Test Preparation
ACT / SAT
We know that tests aren't fun. However, to be considered for admission into Illinois, you have to take at least one and submit your score. Both the ACT and SAT are accepted and we do not prefer one over the other. Colleges generally use the exam scores for admission decisions, course placement, and or academic advising. ACT / SAT scores may also be a factor in scholarship, financial aid, and loan decisions as well.
We realize that not everyone is an excellent test-taker and if you don't perform as well as you'd like, college entrance exam scores are not the only factor reviewed for admission, especially not by the University of Illinois. Along with college entrance exams, we look at your high school transcripts, qualifications, student involvement, and the admissions essays.
Dates
Prepare
It's important to practice for the tests - you'll be better prepared for the real thing. The PLAN and PSAT exams can help. Talk to your counselor about when they are offered.
There are also many Web sites available that offer assistance with preparing for the ACT and/or SAT. To get you started, following are just a few that offer free test preparation.
ACT Details
On your ACT exam booklet, you have the option of sending your ACT scores directly to a college or university by indicating a specific numeric code for that particular college or university. The codes for most universities and colleges are provided for you in the booklet. If you'd like to send your score to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, our code is 1154. For the Chicago campus, write in 1155 and for the Springfield campus, write in 1137. You don't have to decide which schools to send your ACT scores before you take the exam. If you're not decided where you want to go to college, you can leave the option blank and then decide later exactly where you want your scores to be sent.