What did you do to get into U of I?

Hi ! I am currently close to the end of my junior year in high school so college search is the most stressful part right now. I was wondering what did some of you do in high school to get into U of I ? That is my top pick considering this is the state I live in and could get more financial support … but I don’t think my chances are very high. I really messed up my gpa, going from a 4.0 (but really easy classes) to a 3.1 (multiple honors classes and one Ap class), and my highest SAT score is 1120, but I am still rising the score on this exam significantly as well as trying the ACT anytime soon. On the opposite side, I was really involved in activities that proved my leadership ability such as football, program meant to help freshman in their high school career, etc… Any suggestions what I could do to raise my chances ?

Improving and maintaining very good grades and earning higher test scores are very important. Concurrently, keep up with EC and other activities. Look at the average GPAs and test scores from students admitted in the last few years to set your target.

Financial support is not good at U of I, but instate tuition is cheaper than full pay private or out-of-state publics. For the better than average student (ACT>31), schools like MiamiOH give discounts (called merit) so that they are cheaper or comparable to UI. Acceptance to business and STEM majors is competitive to ultracompetitive, your grades and scores probably not up to par for those majors. You can’t look at overall average GPA and test scores to judge your chances. Admissions process there not known for being particularly holistic.

Depends what majors you’re looking at. But generally the university cares mostly about good test scores and a high GPA. If you’re looking to go in-state ISU and UIC are both inexpensive but good options.

While it is a good school, it is not exactly hard to get into. I got a 1180 on my SAT. My grades got better over the years so I can’t really say if they just thought my average was good enough, or if I got in because my major is less competitive (Creative Writing), or because they liked to see that I improved. Seems like your GPA went down because your classes got harder, which is okay! My freshman year I had really easy classes, and an average GPA. By my junior year I put my batteries on and I had more advanced classes and a much better unweighted and weighted GPA (weird that I got better grades as my classes got harder but whatever). Can’t remember exactly but my junior year GPA must’ve been from 3.5-4.2 and senior year it’s going from 3.9-4.8. Also, my extracurriculars aren’t great either. Fresh-Soph I did nothing and Junior year (once again me trying to fix all my past mistakes and laziness in one year) I did like 3-4 clubs that didn’t correlate at all. I recommend you to join clubs that follow a certain theme, something that you like, not just some random clubs to add into your application because that can be noticeable. I also got a lot of service hours junior-senior.

As you can see me in Fresh-Soph years I did not try much. Junior year is when I really started to do stuff and I still got in. What major are you interested in? Your chances of getting in depends a lot in that too. It’s much more difficult to get in their Engineering program than their Creative Writing program for example.

Perhaps, if you can visit campus, take in everything you can and attend some information sessions for your intended major. Afterwards, reference your visit in your short answers and essays. I think that may have helped my daughter stand out. It will also help you to decide if UIUC is a good place for you.