@2manybooks That is indeed true . I can assure that the journals are highly ranked. One paper was even accepted in IEEE International conference. Not that you insinuated that I published in those predatory journals but just clarifying for other people who may come upon this thread and discussion. I also hope that those recommendations will add credibility to my credentials.
@woogzmama Yes now that I read your comment I realise it is indeed true. Not UIUC not UC’s accepted additional recommendations. Among public only UMich accepted it.
I am concerned about reputation of institute because I want to pursue a career in research and the funding is invariably determined by the reputation of institution. Undergrad research is already scarce so only top universities have provision have for it.
@tiwari124 - Excellent! 
I’m so thrilled to hear that - really. IEEE conferences and journals are near and dear to my heart - good for you! And yes - that should definitely add credibility to your applications.
FWIW - I also participate in interviewing, both interns and regular candidates, for my employer. I can’t name them, but you know them. I’m personally always interested in looking for applicants from places other than the obvious ones. When you get a whole pile of people who worked in the same program, under the same advisers, doing the same research, you are often lacking the different perspectives that are really necessary for well-functioning, diverse teams. If I see 10 applicants from [Insert “prestigious” School Here] and one from [“Huh - Haven’t seen that place in awhile!”] - I will look more at the outlier. If you’re looking for a career in research, really distinguishing yourself at one institution, standing out above the field there, can make it a lot easier to get a grad lab spot.
Whatever happens - all my best to you. Get in where you can and work your hardest. Your SAT/ACT scores really won’t define your life.
@2manybooks Thank you for the compliment and encouragement .
I will keep that in mind small institutions may give more creative freedom . I understand what you say now. I will try to succeed in whatever college I end up in! Thank you very much.
CS at UIUC is very tough to be admitted into. I’m hearing of students with better grades and test scores than OP who were rejected as well.
I second the recommendation that you apply to Purdue University.
Also consider less selective state schools for “safety” schools. Right now, all of the schools on your list have very selective admissions.
For example, Southern Illinois University, Illinois State, or University of IL-Chicago.
If you wait a year, and apply for Fall 2017, you would get a merit scholarship at Southern IL U, to help cut down the cost. You may be eligible at IL State as well, but the deadline is November 15 for both of these schools; you’d need to apply for next fall to get the scholarship.
Consider looking at other state’s public schools that are NOT the flagship, or main, campus. For example, Missouri State, Michigan State, Kansas State, Louisiana State, you get the idea…
(make sure to check if they have CS as a major!)
With your ACT score, you’d be in the top percentage of incoming freshmen at many of the smaller state schools and you could qualify for merit aid.
But it may be too late in the year, this year, to apply for merit awards at these. But you could reapply next year.
Check the school’s websites for deadlines in applying, and for being eligible for merit awards. Maybe you could apply this year, still…
@tiwari124 You do have a lot of selective, and/or very expensive schools. UC schools are very hard enough to get into and California has little $ to spare for aid, for any but the very top applicants. But you still have time to consider other options, but you must move very quickly, if you want to give your self more options, or “safety” but very good schools. As long as you earn high grades, where you do your graduate work is much more important, in the long run.
Check out this website: http://www.collegesimply.com/guides/application-deadlines/
Among the schools that are still accepting applications is Rose Hulman Institute of Technology: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/
Make sure you look at the Common Data Set 2015 or 2014, to see information about admissions and financial aid. Each school in the US completes one each year. You’ll get the most current and accurate information about your chances of admission and aid from there.
Best of luck to you !
Apply to private not public, public schools will screw you with the price tag.
Look at only private schools and apply to the ones that give scholarship.
STOP LOOKING AT UC’s, they are great schools, yes. But you can get just as good if not better education at small lacs
UCLA has 73% graduation rate in 4 years, which is lower than mid tier lacs.
That proves that while it may educate great minds, it will also not be a guranteed success school.
RPI or SIT or RIT are great schools that would give you aid and not murder your credit and bank account, look into those.