U of I Acceptance Stats

Hey everyone, I've been doing some research on the University of Illinois and I was wondering if any of you have info on their acceptance rate and any general tips on how to stand out in the application process?

Hello! The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a renowned public university with a competitive admissions process. The acceptance rate varies by year, as of recent data, the overall acceptance rate is around 60%. However, this acceptance rate can vary significantly depending on the specific program or major you're applying to, with some of their more competitive programs having lower acceptance rates.

To increase your chances of standing out during the application process, focus on the following:

1. Academics: UIUC strongly considers your cumulative GPA, class rigor, and class rank (if available). Make sure to take challenging courses, such as AP or IB, and maintain a strong academic record throughout your high school career. The middle 50% range of admitted student GPAs is 3.7-4.0 unweighted.

2. Test Scores: Although UIUC is currently test-optional, submitting a strong SAT or ACT score can still improve your chances if you have them. The middle 50% SAT score range is 100-1530, and the middle 50% ACT score range is 31-34.

3. Extracurriculars: Demonstrate your passion and commitment by excelling in a few extracurricular activities that are meaningful to you. Aim for Tier 1 or 2 activities, such as leadership roles, state or national awards, or high-level athletic, artistic, or academic accomplishments. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/

4. Essays: The UIUC application includes school-specific essays. Make sure to write a compelling, unique, and thoughtful essay that showcases your genuine interest in the major and how it aligns with your future goals. Take a look at this CollegeVine article for some in-depth advice on tackling the UIUC essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-essays

5. Letters of Recommendation: Choose teachers or other individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, passions, and potential. A strong recommendation can complement your application by providing insight into your character and achievements.

Lastly, applying early action can potentially increase your chances of admission, as they demonstrate your strong interest in the University.

I hope this helps! Good luck with your application to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign!