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College Info , College Essays

Thinking of attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign? Then you've come to the right place. For this highly-ranked public school, you'll need to submit a personal statement with your application. But what should you include in your UIUC essay to make you stand out?

Read on to learn what the current UIUC essay prompt is and how to write a great UIUC essay. We also show you a real UIUC essay example to give you an idea of what a great statement looks like.

Feature Image: Adam Jones /Flickr

What Is the UIUC Essay?

All applicants must answer two to three UIUC prompts and one Common Application prompt as part of their application for admission.

Your UIUC prompt will change based on whether you 1) are applying to a major, 2) are applying to UIUC's Undeclared Program, or 3) have selected a second-choice major (including Undeclared). Each response should be about 150 words. 

Here are this year's UIUC prompts:

If you're applying to a major:

• Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If you're applying to UIUC's Undeclared Program:

• What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering.
• What are your future academic or career goals?

If you've selected a second-choice major (including Undeclared): 

• Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.

Students are also required to select one Common application essay prompt from a range of choices and write a response. 

You can view the full list of Coalition application essay prompts here and all of the Common Application essay prompts here. 

How to Write the UIUC Essay: Topics and Tips

The University of Illinois essay is an important part of your application since it's the only personal essay you'll write for the school. This makes it the only area on the UIUC application in which you can show off your personality, academic passion, and storytelling skills.

The overall point of this statement is for UIUC to learn more about you as a person and what qualities you'll bring to the school if you enroll.

In addition, UIUC has a YouTube series on admissions counseling that includes some useful videos with tips on how you can write an effective UIUC essay:

Now that you have a general sense of what UIUC will be looking for in your application essay, let’s break down each UIUC application essay prompt one by one. 

Myllini Major-Specific Prompt #1

Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you've taken, or through something else.

Here's your chance to show your passion for your first-choice major! You have a lot of leeway here: maybe you took a class that lit a fire inside you, maybe you joined a club related to the subject, or maybe you participated in a related activity. Be careful, though. You only have 150 words, and UIUC is asking for an experience related to your major, not why you selected it in the first place. This is a time for you to show that you're already taking steps toward engaging with your chosen major!

Choose a story that is meaningful to you, and remember to be as detailed as you can within the constraints. Show the UIUC admissions counselors that you care about your chosen major, and you're already engaging with it.

Myllini Major-Specific Prompt #2

Unlike the first essay, which asks you about your past experience, this is where you get to dream big and show UIUC what you want to do with your degree. Remember to write this as if you've already been accepted to UIUC—they want to know how you'll represent them in the world! You only have 150 words, but you can do a lot in that space. If, for example, you want to be an aerospace engineer, you should check out UIUC's Aerospace Engineering website and connect their specific courses, professors, and extracurriculars to your post-degree goals. Maybe you want to work for NASA, and the UIUC robotics team will aid you in successfully applying. Be as specific as you can! And show UIUC that they are the best school for you to achieve your goals.

Myllini Undeclared Prompt #1

What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering. Much like the Major-Specific Prompt #1, this prompt asks you to share what you're passionate about, and where you excel academically. Be specific! Rather than saying "I've always been good at English and I like it," go into detail: perhaps you won an essay contest, or your op-ed was featured in the school paper. Maybe writing poetry is the best way you can connect your outer and inner worlds. If you have a few majors in mind, definitely mention them here! It's always good to show that you have a specific plan for your college career , even if you're not 100% sure what you want to major in yet. 

Myllini Undeclared Prompt #2

What are your future academic or career goals? This question mirrors Major-Specific Prompt #2, and asks you to talk about your ideal future. Maybe you know you want to get a graduate degree in sociology, or you're certain that you want to spend a few years with the Peace Corps before working with the U.S. Department of State. The key here is to remember that undeclared doesn't mean unplanned. Many students have specific career goals, but they see multiple paths to achieve them. This is your chance to show the future self you want to be, and how UIUC will get you to your goal.

Myllini Second-Choice Major Prompt #1

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals. You'll only need to answer this question if you've applied to a second-choice major! This prompt should look pretty familiar: you can choose to answer either the Major-Specific Prompt #1 or the Major-Specific Prompt #2. The trick here is to show that your second-choice major is deliberate and useful for your future goals. You're not just picking a second-choice major because you really, really want to get into UIUC in any way, shape, or form. If you have a secondary interest that's almost as strong as your first-choice major, consider answering the first prompt. If you have a very strong career goal that multiple majors could feed into, consider answering the second.

Whichever choice you make, remember to clearly state why UIUC is the best schoo l for your major or career path!

A Real UIUC Essay Example + Analysis

To help give you a better idea of what your own UIUC essay could look like, here is one real UIUC essay example we found online, written by an admitted student.

Keep in mind that this essay was written for an old prompt that's no longer on the MyIllini application. However, this essay is still a great example of how college counselors want to see students talk about their interests and passions. 

Here is the prompt:

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (250 to 650 words)

And here is the essay:

The chicken, or the egg? The hours I’ve spent pondering this question are countless. People frequently debate the seemingly simple idea of which came first. To me, it is more than just a question, but an example of how human beings think. The question of “Which came first?” captivates me because it is a question without an answer. It has been asked for centuries and no progress has been made, but it still continues to be brought up. I think this is because humans prefer clear-cut answers. Like in any kind of competition, ending with a tie between teams or individuals isn’t a satisfying conclusion. People would rather the competition continue for extra time than admit there’s no real winner, or in this case, no real answer. So even though it’s obvious there will be no agreement, the debate over chickens and eggs continues. When people label something a “chicken-egg” situation, it means there is no way to establish the order of cause and effect, again leaving a feeling of uncertainty. But human nature is to seek an answer. The chicken-egg question shows humanity’s inability to accept unfinished business, and this fascinates me most. People want closure in all aspects of life, and big questions like this are no exception. I think the question “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” is so interesting because people will always try to answer it knowing they will never find a solution. It shows that humans desire understanding above all else. When I want to learn more about this concept, I turn to my grandfather. He doesn’t have a degree in philosophy or psychology, yet he’s a reliable source on almost any subject given his extensive years spent at the University of Life. With so many experiences under his belt, he understands unanswerable questions much better than I do. “The only truth is uncertainty,” he tells me when I once again dive deep into the possibility of eggs without chickens or chickens without eggs. In his words, the most beautiful parts of life are the questions we can’t answer but spend out whole life trying to. My own desire for answers keeps me thinking about this question for hours on end. I think there’s good points to grandpa’s perspective, but as an eighteen-year-old entering college, I don’t know if I can accept that the only answer is no answer just yet. Until I can, I’ll gather my own evidence and continue to spend my days wondering whether Aristotle was eating chicken and waffles or omelettes for breakfast.

What Makes This UIUC Essay Work?

• It’s got a great hook. The applicant starts the essay with a familiar philosophical question: “The chicken, or the egg?”. This pulls the admissions committee into the essay by making them ponder the question too. The applicant then analyzes the question and provides their own unique interpretation of what it’s really getting at. As the applicant says at the end of the first paragraph, “To me, it’s more than just a question, but an example of how human beings think.” By stating their unique take on the chicken vs egg dilemma, the applicant shows the admissions committee that they can interpret complex ideas and analyze tough questions. These are qualities that UIUC wants their incoming class of students to have!
• It’s clear, focused, and easy to follow: A topic like this one could easily go off the rails, but the applicant keeps the essay focused by responding to exactly what the prompt is asking in the correct order. The first paragraph states the idea that the applicant finds engaging. The next two paragraphs explain why the applicant finds this idea “captivating” and connects their engagement with the idea to deeper meanings about human nature, which also demonstrates why this topic causes the applicant to “lose all track of time.” The fourth paragraph states who the applicant turns to when they want to learn more about this question, and explains what they have gained from exploring this question with their grandpa. The applicant wraps up the essay with a conclusion that describes how their approach to the chicken vs egg question relates to the kind of student they will be at UIUC. The clear structure, clean prose, and adept analysis all make this essay easy to understand and exciting to read

How Could This UIUC Essay Be Even Better?

• It could be more specific about why the idea is captivating: Although this UIUC essay is well written and tightly focused, it isn't super specific about why the applicant personally relates to the question about the chicken and the egg. The applicant does a great job explaining what they feel this debate reveals about human nature, but doesn’t say much about why that debate is meaningful to them.
• It could have a stronger conclusion : Although the applicant makes a great attempt at tying their essay response into why they will be a great fit for UIUC, the conclusion could do a bit more to show how this is the case. Reframing the last paragraph so it explains how the applicant’s approach to uncertainty makes them the perfect UIUC candidate could make this essay even stronger.

3 Essential Tips for Writing a Great UIUC Essay

To wrap up, here are four essential tips to keep in mind as you write your U of I application essay.

#1: Don't Just List Your Accomplishments

At first glance, some of the UIUC essay prompts may seem like an invitation to list all of your amazing accomplishments. But none of these prompts actually want you to do that! Instead, you need to use expertly crafted stories to convey everything you have to offer as an applicant to UIUC.

The point of the UIUC essay is to give the admissions committee more detailed and personal commentary on why you've chosen their school and why you would be a great addition to their student community. Leave the list of accomplishments for your resume. Telling a genuine story is the best way to show how your life experiences have shaped you into the perfect candidate for admission to UIUC.

#2: Highlight Your Passion

While the essay prompts all have a different focus, the main goal of each one is to draw out what you’re passionate about and why. With each prompt, what you're really trying to do is demonstrate your passion to the UIUC admissions committee.

In other words, what motivates you to learn? What drives you more than anything else? And why are you so enthusiastic about bringing your ideas, experiences, and character to UIUC?

By highlighting your passions and interests, you're also showing the UIUC admissions committee who you are and what's important to you, both academically and more broadly.

To really make your passion stand out in your University of Illinois essay, take the following steps:

• Be as specific as possible —give us real names and use visceral descriptions to make us feel as though we're there experiencing and feeling everything with you
• Be honest —the admissions committee wants to get to know the real you, and it can only do this if you're writing in an authentic voice that's true to who you are

#3: Polish and Proofread

My final tip is to give yourself plenty of time to polish and proofread your UIUC essay.

In your rough draft, keep an eye out for obvious typos and technical mistakes, such as errors in punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Also, look for any areas that are awkward, incomplete, out of place, or unclear.

Once you've edited your essay on your own, give it to someone else to read, such as a parent, teacher, or tutor. Ask them to make technical corrections as needed and to offer you advice on what you might be able to improve in terms of story, cogency, and overall effectiveness.

What's Next?

Applying to other colleges in the midwest? Check out our expert guides to how to write the UChicago essays , the Notre Dame essays , and the Michigan State essay .

If you're using the Common App to submit your college applications, you'll need to figure out which essay prompt is the best one for you .

Learn more about how to get into the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign by visiting our UIUC admission requirements page .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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UIUC Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

September 13, 2023

The University of Illinois — Urbana Champaign is one of the top public universities in the entire United States. Top-ranked computer science, engineering, and business programs, in particular, attract an endless stream of high-caliber applicants from around the globe. Great grades and test scores will put aspiring members of the Fighting Illini on strong footing. However, you are also required to address 2-3 UIUC supplemental essay prompts.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into UIUC? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Let’s dive right in and begin examining the 2023-24 UIUC supplemental essays. Two important notes:

• You will be addressing 2-3 of these essays, depending on which category you fall into.
• Each response is a max of 150 words.

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’re Applying to a Major:

1) explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. this can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else..

UIUC is not necessarily asking you to write about the in-class or extracurricular experience which led to you earning the most prestigious awards or holding the highest position of leadership. The university is going to see all of your accomplishments in the Honors and Activities sections of the Common App. As such, you want to ask yourself two main questions:

1) Which experience best illustrates my passion and commitment to my first choice major?

2) Which experience is closest to my heart and most representative of my unique passions?

Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. Start this process by asking yourself, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment that I have experienced in a classroom setting or in my extracurricular activities?” If you can identify one clear-cut moment, that is likely the activity worth sharing with the UIUC admissions staff.

2) Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

This prompt shares some of the same elements of a traditional “Why Us?” essay, but UIUC is particularly interested in hearing about why the curriculum in your desired academic department is attractive to you—not so much about your love for the football team or the beautiful campus. Below are some quick tips for writing an essay that will help your admissions cause:

• Cite specific academic programs , professors ,  research opportunities , internship/externship programs ,  study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , etc.
• State why your chosen program is the perfect fit for you  and why you are the perfect fit for it.
• Offer insight into your future personal/academic/career goals. It’s okay if you’re not 100% sure what you want to do at age 25 (most teens are not). Feel free to speculate based on your current mindset and interests.

In summary, you’ll want to dedicate time to researching more about your prospective college/department and what makes it truly world-class. The more specific you can get here, the better your UIUC essays will be!

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies:

1) what are your academic interests please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at illinois and why..

Your strengths will likely be evident from other data points (AP scores, classroom grades, SAT/ACT results, etc.). Therefore we recommend focusing the bulk of your response on your specific academic interests that relate to your major of choice.

Whether it’s a general love for math/science or literature or a specific interest in aerospace engineering or 19th century French novels, use this opportunity to share what makes you tick, the ideas that keep you up at night, and what subject inspires you to dream big. What topic makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? Share the manner in which you relentlessly pursue knowledge. Whether it’s falling down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the nature of time or consuming thousands of hours of podcasts on game theory, this is a chance to illustrate the ways in which you are an obsessive learner with an endless thirst for information. The admissions reader should emerge from reading this essay with the sense that you are a sincerely curious young person with a strong intellectual drive.

Finally, be sure to connect these interests to 2-3 majors at Illinois and support your reasoning with school-specific offerings and resources, like academic departments , courses , research initiatives , etc.

2) What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.

Note that this question is a bit different than the one asked of students with a firm first-choice major. We recommend providing a straightforward answer here. If you are Undeclared, you may not have a firm idea of your academic goals, but you can use your current academic interests (the ones explored in the question above) as well as past academic experiences to guide your answer. Similarly, your career intentions may be relatively unformed. Use this space to share academic/career areas that may be of interest. Don’t sweat it if your plans are still in a nascent stage. This is normal for a 17 or 18-year-old, and UIUC will understand.

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared):

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals..

See answer #1 for those selecting a major. You are essentially repeating this process for a different field. However, you probably don’t want to have two completely unrelated majors/career goals. For example, if your first choice was business and your second choice was economics, it’s easy to explain the relationship. If the fields are more disparate (e.g. Dance & Chemical Engineering, be sure to provide a thorough explanation.

How important are the essays at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign?

UIUC only labels two factors as being “very important” to the admissions process. Those factors are: the rigor of your high school coursework and your GPA. The essays are “important” to the application review. In fact, the essays are rated as being of equal importance to test scores, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability.

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If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UIUC supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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How to Write the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Essays 2020-2021

Located in the vast cornfields of east-central Illinois, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is widely renowned as one of the country’s most influential public research universities. In fact, it has ranked first in National Science Foundation award funding for six consecutive years.

Many sources consider UIUC one of the top 50 universities in the world, and some have even ranked its engineering school in the top five worldwide.

Boasting over 24 million items in its library collection, it’s no secret that UIUC is an intellectual powerhouse. On top of that, it’s also a haven for sports lovers. UIUC was one of the founding members of the Big Ten Conference, a tradition that has remained strong, as evidenced by its 21 NCAA teams.

When it comes to the student body, UIUC’s average ACT scores range from 27-33, while average SAT scores range from 1280-1490. With an acceptance rate of about 60% , UIUC is a fairly selective school.

One final thing to keep in mind is that UIUC is not a Common Application school. That means you’ll have to submit a separate application either on the school’s website or by mail.

This also means UIUC won’t be reading your Common App essay, meaning that the school-specific essays count for even more. Luckily, we at CollegeVine are here to give you numerous tips on how to tackle your UIUC essays! Want to know your chances at UIUC? Calculate your chances for free right now.

UIUC Application Essay Prompts

Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. you may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals. if you’re applying to the division of general studies, explain your academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. you may include any majors or areas of study you’re currently considering. (300-400 words).

Since this is the most extensive essay UIUC will be receiving from you, it is also the most important! This prompt asks you to write a “Why This Major” essay. Your main objectives here should be conveying your passion for a certain subject and explaining how that relates to your future goals. Also, focus on expressing your love for the school by touching on specific aspects of the school that you think will suit you well.

While you might be tempted to simply reference your extracurricular activities in this section, this is not enough . Admission officers can already see your activities, so mentioning them again without further elaboration would be redundant. Instead, you should hone in on something more personal, and then proceed to explain it in greater depth.

Although your essay should not just restate extracurriculars or relevant classes, it is okay to briefly mention them as long as they provide a transition into new, more meaningful information. This “something meaningful” can be anything from an entertaining moment during one of your activities/classes to a more serious discussion of how you arrived at that passion. Just make sure your response illuminates something unique about you.

Because this essay is the most complex for this school, we recommend tackling it in smaller chunks. You’ll find that focusing on the structure of these shorter essays often does wonders for the overall cohesion of the finished product.

Introduction (100 words or less)

In this section of the response, your primary goal is to indicate your prospective major, but in a manner that the school would find compelling. Some of the most effective ways to hook the reader are by using figurative language or an anecdote, but there are a plethora of other ways as well — just be creative! Also, make sure your introduction allows for enough elaboration in the body section.

Because the introduction is so crucial to the development of this essay, below are some examples of good and bad introductions with explanations.

Good examples :

• “Time to get to work. My classmates opened the textbook and saw gibberish, but I saw a colony of enchanting symbols beckoning me to dance with them. Smug and graceful, they taunted me with their movements, tantalizing me into an exotic tango. These symbols held the secrets of the universe. It was during this fateful study group that I pinpointed my undying love for math…” Why it’s good: While a little cheesy, this author has introduced their love of math with flair. They use the imagery of “enchanting symbols” within the context of a specific instance during their study group, likely intriguing the reader as to why this led to such passion. A capable writer would go on to explain this whimsical statement in the body of the essay.
• “The summer of skeletons was drawing to a close. On my last day at the clinic, they crept up on me, begging me to stay. I knew I had to return one day. They liked being analyzed by me — the touch, the care. These cadavers were always desperate for my attention, but it took me a full six weeks to realize that I was also desperate for theirs…” Why it’s good: While it could be a little creepy and somewhat obsessive, it certainly conveys the author’s passion for bone structures. This author still needs to specify their major (biology, anthropology, bioengineering, etc.), but otherwise, they have the foundation for a great essay. Moving forward, they have two options: focus on this sudden realization at the end of what is presumably a summer internship or talk a little more about the ongoing process. Either one is suitable.

Bad examples :

• “Ever since a young age, I was interested in math. It’s always been my favorite subject. That’s why I want to major in it when I get to college. UIUC has an amazing math program that I want to participate in with amazing faculty. I’ve always pursued difficult math classes, and I’ve even engaged in some extracurricular activities related to math. These activities had possibly the biggest impact on me out of any of my activities…” Why it’s bad: It’s easy to imagine an adcom reading this introduction and wanting to go back to sleep. The author hasn’t shown any personality, and they certainly haven’t set themselves up for anything more than a simple retelling of their most impactful extracurricular activities.
• “Growing up, I’ve always admired the true heroes of our society: doctors. That’s why I want to major in bioengineering. I want to be a hero just like them. At UIUC, the main track for pre-med students is bioengineering, which is also a topic that really interests me. I’ve done a lot of extracurriculars pertaining to the medical field, and I’ve even had some hands-on experience through clinical internships. Bioengineering at UIUC is definitely right for me…” Why it’s bad: This “bad example” is certainly better than the first one, but it still has a lot of room for improvement. Using the theme of doctors as heroes isn’t necessarily bad, but it isn’t implemented well here. Instead, the author should’ve discussed a specific time (perhaps during their clinical internship) that they saw a doctor do something brave, and how that inspired them to become a doctor. This introduction really goes downhill when they abruptly move on to general statements about their interests and past experiences. Also, statements like “Bioengineering at UIUC is definitely right for me” should be avoided at all cost. Remember to show, rather than tell.

Body (250 Words or Less)

Your goal with the body of this essay is to further elaborate on your involvement with your respective major. It is okay to mention extracurriculars and classes in this section, but only if you couple them with explanations of how they impacted you. Consider implementing some additional discussion of your future career plans if you haven’t already done so in the introduction.

The body of your essay doesn’t have to be quite as flashy as the introduction, but it needs to be more purposeful. You might spend less time here on an extended metaphor, and instead opt to explain why your experience in a particular subject area inspired you to pursue it further.

No length is specified in the conclusion, because it varies depending on how many words you have already used, and to what extent your intro/body necessitates closure.

If you have a lot of space left, you might mention specific programs or clubs that fit with your major. You could also go into greater depth here regarding your long-term career goals. If you find a program at UIUC that incorporates your career aspirations — take, for example, a school-funded internship program — this is a great place to discuss it.

Otherwise, the conclusion should simply wrap up the main idea of your essay with a general discussion of your interests that you already set forth. Avoid being too repetitive; it’s better to keep your summary brief and to the point. If you began the essay with thematic material, it should resurface in the conclusion. The last sentence of the essay should be powerful enough to leave a lasting impression on the reader. This will ensure that adcoms remember your essay.

If you select a second-choice major other than the Division of General Studies on your application, write a second essay explaining your interest in this major, too. (300-400 words)

This prompt is similar to the previous one, so you should approach it in largely the same manner. It might be tempting to focus less on this essay, but you shouldn’t neglect it just because it’s your second-choice major. Admission officers will be able to tell if you’ve gotten lazy.

Other than that, make sure you keep our suggestions from the previous section in mind. Remember to provide adequate insight into any examples you provide, and focus on being succinct, so you can add in as much content as possible.

Some Final Words

It’s already been mentioned, but it’s important enough to mention again: These are the only essays UIUC will see. That means you have a huge responsibility to be personable and unique while also demonstrating competent writing style and academic focus.

While we at CollegeVine sometimes encourage riskier supplemental essays, you should avoid that for UIUC. This is because you aren’t coupling these with your Common App essay, which tends to be more grounded and central to your identity.

Most importantly, make sure your essays are truly a reflection of you . Don’t try to use overly elevated language if that isn’t how you normally write. If you’re unsure whether your voice is coming across, ask a family member or friend to read over your essays; they often have invaluable advice.

Want help on your college essays to get into your dream schools? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses, as well as our Essay Peer Review.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, uiuc supplemental essays tips.

I'm applying to UIUC and I want to know if anyone has any tips for writing the supplemental essays. What should I focus on and how can I showcase my interests effectively?

When writing UIUC supplemental essays, it's important to focus on specific aspects that are unique to the university and its programs. Here are some tips to help you craft compelling essays:

1. Research the program: Familiarize yourself with the details of the major or program you're applying to. UIUC's website is a great resource to explore the academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students. Mention specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or student organizations that align with your interests.

2. Be specific: UIUC's prompts often call for concrete examples of your experiences and involvement. Instead of providing broad statements about your interests, demonstrate your passion and commitment through specific anecdotes that show your dedication.

3. Tailor your essay to UIUC: While you may be applying to multiple schools, UIUC's essay should be crafted with the university in mind. Illustrate why UIUC is the perfect fit for your interests, goals, and what you hope to contribute as a student there. Incorporate aspects that are unique to UIUC and emphasize your understanding of the school's values and culture.

4. Showcase your passion: Make sure your essays communicate your genuine excitement about your chosen major or program. Explain not only what has drawn you to that field but also how you plan to engage with it at UIUC and the specific academic and extracurricular opportunities you intend to pursue.

5. Be concise and clear: Keep in mind UIUC's word limit when crafting your responses. Use clear, concise language to convey your message effectively and avoid overly complex sentences or jargon. Make sure your ideas flow logically and that your points are well-organized.

6. Proofread and edit: Once you've finished your draft, take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes. Read your essay aloud to ensure your sentences flow well and are easy to understand. Ask someone you trust (e.g., a teacher, counselor, or peer) to read your essay and provide feedback.

7. Reflect your personality: The supplemental essays are an opportunity for UIUC admissions officers to get to know you better. Let your unique voice and personality shine through, and don't be afraid to include details that illustrate your character, humor, or perspective.

To learn more about these essays, read the following: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-essays

By following these tips, you'll craft supplemental essays that showcase your interests effectively, demonstrate a strong understanding of UIUC and its offerings, and ultimately impress the admissions officers. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Apply Like a Pro to UIUC: Examples of Major-Specific College Application Questions

If you’ve made it here, chances are you’ve reached one of the more daunting parts of college applications: the written questions.

There are two ways you can apply to UIUC: the Common App and UIUC’s own application, myIllini. In this blog, we’ll instead focus on something they both have in common: the major-specific questions .

As part of your application, you’ll have to respond to two to three major-specific prompts about why you picked your intended major(s) , each with a word limit of 150. Sound difficult? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Disclaimer: Does something seem funny about the “majors” we’ve chosen to write about? Listening to Music is a great hobby, and while you may learn about DNA Analysis in some of your classes, the majors we’ve written about are imaginary! We did this so we could show you how to best structure your responses and have a little bit of fun. Okay, okay, fun might be somewhat of a subjective term in this case. Hey, at least we’re trying.

Prompt 1: Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.

Example 1: Music Listening Major

I played the triangle for four years in my high school band, and through that was exposed to genres of music I would’ve otherwise never heard. Playing the triangle was fulfilling, but I wanted to create a space specifically for listening to music. During my sophomore year, I formed a club for music listeners called “Hear There Everywhere” and have served as the president ever since. As president, I organized meetings, held outreach events to engage new members, and implemented a Playlist Friday program, where teachers play personalized playlists created by the club on Friday afternoons. I’ve always had a passion for listening to music and “Hear There Everywhere” has given me a platform to share the benefits with others. From my experiences in high school, I know the Music Listening major at UIUC is the perfect fit for me.

Example 2: DNA Analysis Major

My high school biology teacher taught me the importance of curiosity, creativity, and integrity in scientific endeavors. She inspired me to continue taking science classes throughout high school to learn as much as I could. By the start of senior year, I knew I wanted to work in a science field, but it was a trip to a forensics lab last summer that helped me decide I want to specialize in DNA Analysis. On the trip, the first place we visited was the DNA lab, where I was able to speak to the lab technician about different techniques for analyzing DNA samples. He showed me the equipment and explained how proper analysis is vital in crime investigations. After witnessing biology used in this manner, I am certain I want to pursue a career in forensics, starting with studying DNA Analysis at UIUC.

Prompt 2: Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

Listening to music has been a passion of mine since I was very young, and I want to share that passion with others. Through the Music Listening major, I hope to build a foundation of knowledge that will support me as I pursue a career as a professional music listener. As a professional listener, I want to become a strong voice within the field that not only pushes the boundaries of what types of music are listened to, but also advocates for the inclusion of listening as an important part of the music industry. Listening is a severely underrepresented piece of the music community, and my main career goal is to bring more recognition to music listeners everywhere. Not many Music Listening programs exist, so by taking part in this major I hope to establish my voice in the movement of change sweeping the music industry.

DNA Analysis is one of the most important branches of forensics science. By choosing this major, I will learn hands-on skills that will help me find a job in a DNA lab. My ultimate career goal is to use the power of biology to help other people, and I want to do that by engaging in research and analysis to improve DNA handling in crime investigations. With this major, not only will I learn the physical techniques being used, I will also gain knowledge of the ethics behind DNA analysis and storage. Learning about the moral debate occurring in the field from professors engaging in everyday research will make me a well-rounded scientist. I want to make forensics a more equitable field, and I believe the combination of hard science and ethics taught through the DNA Analysis major will help me accomplish this goal.

See, that wasn’t so bad! We hope these major-specific college application questions seem a little bit clearer now, and you have a better idea of what to write when you sit down to craft your own responses.

Overall, the key to effective major-specific college application questions is to be clear, be concise, and to always be yourself. Happy writing!

UIUC Admissions

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55 comments

Haha I can’t say I wouldn’t have at least considered ‘Music Listening’ as my major if it wasn’t an imaginary one.

Thanks for the tips and examples. It helped write the first few words of my essay…which is always the most difficult part.

Us too! You’re very welcome, and we’re glad our examples helped. Hope you have a great year, Ashvin!

I think you have a typo lol “My ultimate career goal is to us the power of biology to help other people,” I’m pretty sure “us” should be “use”

I still think this was very helpful though. 🙂

Oops! Great catch, Violet, and thanks for letting us know so we could fix it. We’re glad the information was helpful to you, typo notwithstanding!

Extremely helpful blog, especially provoking more thought into the ‘why’ and ‘so what’ aspects of choosing a particular area of study….thanks for posting these examples.

Thanks, Jahnavi; we’re so glad you found it helpful!

the guides were pretty helpful. Hope to be in UIUC next year 🙂

We’re glad that you found the info helpful, Syed, and we’re excited that you’re interested in UIUC! If you have any questions throughout the application process, don’t hesitate to contact us .

Those examples quite help me a lot. These days, I have been unable to get a handle on the essays of majors when applying for the ea of uiuc. After reading these examples, I feel I have found the inspiration. Thank you very much!

This was helpful! But for me personally, there wasn’t a singular event that led me to choose my major but rather multiple experiences over a long period of time. Is it acceptable to write about multiple experiences instead of just one?

Really appreciate the samples as they provide us with some foundation and expectation as to what information we should include within the short word limit!

That music listening major is reaaaaaaly inspiring, and DNA analysis one is helpful too, lol. Thanks a lot, I was surprised when I saw this, you college instruct us to answer!

We’re glad they helped, Kylin! Any questions as you work on your application, don’t hesitate to reach out .

Hi Allison! No, we don’t want a list of things that led to your interest in the major. Even if you’ve had multiple experiences over a long period of time, we’re looking for a more in-depth, detailed description of one of those experiences that helped draw you to that area of study. We hope this helps! Any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office .

Thanks Eshwar, we’re glad they help! And if you have any questions as you work on your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office .

We’re glad you found the examples helpful, Haoyu, thank you!

HI! Your examples are cool! I just wonder whether two questions shall better be related or not?

Thanks for the examples! I have a question: are you looking for experiences that explain why we decided to choose the area of study and major we chose, or is it more towards an experience that demonstrates the steps we’ve taken in our area of study? Both?

Hi Jeremy, and thanks for reaching out! Your major-specific responses help us understand why you’ve chosen that specific major and also allow us to ensure that the major will be a good foundation to achieving your goals after graduation. We hope this helps! If you have additional questions as you work, don’t hesitate to contact us directly .

Thanks, Haoyu! Your major-specific responses help us understand why you’ve chosen that specific major and also allow us to ensure that the major will be a good foundation to achieving your goals after graduation. We hope this helps! If you have more questions as you work, don’t hesitate to contact us directly .

Great examples!! I finally have an idea of what information to add in such a limited space 🙂

Thank you for the tips and examples.

Thanks, Prithvi! We’re so glad you found them helpful.

Hello, thanks for your nice and clear answers. I am using Common App (not myIllini) and I have 2 questions(I am EA applicant). The prompts #1 and #2 above are not in the Commpn App, and I see there are 2 other questions as shown below instead.

So my questions are: (1) to where and by when do we have to submit the essays for the 2 prompts above? (2) The following 2 questions look like optional but I want to write an essay for #1. I do not think I am relevant to #2 though (I have a good GPA and no drop record) so I am wondering if it is ok to enter briefly like: Not Available (for the #2 below)

2 UIUC Questions on Common App:

#1. Academic Challenges Explain any challenges (outside of COVID-related) you have faced throughout your academic career, including the dates or timeline below.

#2. If you have a low grade or a drop in grades that you have not already explained, do so below.

Thanks for reaching out, Tom! The academic challenges questions are optional. Once you click “Continue” on that page of the application, you’ll move to the academics section, where you’ll select your intended major and possible second choice. After that section, the two major-specific writing prompts will display for you to write your response. We hope this helps! If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly .

Thank you so much for writing this blog. I was stuck on where to begin but these example essays made it very clear how to craft my essays and show my goals.

Hope I can be there at UIUC next year:)

Thank you for this information. I hope I get into UIUC next year!!

Thank you so much for this information! I feel a lot more prepared for writing my supplemental after this!

Thanks for the essay examples, it was extremely helpful. Looking forward to finishing my application 🙂

These examples are super helpful! Thank you so much.

I noticed that both of the academic challenge and grade drop explanation questions are optional. I don’t have a lot to fill out because I already used the Common App additional info sections for that.

If I leave these blank or shallow for UIUC, will it impact my application and admissions consideration at all? Or, is it truly just an area to express extra info if necessary?

Hi Ethan, yes, in not fully answering the major-specific questions, it could negatively impact your consideration. You’re welcome to use the same or similar information that you included in your Common App essay or additional information sections. We hope this helps. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly .

Thanks for the example!

I think you have a couple of typos in your examples.

“share the benefits with other” I think it should be “others” instead.

“my main career goal is to bring more recognition to musics listeners” I think it should be “music” instead.

Indeed we did, so we’ve made some edits. Thank you for catching them, Pranav!

Thank you so much for the great examples! It really helps provide me with a solid start and understanding of how to approach essays! Much less daunting than expected!

This is really helpful .Thank you!

Thanks so much, Advaith; we’re glad the examples helped!

Thanks, Aayush; we’re so glad you found the examples helpful!

Thank you for these examples! My mind was scrambled while thinking of what to write!

I wanted to say that this blog and the comments are both very helpful. I was going to contact the admissions office regarding these questions (like how specific the responses they need to be, how many things we could talk about, etc.), but this blog cleared most of my doubts. Thank you for posting these examples!!

This was a very great helpful blog. I am a senior in high school and just submitting my apps and this gave me an idea of how to do the essays for UIUC Thanks so much.

Thank you! I have an idea of what it should sound like now. What would you suggest if I’ve already covered the information a question asks for in the personal statement?

Thank you so much for this guide, it made the writing process significantly easier!

Is the second prompt more of a “Why UIUC” prompt? As in, do we write details about why we want to attend UIUC or details about why we want to do CS?

Thanks so much for the examples, super helpful with starting off the supplemental essays!

These are some great examples and they helped me a lot with writing my own which was pretty intimidating at first! Y’all were also funny with the music listening major— I wish!!

HI Arnav! For the second prompt, it’s more about you and less bout UIUC; we’re more interested in what you want to do with a degree in CS. We hope this helps!

Hi Shrujana, we’re glad the examples helped! If you’ve already covered the information a question asks for within your personal statement, some options could be to provide a different experience in your major-specific answer, elaborate more fully in the personal statement, or choose a different question for your personal statement. Whatever makes the most sense to you and will give our admissions counselors the most helpful information!

Hi UIUC Admissions, I am planning on listing “undeclared” on my major because I am interested in a few different areas such as Business and Psychology. Can you provide an example for someone who is not sure what they want to major in?

Thanks for the suggestion, Melissa. Although we won’t be able to do this in time for this year, we’ll see what’s possible for future years!

you the goat fr

Hey UIUC, I am so thankful for this content put out! This got me through my drafting sessions and now I am ready to submit my application. Looking forward to become a fighting Illini next year :))

AHH you do amazing work UIUC admissions blog! Thank you!

Hahahaha. Very creative! I like the example of music learning as a major. This was very helpful and look forward to applying to UIUC🙂👍

Very helpful information thank you

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Essay Prompts

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The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is mainly located in Champaign, Illinois. Technically, UIUC is located in the “twin cities” of Champaign and Urbana, so you may not always be in Champaign if you decide to attend! Founded in 1867, UIUC is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system. The UIUC supplemental essays are split up based on whether you are applying to a specific major or their undeclared program. Therefore, it is important to have an idea of what you want to study before you begin filling out the UIUC application. 

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

Before answering the UIUC supplemental essay questions

The UIUC supplemental essay questions are divided based on whether applicants are applying to a specific major, undeclared program or have a second-choice major. 

Therefore, it is important to do your research on UIUC and the academic programs available. Figure out what drives you and what you picture yourself doing in the future. If your future is not clear, do not worry! You still have plenty of time to explore and figure out what you are interested in by becoming an undeclared major. 

You will have to answer two-three short-answer questions depending on whether you’re applying to a major or undeclared program and if you have selected a second choice major.

Each short answer response should not exceed 150 words. This is not a lot of space for creative freedom, so be sure to be clear and concise. Do not drag on! Make sure you simply just answer the question and put your personality on the page. 

Don’t miss: Tips for a successful college application

If you’re applying to a major

If you are applying to a major , there are two UIUC supplemental essays you will need to complete (150 words each).

First essay

“Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.”

To begin answering this prompt, you should first describe what exactly your first-choice major is. You can give some background into how you discovered your passion for this subject. For example, maybe you want to study biology because you were obsessed with a particular lab you completed in high school. 

After giving a brief description of your major, talk about some meaningful experiences you have had that have added to your desire to study this topic. For example, you can choose to write about a particular “aha” experience in your biology class or a mandatory book for English class that changed your perspective on life. You can also choose to write about an outside the classroom experience such as a club or volunteer work you have done. You can even talk about a figure in your life that has inspired you. The limits are endless! 

Ensure that whatever experiences you choose to write about that they connect back to your first-choice major. 

Second essay

“Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.” 

The second supplemental essay question for applicants who have selected a first-choice major is pretty straightforward. What do you envision yourself doing after college? What is the career you are working towards with this major? 

This question will allow admissions officers to see that you are working towards something bigger than yourself. They want to see that you have a plan ready for your future. 

So, describe exactly what you intend to do with your degree from UIUC. Be sure to mention why this particular path is the right one for you. 

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If you’re applying to uiuc’s undeclared program.

If you’re applying to the undeclared program, there are two UIUC supplemental essays you will have to write (150 words each). 

“What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at Illinois and why.” 

Having your future aspirations figured out is not something that is required to attend university. Therefore, do not stress if you are not exactly sure what you want to major in at UIUC. 

Luckily, their undeclared program is a popular option for incoming freshmen. In this program, you are able to explore different majors while still remaining on track for graduation. 

Therefore, this prompt wants to get you thinking about where your academic strengths and interests lie. Are you a book lover and cannot wait to go to English class every day? Do you love learning new languages? Is calculus your jam? Wherever your strengths and interests lie, be sure to write about all of them. Include some background information on why you love these particular subjects. Maybe your mom read to you every night when you were younger, and your love of reading continues to this day. Or, maybe you always were the banker while playing Monopoly so math is now your favorite subject 

Just remember not to exceed 150 words in your response! 

Also see: An insider’s view of what goes on inside a college admissions office

“What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.” 

As mentioned above, you do not need to have your life figured out! Therefore, your answer to this question does not need to be extremely specific. Rather, it can be quite broad. 

For example, if you do not know what you want to do, but you enjoy reading and working as a camp counselor for first graders over the summer, you can talk about your love for this and how it may open a door to teaching in your future career. You can even be more broad and say that you picture yourself helping others in your future career because that is what makes you feel good. 

UIUC does not want you to have your future figured out and does not expect you to! They just want to see that their undeclared applicants are thinking about their futures and potential career paths. 

If you’ve selected a second-choice major (including undeclared) 

If you’re applying to a second-choice major you will need to answer one supplemental essay question (150 words). 

“Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.” 

A second-choice major is essentially a “backup” major. It means if you are not admitted to your first-choice major, you will then be considered for your second-choice major. 

Essentially, like the other UIUC supplemental essays, this question wants to get to the bottom of the “why?” Why do you want to study this as your second choice? Why is this option not your first choice? 

Be sure to include how studying this major will still help you reach your career goals despite not being your first choice major. Why does this secondary area of study appeal to you? 

Next steps after applying to UIUC 

Once you have completed your UIUC supplemental essays – congratulations! Be sure to read over your responses or ask a trusted friend to read them over for you. Remember, you want to submit a flawless essay, not one filled with silly mistakes that make you seem careless.

Make sure you do not repeat any information throughout your responses, despite the questions being similar. Be sure to reveal new information throughout your application so admissions officers get a well-rounded idea of “you.” 

Now that you have beautiful and flawless UIUC supplemental essay answers written, it is officially time to submit your application! 

Once your application is submitted, be sure to check your UIUC portal and email for updates on your application status.

In addition, show demonstrated interest in UIUC by following them on social media or scheduling an in-person tour. This will give you an opportunity to get to know UIUC a little better, and give UIUC the chance to get to know you as well. 

Best of luck in the rest of your college admissions journey! 

Additional resources

If UIUC is the first school you have applied to or the last or somewhere in the middle, we know you need some help along the way! Luckily, we have an abundance of resources at your fingertips. 

Not sure if UIUC should be the only school you apply to? Check out our guide on how many schools to apply to . Make sure to read up after about how to find safety, reach, and match schools . 

If financing and affordability is a main concern when it comes to a higher education, make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for! 

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How to Get Into University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC) Guide

How to Get Into UIUC Guide–General Information

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC) is Illinois’s largest and most well-known public university. It was founded in 1867 and is home to 33,500 undergraduate students and 17,800 graduate students.

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into UIUC Guide:

• University of Illinois GPA requirements
• Average UIUC SAT scores
• University of Illinois Acceptance Rate
• Details on UIUC Early Action
• UIUC Application Deadline
• How to approach the UIUC Supplemental Essays
• UIUC Interview

When thinking about how to get into UIUC, make sure every aspect of your application—including your GPA, UIUC SAT scores, UIUC supplemental essays, and all Common Application materials—is top-notch. You do not need to conduct a UIUC interview. You should also start planning how to get into UIUC well before the UIUC application deadline.

Figuring out how to get into UIUC takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes UIUC graduates. Want to maximize your UIUC admissions odds?  Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How to get into UIUC

As mentioned, the question of how to get into UIUC involves many factors. Although there is no formal UIUC interview, the application process does include written components, test scores, activity lists, and a review of your high school academic record. Beating the UIUC acceptance rate requires excellence across all of these metrics. 

One important factor to consider is when to apply. Many students choose to apply to UIUC Early Action in order to increase their chances of admission. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of applying through UIUC Early Action (or “priority admission”). 

Although there is no official UIUC Early Action deadline, they do offer priority admission to students who submit their applications by November 1st. This priority admission is very similar to a UIUC Early Action deadline, as it gives students first priority for places in the most selective programs at UIUC. Those students also get first consideration for merit awards and scholarships.

How hard is it to get into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

According to US News and World Report, the University of Illinois’s acceptance rate is 63%, making it a more selective school. The University of Illinois acceptance rate for Illinois residents is almost 10 points higher than the rate for non-residents (70% vs 60%). So, your chances of getting in are lower if you are not an Illinois resident. 

UIUC has an overall ranking of 47 among US universities. Among public universities, UIUC ranks 15th. UIUC also has top ten programs in Accounting, (#3), Computer Science (#5), and Engineering (#6). These programs have acceptance rates that are slightly lower than the average University of Illinois acceptance rate. So, the University of Illinois GPA requirements are stricter for how to get into UIUC in these programs.

What is the average GPA for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?

When thinking about how to get into UIUC, GPA is an important factor. The University of Illinois GPA requirements vary between UIUC’s many colleges . However, the middle 50% of students overall have a GPA between 3.50-3.94. The most selective colleges in UIUC are the Gies College of Business (3.61-3.95) and the Grainger College of Engineering (3.75-4.00). 

The average UIUC SAT scores range from 1300-1500 without the writing section. The average ACT scores range from 28-34. However, if your GPA is lower than 3.5, don’t worry; you can still get accepted. We’ll go over strategies for how to get into UIUC throughout this guide.

Although the University of Illinois’s acceptance rate does not seem low, UIUC is still a competitive school. This is especially true in Business and Engineering, where the University of Illinois GPA requirements are stricter. No matter which field you want to pursue, you must craft a strong application. 

Start early so you have time to plan before the UIUC application deadline. And even though you cannot apply to a UIUC Early Action program, you can still apply with priority admission.

What does the UIUC application look like?

The UIUC application consists of the Common Application or Coalition Application plus the UIUC supplement, which includes the UIUC supplemental essays. Students can also apply through the school’s Myillini portal . No matter which platform you choose for how to get into UIUC, you must submit a high school transcript and a summary of your extracurriculars. 

Applicants must submit:

• The Common Application , Coalition Application, or Myillini Application
• The UIUC supplement and UIUC supplemental essays
• Your high school courses and the grades you achieved in those courses
• Your application fee or fee waiver
• A final high school transcript, if admitted

Submitting UIUC SAT scores or ACT scores is optional, but high UIUC SAT scores can strengthen your chance for admission. If you took either test and scored well, we recommend that you submit your scores. 

Most applicants do not need to conduct a UIUC interview or submit letters of recommendation as part of how to get into UIUC. However, some programs, including theater and music, do ask students to complete a UIUC interview.

What extracurriculars does UIUC like?

One of the most vital parts of how to get into UIUC is a strong activities list. Here, you tell the admissions team what you do outside the classroom. Given the University of Illinois acceptance rate, a strong extracurricular resume can help your application stand out. 

When it comes to your extracurriculars, the two most important factors are leadership and consistency. Colleges like UIUC want to see that students have held leadership positions and have stayed involved in their activities over several years. So, choose extracurriculars that you care about and can commit to. Don’t just join clubs because you think they will look good on your college applications.

UIUC also looks at how your extracurriculars align with the field of study you want to pursue. So, think about how you can use your activities to dive deeper into your academic interests. For instance, a potential engineering major might join a robotics club, or a potential English major might become editor-in-chief of their high school literary magazine. Whatever you like to do, try to connect it to your extracurricular activities.

Beyond the University of Illinois GPA requirements and the UIUC SAT scores, your activities list lets you show the admissions team who you are and what matters to you. If you’re a sophomore or junior, explore what your school or community has to offer. If you’re a senior, see about taking a leadership role in a group you’ve been with for a while and start making a list of your key activities.

What is the acceptance rate for the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign?

The overall University of Illinois acceptance rate is 63% , meaning that almost two-thirds of applicants get in. However, this number is slightly lower (60%) for applicants outside of Illinois and slightly higher (69%) for Illinois residents. In 2020, 43,473 students applied and 27,520 were accepted. 

While most applicants get in, you should still put your best foot forward in your UIUC application. This includes submitting UIUC SAT scores and writing strong UIUC supplemental essays. The University of Illinois acceptance rate does not mean you’ll get in. Plus, the more work you do before the UIUC application deadline, the better your chances will be. 

There is no option to apply to UIUC Early Action. However, if you apply by November 1st, you can be eligible for priority admission. Meeting this UIUC application deadline increases your chance of admission, especially for the school’s most selective programs.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert  guide .

Do UIUC applicants get interviews?

According to the UIUC admissions website , not all students are offered a UIUC interview. Because UIUC has so many applicants, there are not enough staff members to support a UIUC interview process. So, regardless of whether you apply through regular or priority admission (the alternative to UIUC Early Action), you will most likely not complete an interview. 

However, if you are planning to apply for a major in fine arts, music, or theater, you will need to complete a UIUC interview.

How to write the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign essays

In addition to the Common Application or Coalition Application essay prompt, you must also submit several UIUC supplemental essays before the UIUC application deadline. There are two UIUC supplemental essays, and the prompts differ based on whether you apply to a specific major. 

If you apply to a specific major, the UIUC supplemental essays will ask you to reflect on your experiences that have led you to pursue this major. The key here is to be selective. You only have 150 words, so you should only discuss 1-2 major experiences rather than trying to mention everything you have done. Try to choose experiences that showcase your growth.

UIUC will also ask you to reflect on how your major relates to your career goals. This is your chance to show UIUC how you will use your time there they provide by referencing programs, courses, and other features UIUC offers. Be as specific as possible to show your investment in UIUC.

No major, no problem

If you’re wondering how to get into UIUC without a chosen major, don’t worry. The UIUC supplemental essays for undeclared students are similar—the language is just more general. These questions address your identity and interests, letting you show how UIUC fits your goals. The UIUC supplemental essays also allow you to showcase your personality and show off your writing skills. 

Make sure you give yourself time to write and revise all of your UIUC supplemental essays. Even if you meet the University of Illinois GPA requirements, strong writing is a great way to show your strengths. Stellar essays are key to any prime “how to get into UIUC” strategy.

How does the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign review applications?

The UIUC website contains details about how the admissions team reviews applications. You can use this information to learn more about how to get into UIUC. 

After the UIUC application deadline, the first thing that UIUC looks for is the rigor of your courses. Put another way, they want to see whether you took the hardest courses offered at your high school. 

While there are no University of Illinois GPA requirements, UIUC does look at your GPA. So, having high grades in hard classes is the best way to strengthen your “how to get into UIUC” strategy. Remember that the average UIUC applicant has a GPA from 3.50-3.94. You can use this metric in place of any University of Illinois GPA requirements. 

UIUC also wants to see that you’ve engaged deeply with extracurriculars that match your interests. So, make sure to include activities on your list that relate to your chosen major. The UIUC supplemental essays are also a great place to show this interest.

Holistic review

UIUC holistically reviews applications submitted by the UIUC application deadline. They consider an applicant’s background and the opportunities available to them in high school. According to the website, “[UIUC’s] admissions review process focuses on how an individual student maximizes the educational offerings available to them and how that student has demonstrated academic achievement within their unique context.” So, if your high school does not offer AP classes but you took the hardest classes available, don’t worry. You will not be penalized by any University of Illinois GPA requirements.

Finally, UIUC is test-optional, meaning that applicants do not need to report their UIUC SAT scores. However, we advise you to take either the SAT or ACT if you can. A strong score will strengthen your application, especially given the University of Illinois acceptance rate. Because there is no UIUC interview, your UIUC SAT scores can help set you apart.

Will UIUC look at my social media accounts?

Because of the sheer number of applications that UIUC receives every year, it is unlikely that UIUC will look at your social media pages. In fact, social media presence is listed among the factors NOT considered in the application review process. This means that your social media presence will neither help nor hinder your application.

However, this is not a license to post anything you want onto your social media profiles. Employers and internship coordinators may still check your profiles, and anything inappropriate can jeopardize your ability to access opportunities. So, even though it will not impact your UIUC application itself, posting responsibly on social media is vital. 

Is UIUC a good school for me?

In addition to asking “how do I get into UIUC,” you should also consider whether UIUC is a good fit for you. Despite the University of Illinois acceptance rate and the school’s popularity, UIUC is not the best school for everyone. 

UIUC is located in Urbana, a city of approximately 50,000 people. So, you should expect more of a college town setting. The city caters mostly to students, with less activity in the summer months. 

If you prefer a smaller school or one that is closer to a large city, UIUC may not be the best fit for you. The most important thing to do is research the school and see if it matches your needs. The school you choose should set you up for a successful future. 

Wondering whether UIUC is right for you? One good place to start is by checking the list of majors to see if UIUC offers programs in your chosen field. Then, visit the webpage for your future major to see what courses are available.

Additional tips to get into University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Start early.

It is best to start planning well ahead of the UIUC application deadline. Plus, even though there is not an option to apply to UIUC Early Action, you are eligible for priority admission if you apply by November 1st. Getting your materials turned in well before the UIUC application deadline can help secure your spot.

Be authentic

UIUC uses the application and UIUC supplemental essays to get to know you. Let your passions shine through. Colleges look for enthusiastic and driven learners, so highlight your honors and interests.

Consider letting a parent, teacher, or advisor look over your application and offer suggestions about how to get into UIUC. However, don’t let them write your responses for you; make sure your unique voice shines through.

This guide was written by Alex Baggott-Rowe , Davidson ’16. If you want to know how to get into UIUC or how to get stronger UIUC SAT scores, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes UIUC graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

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UIUC Supplemental Essays 2024 | Strategies and Insights for Success

The University of Illinois — Urbana Champaign stands as a beacon of excellence among public universities in the United States, renowned for its top-tier computer science, engineering, and business programs. While stellar grades and test scores set the foundation for aspiring Fighting Illini, applicants must also tackle 2-3 UIUC supplemental essay prompts.

Without further ado, let’s delve into the 2023-24 UIUC supplemental essays. Here are two key points to keep in mind:

• You will need to respond to 2-3 of these essays, depending on your application category.
• Each response must be no more than 150 words.

Let’s explore these prompts and how you can craft compelling responses to showcase your fit for UIUC.

Also read University of Illinois Acceptance Rate | Strategies and Insights for Admission Success 2024

UIUC Supplemental Essays

Uiuc supplemental essays: if you’re applying to a major.

1) Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.

UIUC isn’t looking for your most decorated achievement; they want to see your genuine commitment. Consider:

• Which experience best showcases your passion for your major?
• Which moment resonates most with your unique interests?

Choose an experience that allows for rich detail, making it memorable for the admissions team. Reflect on pivotal moments in your academic or extracurricular journey to find the most compelling story to share.

2) Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

While akin to a “Why Us?” essay, UIUC prioritizes understanding why you’re drawn to your academic department. Tips for crafting a winning response:

• Highlight specific programs, professors, and opportunities relevant to your major.
• Articulate why your chosen program is the perfect fit for your aspirations.
• Provide insights into your future goals, even if they’re still evolving.

Research your prospective college/department thoroughly to pinpoint what makes it exceptional. The more tailored and specific your response, the stronger your UIUC essays will be!

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies

1) What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at Illinois and why.

While your strengths may shine through in other areas of your application, this essay delves into your specific academic passions and their connection to potential majors at UIUC. Consider:

• Reflect on what topics or subjects ignite your intellectual curiosity and drive.
• Share the avenues through which you pursue knowledge, whether through deep dives into complex concepts or voracious consumption of information.
• Connect your interests to 2-3 majors at UIUC, citing relevant school-specific offerings and resources.

2) What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.

For Undeclared applicants, this essay offers an opportunity to outline your academic and career aspirations based on your current interests and past experiences. Tips for crafting a compelling response:

• Use your explored academic interests from the previous question as a foundation for your future goals.
• Share how your high school coursework has influenced your trajectory, even if your plans are still evolving.
• Be honest about the stage of your academic and career planning, acknowledging that it’s normal for your goals to develop over time.

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared)

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.

For those considering a second-choice major, this essay mirrors the process outlined above but focuses on a different field. Ensure coherence between your first and second-choice majors or career goals, providing a clear rationale for your selections.

Also see Best Computer Science Schools in the USA 2024

How Important are the Essays at UIUC?

UIUC considers the essays “important” in the application review process, alongside factors like test scores, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability. While GPA and the rigor of high school coursework hold the highest weight, the essays play a significant role in showcasing your academic interests and aspirations.

Crafting compelling supplemental essays for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a crucial step in presenting yourself as a standout applicant. Whether you’re expressing your academic passions, outlining your career goals, or articulating why UIUC is the perfect fit for you, these essays provide a valuable opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and aspirations. Remember, while GPA and coursework rigor are paramount, the essays play a vital role in shaping the admissions committee’s understanding of who you are beyond your academic achievements. So, take the time to thoughtfully craft your responses, highlighting your strengths, passions, and potential contributions to the UIUC community.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

You Have: 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2-3 essays of 150 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

The admissions committee at the University Illinois Urbana Champaign wants to know about your academic interests and career goals. The prompts change slightly depending on whether you’re hoping to attend with a declared major or not. Regardless, you should be prepared to write concisely and authentically about your plans and goals!

If You’re Applying to a Major:

Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. this can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. (150 words).

For this essay, d escribe an experience you’ve had that relates to your first-choice major. Admissions is literally asking you to speak about this experience in detail, so don’t hold back. Did you work on a science experiment that taught you about the basics of organic chemistry? Maybe you watched those crazy robotics videos online and thought, “Hmm, I should understand how those work so I can protect my future family when A.I. takes over in 2050.” (I mean, honestly, have they not watched Black Mirror ?!) Throughout high school, you’ve been exposed to so many different subjects, and admissions wants to know why this one in particular has caught your eye.

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. (150 words)

After explaining why your major is the right choice for you, look ahead five or ten years and imagine how it will catapult you into a fulfilling career—one that you may not have access to otherwise. Maybe when you were younger, you fell in love with stargazing and memorizing constellations and knew you wanted to be involved in a space-related field when you grew up—UIUC’s Astronomy program will help you get there! Build a bridge between your past and your future for admissions so they can see your commitment and demonstrated interest in this field.

If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies:

What are your academic interests please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at illinois and why. (150 words).

There’s only one trick to generating a straightforward explanation of your academic interests: be honest. Since you probably don’t know what you want to major in or are in the process of paring down your list, don’t waste time trying to think of what admissions “wants” you to say! Choosing anything other than your true interests would be a misrepresentation of who you are and a disservice to you and the admissions office. To narrow your focus, try to tell a story with your choices. How can you use your life experiences to reveal something about what you value and what excites you intellectually? 

Try to illustrate a general inclination (e.g., journalism, English, and media/cinema studies go hand-in-hand). Or if you really feel like you could go any direction, try to show a balance, picking majors across fields that link to each other in a way that makes sense (e.g., mathematics, linguistics, and music composition all use special notations). Do whatever you can do to give admissions the full picture of who you are.

What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals. (150 words)

Even if you’re undecided, it’s important to remember that UIUC seeks to invite movers and shakers to campus, students with big dreams and plans to make them happen. You don’t have to use this prompt to outline your 30-page plan for eliminating world hunger—in fact, with only 150 words to work with, we definitely advise against it! Think about the areas that pique your interest and where your curiosity originated. Was it a philosophy class you took junior year? Or, perhaps what spurred your interest wasn’t a class at all. Maybe you knew you wanted to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change and global warming after watching a poignant documentary with your family that hit close to home. How do you plan to contribute to this effort and how will your time at UIUC set you up for carbon neutral success? (Maybe their Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences major is a good place to start?) Whatever way you decide to answer this prompt, be sure to show admissions that you have an actionable, long-term goal in mind.

If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared):

You have selected a second-choice major. please explain your interest in that major or your overall academic or career goals. (150 words).

For this essay, admissions understands that you haven’t got it all figured out yet. And that’s okay! A lot of very successful people have leapt in and out of various disciplines or have even found common ground where they overlap (think philosophy and economics or agriculture and business). You’re allowed (encouraged, even!) to have many interests, and admissions wants to know where your strengths lie. 

Why does this secondary area of education appeal to you? What applications can you see blossoming from studying in this field? We recommend doing another dive into UIUC’s course offerings to show that this isn’t just an afterthought; additionally, feel free to share any previous experiences (in or out of the classroom) that have led you to this choice. Once you’ve succinctly demonstrated your interest, look to the future and explain how UIUC’s offerings will help you achieve your end-goals when it comes to your selected second-choice area of study.

About Kat Stubing

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