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<p>Whoa! Not so fast with the “you are in” claim. The OP’s unweighted GPA is 3.5. UIUC doesn’t report its GPA medians, but I’m going to guess a 3.5 is on the low side, especially for engineering. The OP’s 31 GPA is good enough to put him around the 75th percentile for the university as a whole, but UIUC’s engineering program is one of the very best in the nation, and it’s the most competitive part of the university for undergrad admissions. According to the UIUC admissions office, a 31 ACT is at the 25th percentile for engineering.</p>
<p>[U</a> of I Admissions: Freshman Admission Requirements](<a href=“Page Not Found, Illinois Undergraduate Admissions”>Page Not Found, Illinois Undergraduate Admissions)</p>
<p>I’m not saying the OP shouldn’t apply; by all means, he should, because he’s got a chance to attend one of the very best engineering programs at in-state rates. But it’s no sure thing. In fact, I’d classify it as a reach.</p>
<p>I think Minnesota, Ohio State, and Iowa State are good suggestions. Michigan’s a reach, and expensive for OOS students. Purdue and Wisconsin have excellent engineering programs, but are a bit pricey for OOS. Among private universities, Northwestern has an excellent engineering program but is definitely a reach. Case Western doesn’t meet full need, but often gives attractive merit aid. Rose-Hulman is a small private engineering school that is very highly regarded.</p>
<p>I’d also consider a school like Bradley, in Peoria. It’s less high profile, but it’s got a solid engineering program. Valparaiso would be another in that category.</p>