CS Chances | Essay Word Limit

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I have one question, and I would also like to know your opinion about my chances to UIUC's CS program, as well as my second choice major.</p>

<p>Firstly, my question: I have written an essay that is 325 words. Does this fall within the limit of "approximately 300 words?" Should I shorten the essay? I feel very constricted to begin with, and I would like to include every sentence, as they are all important elements of the essay.</p>

<p>Secondly, chances:</p>

<p>W GPA: 4.372
UW GPA: 3.878 (not submitting because you have to choose one or the other. Should I choose this one?)</p>

<p>All A's; 5 B+'s; 1 B</p>

<p>Rank: 11 out of 311 (96.5 %)</p>

<p>ACT Composite: 34
ACT English: 35
ACT Math: 36
ACT Reading: 31
ACT Science: 32</p>

<p>SAT 2100s (will not submit)</p>

<p>EC's (in no particular order):
- Ongoing Paid Computer Science Internship at $5 Billion Company (which I will name in the app.)
- Math Team (4 years; State Competitor; 2nd Place at Competition after State; President)
- University Math Team (Senior Year)
- Taking Calculus III and Linear Algebra at University
- Co-Founder and Leader of Computer Science Team
- 3rd Place at State Programming Competition
- Academic Decathlon (2 Years; State Competitor)
- I am not going to include:
- Various Math and AcDec awards
- Golf freshman year
- Bowling 4 years</p>

<p>I think my essays are good, but doesn't everybody?</p>

<p>I am an OOS, white male from a middle-upper class family.</p>

<p>Other question: How selective is the Mathematics & Computer Science LAS major? It seems that it would be less selective since it is in LAS, but CS is so selective at UIUC that I fear the major might be "just as selective."</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Also, I took 14 AP courses:</p>

<p>Human Geography
Computer Science
World History
Language and Composition
Physics B
US History
Environmental Science
Statistics
Calculus BC
Literature and Composition
Micro Economics
Macro Economics
Physics C: Mechanics
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism</p>

<p>I am also the president of Computer Science Team and vice president of Math Team.</p>

<p>I’m currently a freshman in CS Engineering (got in last year). First off, your essay should be fine. 25 extra words won’t hurt, but don’t write any more than that. Try and keep it concise. I’ve heard from several people that Math/CS is less selective because it’s not in the college of engineering, but either way you’re taking basically the same CS courses so the two degrees are pretty similar (you just have to take engineering prerequisites with the engineering degree). Don’t make a huge list of extra-curriculars on your application, instead really focus on 3-5 clubs and emphasize leadership roles, how they relate to CS, etc. I’d say you have a very good chance, I had similar stats with a slightly lower ACT score but I think my essays and being female helped. You sound really passionate about UIUC and CS, best of luck with your applications!</p>