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Counselor FAQ

  1. Will I have an advantage if I apply during the priority filing period?
    • Possibly. Applicants may have an advantage when an application is received during the priority filing period. While we are open to receive applications for all programs until January 2, admission after November 15 may be more competitive. 
  2. How are the admissions criteria weighted?
    • The heaviest weight is given to objective academic criteria, i.e. grades, class rank, and test scores. Subjective factors such as extracurricular involvement and essays will not compensate for major deficits in academic credentials, but can make an impact on the admission decision both positively or negatively.
  3. The application asks about activities outside the classroom.  Is there a minimum number of activities, honors, or volunteer hours you are looking for?
    • No, we are not looking for a specific number of hours or types of activities.  We are looking for a student who will take advantage of the many opportunities available to them at Illinois. Participation in extracurricular activities in high school will be a positive factor in the admission review, but not at the expense of the academic criteria. 
  4. Is ACT Writing required?
    • Yes, the writing is required.
  5. Do you accept letters of recommendation?
    • We do not require letters of recommendation, and our preference is that they NOT be included in your application materials. You may be thinking, “Well it can’t hurt to send them anyway.” We review thousands of applications each year–the essays, transcripts, and test scores are what we want to review.  Sending unsolicited materials can be distracting to the reader. More is not better.The only time a letter of recommendation is helpful is when a student has had extenuating circumstances that are verified by a high school counselor. 
  6. Do you use legacy in the admissions process?
    • Being a legacy can be considered during the admissions process, however, your academic performance, test scores, and essays carry the most weight for admission.
  7. If I am denied my first choice can I apply for another major?
    • Students are asked on the application if they would like to be considered for another program if we are unable to admit them to their first choice. Presuming the student checks “yes” in answer to that question, that review will happen automatically without any further input required from the student. If a student is denied admission, the student has already been reviewed for that second choice option.