Why was I rejected?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
1

I thought I stood a chance

GPA: 3.96 unweighted
AP: 8 total, all 4s and 5s
ACT: 33 math, 36 english, 30 reading, 34 science
SAT: 720 math, 650 reading, 650 writing
My essays were good according to my english teacher and counselor

I had a ton of activities (ranging from MUN, chem club vice-president, over 15 contests, internships, taekwondo black belt, musical instruments for a combined total of 16 years.

I have a few theories as to why I was denied - can someone tell me if it’s possible?

  1. I’m out of state (washington)
  2. My first major picked was computer science (engineering dep), and I didn’t put any for second major. I then submitted an appeal for them to consider me in comp sci and math (natural sciences I think), and also general admission. This was denied
  3. My race/religion? (asian/muslim - both are mentioned on my essay)

I’m kinda stressed that I was denied - and I have no idea why :frowning:

2

CS is getting extremely competitive at UIUC (average ACT was 34.5 last year). It’s definitely not because of your race/religion. Did you have any CS-related activities?

3

Yeah I had volunteering and paid experience teaching computer science to kids at schools - also why wouldn’t they consider me for DGS?

4

Yield, maybe?
DGS seems to be there so that they can offer admission to a high-percentage of in-state kids.
They probably think that the chances of you accepting DGS when the chances of transferring to CS is close to zero are also close to zero.

5

^ I was thinking yield, too. They may think you have Washington CS as a more affordable alternative.

6

@Grompe I am pretty sure you were one of the best candidates in the pool. However, there are only limited spots available, and there are also too many qualified applicants. Majority of the kids will be rejected for sure. It is just like a lottery system at certain point. Unfortunately, you are one of the unlucky ones.

Take a deep breath and move on. You are a smart kid. You will have a bright future! Good luck!

7

It was because you didn’t put down a second major. They don’t consider you for DGS if you don’t put down a second major. CS is always selective and this year was particularly so. Also I don’t believe they consider appeals for selecting a different major, I was considering doing one, and the instructions on the appeal page mentioned something about it.

8

As others mentioned, the issue is that you only picked CS. I suspect if you picked most any other major you would have been accepted.

Not sure where else you applied but you appear to be very smart with great opportunities ahead wherever you end up.

9

I am on the same boat as you. I also got rejected from CS in engineering and I didnt list a second major either. I filed an appeal to be considered for a different major but havent heard back yet. Do they send you an email or do I have to keep checking on myillini? when did you file the appeal?

10

@Bio10Grad I got into UW direct admit for CSE !! :smiley:

11

So I went on a visit and they told me that you would only be considered for DGS if you put down a second choice major. Even if you didn’t have a second choice major, if you put DGS, you would still be considered for it. Personally, I think it’s weird.