<p>I know that I'm a crapshot in terms of getting into ENG. I know that its highly selective and that I'm a bit off in terms of my achievements and academic records.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.3UW in 3rd most competitve public HS in IL
All honors classes and 6 APs - Bio, US, Euro, Stat, English & Comp, Environmental Science
School does not Rank - but in the top 50% for sure (which isn't saying much)
ACT: 29 (taking SATs to see how I do)
EC: 2yrs Track & CrossCountry, 2yrs volunteering at Rush-University Hospital, 2yrs orchestra...in general not amazing ECs.</p>
<p>I'm applying during the priorty filing period - I'll be turning in my application within a week or so. I'm really working hard on the two essays because I know my chances are going to be dependent on them.</p>
<p>So what do you guys think? Do I stand a chance of getting into ENG with 2 good essays? Also, how does the "if you're not selected for your preferred program...consider me for general studies" option work? Is it like if I don't get into ENG they'll immediately consider me for general studies?</p>
<p>I say your chances are moderately low... Your ACT and class rank(assuming its top 50%) is lower than the engineering college average. </p>
<p>If you do get admitted as General Curriculum, you will have to progress through the transfer guidelines suggested by the engineering department.<br>
You will have to successfully complete college physics, math, chemistry, and maintain a solid GPA (3.0 and above).</p>
<p>Chances for engineering are very weak; chances for LAS are also low. Class rank/test score are two most important factors (when school does not rank they estimate it). For entry class of 2007, middle 50% range for engineering was 30 to 33 ACT and top 10% to top 2% class rank. Even for LAS (which has general studies -- the classification for undecided) the middle 50% range was 26 to 31 ACT (for which you are fine) but top 16% to top 4% class rank. Moreover, 91% of students admitted to the university as a whole were in the top 25% class rank.</p>
<p>That does not mean you should not apply. If you apply eng and are rejected by it, LAS will then consider you for admission as an undecided if you check on your application that you desire to be considered for general studies. Your ACT is better than average for LAS, they consider difficulty of curriculum (having honors and APs will thus help), and essays can help if they consider you borderline. Your class rank is your weakness and, as a result, you need to consider UIUC a significant reach regardless of whether you apply Eng or LAS. Apply because you have some chance, but do not be shocked if rejected.</p>
<p>The only reason why my UW GPA is so low is because of the fact that I've taken all Honors classes and 6 APs. Bs are only worth 3 for the UW GPA - and thats what I mostly get in my APs and a few of my honors classes. </p>
<p>It sounds like an excuse but when I'm taking the most difficult courses available...</p>
<p>I think taking less competitive classes and maintaining a higher GPA is more beneficial for admission than taking harder classes and having lower GPA.</p>
<p>Hmm just wondering what the 3rd most competitive public hs in Illinois is, I go to one in the top 5 for sure, just wondering how you came up with that.</p>
<p>As for your chances, I think they are slightly better than people are giving you credit for, especially as an undecided.</p>
<p>My UW is about 3.4, I have taken mostly honors classes, go to one of the top IL public schools, probably very similar to yours, and I'm in the top 15%, so your class rank is probably better than you give yourself credit for. Ask if your school has a class percentage chart like mine has instead of class rank.</p>
<p>I saw plenty of admits with 3.2 GPA's/26 ACT type stats from my school, so I would say you actually have a decent shot.</p>
<p>I'm a student at Whitney Young in Chicago - behind New Trier and Northside College Prep and tied with Payton College Prep</p>
<p>The ranking is based upon PSAT scores from last year. (I have no clue how the rankings are this year...I can probably ask a freshie since the school loves to brag about it).</p>
<p>I actually talked to my counselor today and she stated that I was in the 4th decile. </p>
<p>My only hope is that the admissions officer takes a good look at the kind of classes I'm taking since they are known to be the most difficult in school (a few particular APs are notorious for dragging GPAs down).</p>
<p>OP, I had the same stats as you. 29 ACT. Cross country for a couple years, etc. Same unweighted GPA. 2 differences are:</p>
<ul>
<li>I did not take the absolute hardest classes</li>
<li>I was in the top 10%, weighted.</li>
</ul>
<p>Soooo I got in, and I'd say as long as yr essays stand out, you'll have good chances! Try to rank higher is all I'd say, and concentrate on a better ACT than SAT (though still take the SAT I guess).</p>