International Freshman FAQ

The application filing period for freshmen for Fall 2008 admission is September 1, 2007, through January 2, 2008. (Priority Filing Period: September 1 - November 10) Applications will be accepted after January 2 if space is available. Freshman admission for the spring term is not offered.

There are two admissions notification dates: December 14, 2006 and February 15, 2008. If you apply during the Priority Filing Period, you will be notified of your admission status by December 14, 2007. In some cases, a final admission decision may not be sent until the second notification date of February 15. Should this be the case, there is no need for you to submit a program change request, as you are still eligible for your requested program. If you apply between November 10 and January 2, or have not received a decision by December 14 and applied during the Priority Filing Period, you will be notified of a decision by March 1.
Students applying to Art Foundation, Theatre Foundation, and Dance: The final notification date will be March 15, 2008.
Students applying to Music: Priority filing does not apply to music applicants. The final notification date will be March 15, 2008.

The following documents are needed in order for your application to be complete: (1) completed and signed application, (2) $50 (US) application fee, (3) all official transcripts (with courses in progress, if a transfer applicant), (4) signed financial verification form and current and original bank letters, (5) official test scores (TOEFL and ACT/SAT), and (6) application essays.

Yes, it is now required for all freshmen applicants. It is generally not required for transfer students. The University does not use the SAT II scores for admission.

You would need to have completed a minimum of two academic years of full-time study at the secondary or collegiate level in the US (also United Kingdom, Australia and most of Canada) immediately prior to desired term of entry, in order to be exempt from the TOEFL requirement. The TOEFL requirement may also be waived with a 560 or higher critical reading score on the SAT I (ACT English score 25 or higher).
Illinois also accepts the IELTS to determine English proficiency. Minimum total score for admission: 6.5, including a minimum subscore of 6 on all four modules. Students receiving scores below 7 will be required to take the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) for placement in ESL courses. Minimum total score for exemption from English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) for admission: 7, including a minimum subscore of 6 on all four modules.

Letters of recommendation are not required and are not used in the evaluation process.

Yes. For students requesting the F-1 or J-1 student visa, the financial verification form and documentation should be included with the application materials; however, if the financial verification form and bank statement need to be signed and sent from sponsors/parents overseas, these items may follow the application materials as soon as possible. Please note that if you are admitted, a delay in sending these documents to us will mean a delay in sending your immigration paperwork to you.

I am currently an international student on visa. However, I will have permanent resident alien status at the beginning of the term. Do I apply as an international student now?
- Yes, you should complete the international undergraduate application at this time. When you receive your "green card," send us a copy and we will change your status within our system. For more information regarding residency classification, click here.
How can I get more information about the visa process?
- Please visit the International Student and Scholar Services website and www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.
How do I obtain the Programs of Study or Courses catalogs?

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