How does UIUC early action compare to regular decision acceptance rates?

I'm considering whether to apply early action or regular decision to UIUC. Is there a significant difference in acceptance rates between the two options?

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) itself does not publicly release data that breaks down their acceptance rates based on the type of application (EA vs RD). However, as a general trend, many universities often have higher acceptance rates for their early action (EA) and early decision (ED) applicants when compared to their regular decision (RD) pool. This is largely due to the fact that those who apply early are usually more closely aligned with the university's profile and confident in their qualifications.

Beyond acceptance rates, applying EA to UIUC has other benefits. You'll be indicating to the school that it's one of your top choices, which might be taken into account during the admissions process. Additionally, applying earlier means you'll hear back earlier, and you have more time to plan for housing, financial aid, and other logistical details if you're accepted.

Lastly, remember that UIUC’s EA is non-binding, meaning if you do get accepted, you are not committed to enroll and have until May 1st, like the RD applicants, to decide.

So, if you feel like your application is solid — your grades, test scores (if applicable), and extracurricular involvement align with or exceed UIUC's standards and you have a compelling essay — applying EA could perhaps increase your chances of acceptance and will definitely reduce the amount of time you’ll spend waiting for a decision.