Freshman Admission Requirements
Each year, over 20,000 high school seniors apply for 7,000 available seats. Below you will find information on our reveiw process and factors for admission. See how you compare academically with recent Illinois freshmen.
Review Process
Students must apply directly to a major or program. Once an application is complete, it is reviewed to determine if subject matter requirements are met. After this step, the application goes to the admissions committee for review. For each academic unit, there is an admission committee that includes staff from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and from the college to which the application is made. Illinois uses a holistic review process when selecting applicants for admission. The highest importance is placed on providing each application with a comprehensive review.
Illinois’ goal is to admit the best possible candidates for admission. If an applicant is not admitted to his or her first choice program, the applicant automatically is considered for other programs in the academic community/college where he or she applied. If not accepted in that community, the applicant will be considered for other related majors or for the Division of General Studies. A student admitted to an alternate program is notified in the offer of admission letter, which includes information about how an admitted applicant, after enrolling, may apply to transfer to the applicant’s original first choice.
Evaluation Factors for Undergraduate Admission
The qualifications of each applicant are assessed, based on the information provided in the application. Academics are the most important factor, but extra-curricular involvement, individual interests, personal characteristics, and special talents are also considered. The following is a list of factors are considered during the review process.
Complete Academic Performance in High School
Minimum subject matter requirements must be met (see chart below). The rigor of the curriculum is strongly considered. Illinois appreciates applicants who take challenging courses, including honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if available. When assessing academic achievement, course grades as well as grade trends are important, including course selection and grades in relation to desired major. A strong senior schedule is also encouraged, as it helps show the applicant’s commitment to higher education. If the high school provides a class rank, that is taken into consideration as well.
High School Coursework Requirements
| Subject |
Minimum Required Years of Coursework |
Recommended Years of Coursework |
| English |
4 |
4 |
| Math |
3 or 3.5 1 |
4 |
| Social Sciences |
2 |
4 |
| Lab Sciences |
2 |
4 |
| One Foreign Language |
2 |
4 |
| Flexible Academic Units |
2 |
4+ |
1 3.5 years of mathematics, including trigonometry or higher are required for:
- Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences: agricultural engineering sciences
- Business: all curricula
- Engineering: all curricula
- Fine and Applied Arts: architectural studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: specialized curricula in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, geology, and physics
Standardized Test Scores (ACT or SAT)
Illinois considers the highest composite score when reviewing performance on a standardized test. The writing component of the ACT is required. The SAT II is not accepted for any admission purposes. Attention is paid to the highest sub-score received that is directly related to major desired (e.g., the math sub-score for the College of Engineering).
An ACT or SAT score must be received no later than November 1, 2009, in order to complete your application for Priority Admission. Test scores from the September 12, 2009, ACT and the October 10, 2009, SAT will arrive in time to complete your application for Priority Admission if you list the University of Illinois to receive the score when you register to take the test. Scores from later test dates will not arrive in time to complete your application for Priority Admission. But once your application is complete for Priority Admission we will use the highest test score available at the time of review, including scores from the October 24, 2009, ACT.
The University of Illinois does not build a super-score. We use the highest ACT composite or SAT total from a single test date. We do, however, use sub-scores for admission and course placement, and we will use the highest sub-scores available. It is, therefore, to your advantage to send us all of your test results directly from the testing agency each time you sit for a test. Lower scores on file with your application do not hurt your chance for admission.
Essays
Students are asked to write two essays:
- Essay 1: In an essay of 300 words or less, please discuss your academic interests and/or professional goals.
- Essay 2: In an essay of 300 words or less, choose one extracurricular activity, work experience, or community service project from the list you provided on the application and explain why you initially chose it, why you continued with it, and how you benefited from it.
Important factors considered by the review committee when evaluating the essays are:
- How the applicant ties his or her academic interest to the desired major or, if applying to the Division of General Studies, how the applicant explains his or her varied interests and need for exploration.
- How the applicant showcases his or her passion through chosen activities, work experience, research, or course selection in high school.
- How the essay reveals maturity and growth through past experiences, evidence of character development, cultural insight, community awareness, and/or leadership. Strength of writing is carefully considered throughout all the application essays.
Extra-Curricular Activities, Service, and Work Experience
Involvement in productive activities that reach beyond the classroom, that point to a range of diverse interests among students on campus, and that embrace volunteerism may be important components of an application. Each application is reviewed for evidence of the applicant’s commitment to an activity, special interest, or community service project as shown through consistent involvement, increased responsibility or leadership positions, and positive impact. Extra-curricular activities that are related to the intended major are given positive consideration. Participation in academic achievement programs is also considered within this category.
Awards Received and Honors Earned
Providing a list of awards and honors highlights how the applicant has been recognized for previous accomplishments or endeavors.
Personal Characteristics
Illinois prides itself on the diversity found throughout campus. Students from varied backgrounds and all walks of life enhance the educational environment. The admitted class of students is reviewed to ensure students represent a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, cultural and geographic locations, languages spoken, and special talents.
Additional Requirements
Fine and Applied Arts applicants may be required to audition, submit a portfolio, or interview. Please contact the specific department you are applying to for more information: Art & Design, Dance, Music, or Theatre.
International students or domestic students with coursework outside the U.S. should view our additional international requirements.
Overall Selectivity for 2009 Admitted Freshmen
| ACT Score |
Percentage of 2009 Admitted Freshmen |
| 32 - 36 |
26% |
| 27 - 31 |
50% |
| 23 - 26 |
19% |
| 22 or below |
5% |
| High School Class Rank |
Percentage of 2009 Admitted Freshmen |
| Top 1% |
13% |
| Top 10% |
61% |
| Top 25% |
95% |
| Top 50% |
99.7% |
College Selectivity for 2009 Admitted Freshmen
Some programs within a college may admit at a more competitive level.
Middle 50% of Students
| College |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
High School Class Rank |
| ACES |
25 - 30 |
1700 - 1960 |
82% - 94% |
| AHS |
25 - 30 |
1610 - 1920 |
84% - 95% |
| AVI |
24 - 29 |
1590 - 1960 |
76% - 93% |
| BUS |
28 - 32 |
1860 - 2080 |
91% - 98% |
| EDU |
25 - 28 |
1620 - 1940 |
82% - 94% |
| ENG |
30 - 33 |
1920 - 2150 |
92% - 98% |
| FAA |
25 - 31 |
1740 - 2030 |
81% - 95% |
| DGS |
25 - 30 |
1730 - 2010 |
82% - 94% |
| LAS |
27 - 32 |
1860 - 2110 |
88% - 97% |
| Media |
27 - 31 |
1800 - 2040 |
87% - 96% |
| Campus |
27 - 32 |
1840 - 2100 |
86% - 97% |
For more information on requirements, review our detailed list of all requirements.