Freshman Application Tips & Checklist
You’re probably wondering what we consider while reviewing an application. We place special emphasis upon your class rank, test scores, courses taken in high school, and application essays; but we also pay attention to non-academic aspects of your life, such as extracurricular activities, work and volunteer experience, and honors and awards received. We try to look at the complete picture of who you are and how you will contribute to the talented, bright, and diverse student body at Illinois.
As an applicant, it is your responsibility to know the application requirements and to submit the necessary materials.
Checklist
All Applicants
- There are two ways to apply:
- Apply online at www.apply.uiuc.edu.
We encourage online applications because it saves time and paper. When you apply online you create an ID and PIN, which enables you to check your application status after submitting your application.
- If you submit a paper application, mail it to:
Office of Admissions & Records
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
901 W. Illinois St.
Urbana, IL 61801
- Read all instructions before starting. We don’t want you to overlook a vital portion of a question.
- Pick a major. Browse our list of majors and concentrations. Research the particular program you’re interested in and try to describe your interest or experience in that subject when writing the application essays.
- If you’re undecided about a major, you can apply as undeclared to the Division of General Studies.
- On the application, you may only apply to one program; however, we do ask if you would like to be considered for other related majors, including undeclared in the Division of General Studies, if you are not selected for admission to your first choice.
- If you’re interested in secondary education, law, or medicine, you should select an educational goal of pre-secondary education, pre-law, or pre-medicine.
- Honors Programs. Your Undergraduate Application for Admission is the same application used for admission into all campus honors programs. Your GPA and test scores are reviewed and the essays are strongly taken into consideration by the honors programs when making admissions decisions. If you’re interested in being accepted to an honors program, the best way to approach the application is with care and attention to detail. Be thorough when writing the application essays and elaborate on your special achievements, interests, extracurricular activities, and work experience. If you’re selected to an honors program, you’ll receive notification directly from the program by April 1. For more information on honors, click here.
- Merit-Based Scholarships and Need-Based Aid. Your Undergraduate Application for Admission is the same application used for all merit-based scholarships. You will automatically be considered for scholarships when you apply. Our scholarships are granted to students based on academic achievement and are awarded by individual colleges and departments. If you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll receive notification directly from the department by April. For more information about scholarships at Illinois, click here. For consideration of need-based aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. Our priority date to apply for need-based aid is March 15. For more information, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid Web site.
- Fill out the application carefully and completely.
- Give accurate information. Try to give a true picture of who you are, where your interests lie, and what your academic goals include. We will learn a lot about you if you take the time to tell us who you are: aspirations, successes, and challenges you’re facing.
- Essays. We ask that you write two essays. Each essay should be 300 words in length. The essay portion is an important factor in our evaluation, so take your time and prepare an outline of what you want to say. We appreciate creativity but also make sure you’re answering the questions truthfully.
- Activities, Work Experience, Community Service, & Honors/Awards. List the most important and meaningful experiences you’ve had and honors earned during high school for each question. Also, for each entry, provide the names and contact information for the supervisor, coach, or mentor.
- Proofread. Admission is competitive, and mistakes and omissions can hurt your chances.
- Double-check your e-mail address. We send important information via e-mail. Remember to regularly check your inbox.
- Application Fee. Please submit a nonrefundable $40 application fee ($50 for international applicants), payable to the University of Illinois, or a completed fee waiver from your high school guidance counselor.
- Send in your completed application (if applying by paper application). Make sure it’s signed, dated, and all accompanying materials are included.
- Talk to your guidance counselor about necessary application materials. We need an official high school transcript covering all the subjects you’ve studied. Your school must send it directly to us. If you apply during the Priority Filing Period, these supporting materials, including your test scores, must be postmarked by November 10. If you apply between November 11 and January 2, all supporting materials must be received by January 12.
- Submit your test scores. It’s required that you send us a standardized test score: ACT (code 1154) or SAT 1 (code 1836) scores are accepted. The writing component of the ACT is required for Fall 2008 admission.
- Check the status of your application. Once you receive acknowledgement of receipt from us, you may check the status of your application. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions & Records.
Actors, Artists, Dancers, & Musicians
We may need additional information from you.
Note: Please submit an Undergraduate Application for Admission prior to completing the program specific requirements.
- Art and design applicants must submit a portfolio. Instructions and forms are available at www.art.uiuc.edu/a+d or call 217-333-6632.
- Dance applicants must complete an audition. Information on completing this requirement is available at www.dance.uiuc.edu or 217-333-1010.
- Music applicants must complete an audition and/or interview. For specific requirements and to schedule the audition/interview, complete the supplemental music application and visit www.music.uiuc.edu/admissions.php or contact the Music Admissions Office at 217-244-7899.
- Theatre applicants must complete an interview and an audition or portfolio review. Information on completing these requirements is available at www.theatre.uiuc.edu or 217.333.2371.
Aviation (Pilots)
An FAA medical examination is required before the beginning of classes. Color vision must be normal, and vision must be 20/20 or correctable to 20/20.