Freshman Application Tips & Checklist
You’re probably wondering what we consider while reviewing an application. We place special emphasis upon your class rank, test scores, courses taken in high school, and application essays; but we also pay attention to non-academic aspects of your life, such as extracurricular activities, work and volunteer experience, and honors and awards received. We try to look at the complete picture of who you are and how you will contribute to the talented, bright, and diverse student body at Illinois.
As an applicant, it is your responsibility to know the application requirements and to submit the necessary materials.
Two Ways to Apply
- Apply online.
We encourage online applications because it saves time and paper. When you apply online you create an ID and PIN, which enables you to check your application status after submitting your application.
- Submit a paper application to:
Office of Admissions & Records
University of Illinois
901 W. Illinois St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Checklist
Before you begin. Take time to review the application and prepare the content you plan to provide. After writing and organizing your information, including essays and activities, it should take approximately 30 minutes to complete the application.
- Essays. Two essays of no more than 300 words each are required in the application. The essay portion is an important factor in our evaluation so you should allow enough time and prepare an outline of what you want to say. We want to read about you, what interests you and why. After the essays are completed, you should ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to proofread and provide feedback. Remember, they should not write for you, but help catch misspellings and give suggestions.
- Activities, Work Experience, Community Service, & Honors/Awards. List the most important and meaningful experiences you’ve had and honors earned during high school for each question.
- Pick a major. Browse our list of majors and concentrations. Research the particular program you’re interested in and try to describe your interest or experience in that subject when writing the application essays. If you’re undecided about a major, you can apply as undeclared to the Division of General Studies. On the application, you may only apply to one program; however, you will automatically be considered for other related majors, including undeclared in the Division of General Studies, if you are not selected for admission to your first choice. If you are interested in pursuing a career in law, medicine, nursing, or secondary education, you should select an educational goal. If you’re interested in secondary education, law, medicine, or nursing, you should indicate this as your interest on the appropriate question within the application.
- Honors Programs. Your Undergraduate Application for Admission is the same application used for admission into all campus honors programs. Admission into honors programs is determined by a combination of GPA, test scores, rigor of coursework, and strength of essays. If you’re interested in being accepted to an honors program, the best way to approach the application is with care and attention to detail. Be thorough when writing the application essays and elaborate on your special achievements, interests, extracurricular activities, and work experience. Priority for honors programs may be given to applicants who apply during the Priority Filing Period. If you’re selected to an honors program, you’ll receive notification directly from the program by April 1. Read more about honors.
- Merit-Based Scholarships. Your Undergraduate Application for Admission is the same application used for all merit-based scholarships. You will automatically be considered for scholarships when you apply. Priority for scholarships may be given to applicants who apply during the Priority Filing Period. Our scholarships are granted to students based on academic achievement and are awarded by individual colleges and departments. If you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll receive notification directly from the department by April. Read more about scholarships.
- Need-Based Aid. For consideration of need-based aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. Our priority date to apply for need-based aid is March 15. For more information, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Federal School Code for Illinois is 001775.
Read all instructions before completing the application. We don’t want you to overlook a vital portion of a question.
- Give accurate information. Try to give a true picture of who you are, where your interests lie, and what your academic goals include. We will learn a lot about you if you take the time to tell us who you are: aspirations, successes, and challenges you’re facing.
- Proofread. Admission is competitive, and mistakes and omissions can hurt your chances.
- Double-check your e-mail address. We send important information via e-mail. Please submit an address that will be checked frequently and notify the Office of Admissions if you change it.
- Application Fee. Please submit a nonrefundable $40 application fee ($50 for international applicants), payable to the University of Illinois, or a completed fee waiver from your high school guidance counselor.
- Send in your completed application. Make sure it’s signed, dated, and all accompanying materials are included.
- Talk to your guidance counselor about necessary application materials. We need an official high school transcript covering all the subjects you’ve studied. If you attended other high schools, official transcripts from those schools are also required. Transcripts must be sent directly from the schools. If you apply during the Priority Filing Period, transcripts must be postmarked by November 1. If you apply between November 2 and January 2, they must be received by January 12.
- Submit your test scores. It’s required that you send us a standardized test score: ACT (code 1154) or SAT 1 (code 1836) scores are accepted. The writing component of the ACT is required. If you apply during the Priority Filing Period, test scores must be postmarked by November 1. If you apply between November 2 and January 2, they must be received by January 12.
- Check the status of your application. Once you receive acknowledgement of receipt from us, you may check the status of your application. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@illinois.edu or 217.333.0302.
Actors, Artists, Dancers, and Musicians
We may need additional information from you.
Note: Please submit an Undergraduate Application for Admission prior to completing the program-specific requirements.
- Art and design applicants must submit a portfolio. Instructions and forms are available at www.art.uiuc.edu or call 217.333.6632.
- Dance applicants must complete an audition. Information on completing this requirement is available at www.dance.uiuc.edu or call 217.333.1010.
- Music applicants must complete an audition and/or interview. For specific requirements, to schedule the audition/interview, and complete the supplemental music application visit www.music.uiuc.edu or contact the Music Admissions Office at 217.244.7899.
- Theatre applicants must complete an interview and an audition or portfolio review. Information on completing these requirements is available at www.theatre.uiuc.edu or call 217.333.2371.
International Applicants
Review additional interntational requirements online.
Aviation (Pilots)
An FAA medical examination is required before the beginning of classes. Color vision must be normal, and vision must be 20/20 or correctable to 20/20.