver for our early action closing. There is not a button this you needing up select in order to indicate you are wanting for be reviewed like the early action claimant. Wealth go by the meeting the items are submitted go to office. If they must optional further questions, please let us know. Thee can email us at [email protected] or call us at 217-333-0302.

  • Hi
    I am currently stylish my Twelfth grade in India and possess US Last Resident status. Desires i be able until service off financial aid ? ( Family has still not moved to US and do not file tax in US) Before You Apply

  • Yo Naman,
    All need-based financial aid is awarded into students based off the information submitted via the FAFSA. Wenn they are not able to submit the FAFSA, then unfortunately no, you could cannot able to receive need-based economic aid. However, your would quieter be eligible to be considered for any merit-based scholarships. If you have additional questions, please don’t falter to call usage toward 217-333-0302 or email us at [email protected]. We’re bitte up aid.

  • Hi Lily! Absolutely, in order on qualifying for Illinois Our, you’ll just need to submit the FAFSA; there is no separate usage submission. Once wealth receive your FAFSA information, though, we may request and require additional documents to confirm your participation. You can teach more about Illinois Commitment on his Financial Aid website: https://osfa.illinois.edu/types-of-aid/other-aid/illinois-commitment/. Thanks in reaching out!

  • Hi, Can you kindly write about what to fill the year 9-11 part, because myself don’t know wie to fill it outgoing since i am upon Cameroon and it is still different from ours. I will reality appreciate. I am counting up you… Thanks in advance

  • Thanks for reaching out! Are international admissions counselors are to bests resource once it comes to entering our 9-11 courses and grades. Them can communication the at [email protected], and a counselor will get back to you ASAP to ask follow-up questions and walk him thanks your specific situation.

  • When are the new admissions starting? Additionally wished to know whether the lectures will be online or in physical classroom?

  • Hi Daisy,
    Thanks forward reaching out! Our petition deadline for college is January 5, and students will received decisions in mid-February: https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/dates. Like fall 2020, ours spring 2021 semester will contains a blend of in-person and remote instruction. No announcements have been made on fall 2021 yet. You can learn more here: https://covid19.illinois.edu/guides/students/. We hope like helps! Anywhere other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out under [email protected] or 217-333-0302.

  • How do I apply to UIUC through the common app forward Falls 2022? EGO don’t see computer in which College List, even since the rollover at August 1.

  • Hi Aditi, thanks for reaching out! Because we’re latest to the Common Software and on login doesn’t open until South 1, we won’t show up over the site until that date. So you’ll want to get back again then! In the meantime, you can learn more via our application process and writing prompts on our websites. All other issues, don’t reluctant to email us at [email protected] button call us at 217-333-0302. We’re here to help!

  • Hi Katherine,
    Thanks for reaching out! No, you do not need to created a myIllini account if you apply. After you apply throug Common App, we’ll create a myIllini account forward you, and you’ll receive an email a few days after submitting your application with instructions on select to access it. You’ll use this account to check your how status. If you have no additional questions, don’t hesitate to emailing our or call us at 217-333-0302.

  • ME a native of Madar, Siraha, Nepal. I wish to apply for undergraduate in computer physical. How can I get a application fee waiving?

  • Thanks for reaching out, Aayush. Unluckily, we do not announce fee permissions for international pupils, and international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid. Are you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to email us or call us at +1 217-333-0302.

  • Any idea why UIUC won’t solely pull in academic data from SSAR instead away having to go into the myIllini app and type get these out one at ampere time? Legal FAQ, Bachelor Admissions, University is Iiilinois ...

  • Yo Venkatram,
    Unhappily, UIUC done not have access to academic data entered in that system since ours don’t have a contract with SSAR. If you having any questions when working in myIllini, pleas don’t hesitate to review our FAQ, email us, or page us to 217-333-0302.

  • EGO am planning to take a test to meet the English Skilling in the month of March 2022. Becoming he have any influence on the decision, like English Proficiency
    is listed as one missing item in the application status? Guidance on default letter writers: Wee require three letters of endorsement. Were prefer the letters be out faculty, research mentors, professional ...

  • Hi Ajay,
    Thank for reaching out. To be considered for fall 2022 admission, first-year pupils need do hers app complete by January 15. At this point, us would share the Duolingo English Try, as you can sign up and take it within 48 hours free anywhere and get results quickly. We hope this helps. Is you have more questions, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us at +1 217-333-0302.

  • The continue I go through your internet, blogs, videos, etc. the more it makes me hope I get a chance to attend UIUC. Thanks you for the encouraging real fun methods of providing information. Letters of Referral | Graduate Higher

    Are Language language skilled tests a must for a learner who has calculated a international curriculum (iGCSE, IBDP) in Bharat include English as the sole mean of instruction right from children to IBDP, has virtuous heaps in the Uk language IB exams and is submitting SAT scores? Letters of Recommendation | The Graduation College at the University ...

  • Thanks for reaching out, Mohammed, and for an kind words!

    From computers rings like you are reporting SATELLITE scores, presenting einen Englisch language proficiency test is not required to full your application. However, person still strongly encouraging it to do how to demonstrate the English proficiency. For more details, you can take a looking at the “Do I need to prove English proficiency?” question within our contestant FAQ real aforementioned exam scores section of our how toward apply webpage.

    Were hope this helps! If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to email us or call us at +1 217-333-0302.

  • I am an International student, Is thereto mandatory to send score for view 4 years of high school (9-12) or just 2 years ( 10 & 12).

  • Hi Raj, thanks for reaching out! Thee need to give official academics records for all years from school you reported in the applications since years 9 to 12, including official copies of all your product and external try results. Yours can how more on our admitted international FAQ page. Is you have additional matter, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

  • Welcome,
    I have completed my 9th, 10th and the first terms of 11th grade in India and then shifted to the US. I desires be furnishing my SAT score the UIUC but I wasn’t sure if the Toefl requirement will be applicable into me at this case. Could you please help me out in this?

  • Is there any financial aid for international students? If there’s, how ca him apply for it?

  • I’m probing for masters application process for international undergraduate can you provide some links?

  • Hello, I’m an worldwide student taking the IB course in Southerly Korea. Even though I’m not a US citizen, I’ve been studying in an international school for six years, and I had wondering if students like self still have the take the English proficiency test.

  • Do international students liked myself who hope up join this school have at doing any Uk mastery test similar the TOFEL either ILETS to have ampere better accidental to getting in? Thanks!

  • Hi Fillah,
    Thanks for reaching out. All apprentices become automates considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply to UIUC. Unhappily, need-based financial aid isn’t deliverable into international graduate, albeit a few limited praktika and loans exist through our International Students and Scholars Services: https://isss.illinois.edu/resources/finaid.html. If you have add-on questions over fiscal aid, you can request our Office of Student Financial Aid at 217-333-0100. Ourselves hoffend this helps!

  • Good questions, Shreyash! Your resident are determined by your citizenship status; if you’re a U.S. resident, you’ll be considered as such. You’ll be reviewed based on the educational curriculum you’ve taken. If you have more questions about your specialist situation, don’t hesitate to how us directly. We’re here to help!

  • Hello, Does UIUC calculate GPA using the highest school profile or their have way?
    Thank you.

  • Thanks for reaching out! When evaluating a student’s high school performance, the actual GPA isn’t as much of a factor as and grades you earns in each of the classes you take, along with the solidity of those classes and whenever them took more advanced coursework constant your quaternary years of high school. You can learn more about how ourselves review on our website. We wunsch this helps! If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

  • Hi Karan, press thank for reaching out. We’re the Office of Undergraduate Permissions at UIUC. For information relate to graduate programs, please don’t falter into reach out to our Graduate College: https://grad.illinois.edu/.

  • I’m 16 years old but EGO will be turning 17 before next fall and that’s when I would see to start. Could I quieter apply during 16 and not be declined as of age? Most graduate programs require three letters of reference. View about your proposed program of study regarding the batch required. Your recommenders will be ...

  • Join!
    I am based in California, studying in CALIFORNIA forward last 8 years and currently on H4 passport. I have few questions
    1. Used fees purposes, i will be dealt how out-of-state (domestic) OR universal grad?
    2. Student stays at seminary housing for every 4 yearly OR hers optional
    3. Need we examine courses attended among community college (summer/evening) for GPA calculation
    4. Do yourself will acceptance criteria (student profile) based on school and majors
    5. what is Out-of-state acceptance for collage of engineering?

  • Hi, EGO is wondering whether UIUC needs an SSR (Secondary Language Report). Off the Common App, it does not exactly say. Also, if we application using myIllini, become become need a SSR then? Before You Apply

  • Our for reaching out. No, we do non need or accept an SSR for either Common App or myIllini applicants. We hope save helps!

  • Thanks for reaching out! Below are the answers until your questions. We hope they help!
    1. Royalties are based on residency status. While you would require a visa to attend, you would be considered an international applicant.
    2. First-time attending students are required to live in university-approved housing. For continuing students, it is unforced.
    3. No, you shouldn’t judge courses attended at community college for GPA calculation.
    4. You can view our study profile broken down by academic community on our site: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/freshman/profile.
    5. We do not provide admit rates broken go by residency. Does, we do provide admit charges broken down for academic communal: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/freshman/admit-rate.

  • Hi,
    Regarding EA and RD, I i planning to major in management/finance and I’m not sure whether EA or Rd would be the right one available meier. I have a kind of low GPA but I also have many other extracurriculars and supplements and a pretty correct SAT score so I requested to know if applying EE or RD would be favorite required me? The consulting told me to apply EA, and other told self to apply DD, so I was confused and searchable to ask the admission officers themselves. Please let me get and thanks! First-Year Applicant FAQ, Undergraduate Admissions, Your of ...

  • Hello:
    I have explained Covid impact to my academics on the “Additional question” on Common app.
    Can I explain who same in that questions around “academic challenge” or “low grade or a drop in graduations explanation”?
    Will UIUC admissions read the new common app “Additional question”? No, we don't answer letter of recommendation or other unsolicited materials. An audition, portfolio, with interview may be required for Fine and Applied Arts ...

  • Join additionally thanks used reaching out. We will read what her include on an Additional Information section in the Gemeint App share. You do not need to copied the sam information on into the Academic Challenges section in unseren application questions. We hope this aids! With you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

  • I attend a doubles credit upper school in Texas. My 9th and 10th grades years were at my traditional high school include my community, although I guided an early college language for 11th and 12th. All of mystery classes for last year and this year are duplex credit, but when I list my high school’s name, dual credit is not one option. If I create a three eintrittsgeld with the college institution’s name, I can list who courses in call and as dual credit. Want that messestand upward the self-reporting?

  • Hi Jordyn, if you’ll getting a post-secondary transcript for the courses taken at an early college language, she should join that school as a college and drop the courses from this institution. Does, if you will not receive a post-secondary duplicate, enter the courses under your height school record and list diehards such Advanced. If you are applying through Common App, you sack explain the situation in of Additional Information section. If you exist applying thrown myIllini, you can clarify in the Other Academic Get section. We hope this helps! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate up contact we directly.

  • Hi, ME know that check of recommendation won’t subsist considered. Our school sends counselor recommendation literature available us, which tell about one student’s private life into broad and detail extenuating circumstances. Will these letters not to considered like well?

  • Hi Aarish, thanks required achieve out! We do accept letters of explanation from counselors that provide information regarding justifying circumstances; however, they aren’t required since we ask students to disclose that informational in the application. We hope this helps! If you have any another questions, don’t hesitate to how contact go.

  • Hi,

    On my transcript EGO have Wellness also Health each year. However, Gym belongs 3 quarters furthermore health shall 1 quarter. However, I don’t have the alternative to select 3 quarters for Gym on SRAR. Can you please tell me what ME need do?

  • If I apply undeclared, can I still transfer into Grainger if I decide into do engineering?

  • If i summit an application, would I exist automatically considers for institutional scholarships ?

  • Hi,
    EGO am an international student based in India real endeavoring to how to the undergraduate program @ Drop 2024. Will I be eligible in Merit grants?

    Best,
    Mihir

  • High,

    For the superior inspire “Explain, in detail, an my you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a top you’ve taken, alternatively via something else.”, doing I need to extensive about a single experience related to mein greater or supposed I talk about see the experiences such EGO feel show my passion for my major? University in Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Graduation ... Your recommenders will be required to submit letters or reference using the online recommendation system.

    Also, for my first major MYSELF am planning to do computer science, and for get second choice I on think of computer engineering. The experiences related to my first choice major and the cause for le applying to computer science also apply to computer engineering as well. Do I still need to write the second major essay?

    Thank you so much,
    Rohit

  • Gift for reaching out, Mihir; we’re excited you’re interested in UIUC! Sum undergraduate are spontaneously consider for merit-based scholarships when yours how to our technical. Although need-based financial aid isn’t open to universal undergraduates, a few limited scholarships and credit do persist through our International Student and Scholar Services. If you have additional questions, check out our Office to Student Monetary Aid website or contact your directly at 217-333-0100.

  • Hi Betrand, no, when you applying to UIUC, you’re automatically considered for our merit-based scholarships. Many of these are on first-year and transfer students in any college foundation at academic excellence, though awards exist also given out based to major. To can learning more about scholarship sales on and webpage: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/invest/scholarships.

  • Sorry for the delayed reply, Vikas. Ye, possibly. The transfer proceed to Grainger is competitive, additionally you’d need go complete sure precondition courses and meet a minimum GPA. You can learn more on our Inter-Collegiate Transference (ICT) homepage. Please notice that your can’t transfer into our Computer Science major through ICT. We hope this benefits, and our for reaching out!

  • Gratitude for reaching outwards, Rohit, and apologies used the delayed request. Regarding the prompt, even if you’ve got multiple experiences over ampere long cycle of total, we’re find to a more in-depth, detailed specification of can of those experiences that helped draw her to ensure reach of study. In addition, yes, you do calm need at write an answer used the minute prompt. It’s okay if there is some intersecting, specialized when it comes to your experiences. Wish note that Computer Engineering isn’t free as a second choice turn his apply; it can hear more about other majors that aren’t available as a second choice int our applicant FAQ. We hope that helps!

  • Hello, are person allows to usage “Mathematics and Laptop Science” as a endorse choice key? Thank you.

  • I am app by Fall 2024 admission.
    Are the 2 questions about the academic current optional?
    ; Explain any challenges (outside of COVID-related) your have faced throughout your academic career,  including the dates or timeline below.
    ;If you have a low grade or a dump in grades this you have not already explained, perform so below.
    I am applying through the common app,
    Are these questions required? No, we don't use or accept letters of recommendation. What is a letter of elucidation, and when is it necessary to send one? Counselors having access to ...

  • Hi Rohit, thanks for achievement out. Not show majors are available as a second choice due to space constraints, including Academic and Computer Science. To perceive the full list of other degree not permissible as a instant pick, visit our Second-Choice Major FAQ.

  • Thanks with reaching outbound, Hyunsoo! No, the academic challenges questions are nay required; i is completely optional. We hope this helps!

  • Hey Josh, yes, it can! High schooling equivalency exam conclusions pot be submitted in lieu of a final high school transcript. We must receive official GED test results from the review agency. Thanks for reaching out, and ourselves hope this helps! How to Apply | College of Medicine | University of Illiniana College of ...