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Transfer Application Tips & Checklist

You’re probably wondering what we consider while reviewing an application. We place special emphasis upon your courses taken in college, grades, 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. Test scores and class rank from high school may be considered for students who will not be transferring with junior status. 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:
    1. 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.
    2. 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 interested in secondary education, law, or medicine, you should select an educational goal of pre-secondary education, pre-law, or pre-medicine.
  • 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. For consideration of need-based aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. Students applying for Spring ‘08 need to complete the 2007-2008 FAFSA and those applying for Fall ‘08 must complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA. You can find the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or at college or university financial aid offices.
  • 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 about 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, and Honors/Awards. List the most important and meaningful experiences you’ve had and honors earned during college 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.
  • 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 financial aid office. If you are a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago or the University of Illinois at Springfield, you do not need to submit an application fee.
  • Send in your completed application (if applying by paper application). Make sure it’s signed, dated, and all accompanying materials are included.
  • Submit your transcripts. We need official transcripts from each postsecondary institution you previously attended. Only submit your high school transcript if you have less than 30 graded transferable semester hours of college coursework upon application or need to prove that you’ve completed the foreign language requirement. Please request that official transcripts be sent from your postsecondary institution directly to the Office of Admissions & Records when you apply.
  • Submit your test scores. It’s required that you send us a standardized test score if you have less than 30 graded transferable semester hours of college coursework at the time of application: ACT (code 1154) or SAT 1 (code 1836) scores are accepted. The writing component of the ACT is not required for 2008 transfer admission.
  • Check the status of your application. Once you receive acknowledgement of receipt from us, you may check the status of your application online. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions & Records.

Actors, Artists, Dancers, AND 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 beginning of class. Color vision must be normal, and vision must be 20/20 or correctable to 20/20.

Teachers

Applicants to all education curricula are required to pass the Illinois Certification Testing System Basic Skills test. Scores must be reported to the Council on Teacher Education by the time of application. For more information, visit www.icts.nesinc.com.