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Freshman Wait List FAQ

  1. How many people are on the wait list?
    • Last year, 1190 students were offered the wait list: 633 accepted the wait list, and 605 students were moved in from the wait list.
  2. Would it improve my chances if I sent additional information to support my application? Would it help if I came down for an interview?
    • No. Only the application materials that were reviewed initially will be used in any wait list actions. An interview would not influence the wait list either.
  3. If I put my name on the wait list, when will I hear a final admission decision?
    • We expect to have any wait list actions taken by early June. We must see how many students have accepted the offer of admission by the May 1 deadline. If openings are available in any colleges, wait list students will be contacted as quickly as possible. Students who are admitted will be sent a complete Notice of Admission packet.
  4. How will people be selected from the wait list should there be openings?
    • If any openings become available in a particular college or curriculum, the Admission Review Committee for the college will review the students on that wait list and select by academic credentials and essays. Students will not be ranked within a wait list.
  5. Will there be housing available?
    • Yes. If you are pulled from the wait list, a complete Notice of Admission packet will be sent, including housing contract information. The University of Illinois has guaranteed housing, so all students will have a place to live.
  6. What about financial aid?
    • You should go ahead and file financial aid paperwork for the college/university you expect to attend. If you are pulled from the wait list, you could have your FAFSA report transferred to the University of Illinois if you did not list Illinois as one of the colleges to receive your report initially.
  7. If I am offered admission, will I be able to complete placement testing and attend summer registration?
    • Yes, information about placement testing and summer registration will be sent with the Notice of Admission packet.
  8. Should I go ahead and accept admission at another college? What if I have to submit an enrollment deposit?
    • Yes, you should go ahead and accept admission to another institution by May 1, as there is no guarantee that any students from the wait list will be offered admission. If an enrollment deposit is required at the other institution, you will need to submit it also. If you are pulled from the wait list and choose to attend Illinois, you may lose the enrollment deposit for that school. Please check with the other institution for the policy on refunds.
  9. I have a friend who was admitted to Illinois but is going to attend another school. Can I be considered for that space?
    • No, it is not possible to take the space of a friend who is not going to attend the University of Illinois.