The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, commonly known as UIUC, recently welcomed its largest freshman class ever, now catering to around 34,000 undergraduate students. Renowned for its top-tier engineering, business, and computer science programs nationwide, UIUC attracts exceptionally talented applicants from various corners of the globe. As the Fighting Illini continues to draw a plethora of high-caliber students, it becomes increasingly crucial for prospective applicants to grasp the landscape they’re entering.
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Acceptance Rate?
In the 2022-23 academic year, the incoming first-year class at UIUC comprised 8,303 students, contributing to a university-wide enrollment milestone. These students were chosen from a pool of 47,593 applicants, resulting in a 60% acceptance rate. Comparatively, in the previous cycle, the institution admitted 63% of the 43,473 undergraduate candidates who applied.
The acceptance rates for the Class of 2025 varied across different applicant categories:
- Residents: 67%
- Non-Residents (U.S.): 57%
- International: 50%
What is The UIUC SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank?
For the Class of 2025 at UIUC, the enrolled students boasted an average unweighted GPA of 3.67, a mean SAT score of 1410, and a mean ACT score of 31. In the preceding year, 52% ranked in the top decile of their high school class, 86% were in the top quartile, and 99% were in the top half.
It’s worth highlighting that the academic criteria for admission to different colleges within UIUC may vary based on the specific college or program.
What is The Admission Insights at The UIUC?
Here are some notable admissions trends and statistics for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:
- 1,352 students in the Class of 2025 hailed from 44 U.S. states outside of Illinois.
- The Class of 2025 welcomed 1,112 international students from 42 countries, showing an increase from 954 in 2019, just before the onset of the pandemic.
- Underrepresented minority groups accounted for 20% of the freshmen in the 2022-23 academic year.
- First-generation students constituted another 20% of the Class of 2025.
- During the previous admissions cycle, the university adopted a test-optional policy, and despite this option, 58% of students who enrolled in the Class of 2025 chose to submit their test scores.
What is The UIUC Demographics?
Here’s a breakdown of the demographics of UIUC undergraduates for the Class of 2025:
Geographically, the majority of students come from Illinois, followed by:
- California: 459
- New Jersey: 152
- Texas: 80
- New York: 61
- Virginia: 55
- Washington: 51
- Massachusetts: 42
- Georgia: 34
- Florida: 33
- Missouri: 32
- Pennsylvania: 32
Ethnically, the composition of first-year students is as follows:
- Asian American: 26%
- Hispanic: 13%
- African American: 5%
- International: 14%
- White: 36%
International students represent 42 countries, with significant representation from:
- China
- India
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
In terms of gender, there are more men than women currently on campus:
- Male: 54%
- Female: 46%
What is The UIUC Yield Rate?
UIUC’s yield rate, which indicates the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll, stands at 29%. In comparison, other flagship public institutions like UT-Austin boast a higher yield rate of 46%, while UGA comes in at 45%, and Ohio State’s rate is similar at 30%.
What is The Admission Criteria at The UIUC?
UIUC prioritizes an applicant’s GPA and the rigor of their secondary school record as “very important” factors in their admissions process. Additionally, standardized test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability are considered “important” elements.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UIUC implemented a test-optional policy for the 2020-21 admissions cycle, extending it to those applying for admission in the 2023-24 academic year.
In the admissions office’s own words: “Consistent achievement at the highest level is the best demonstration of strong academic performance. After confirming you’ve taken our required years of coursework, we review your courses and grades, recognizing that different high schools provide different levels of opportunity. We recommend taking the most challenging coursework available at your high school, provided you can be successful. Grades earned later in your high school career have more of an impact on your admission decision than grades earned freshman year, and in-progress coursework is also evaluated, so continue to work hard and take challenging classes your senior year.”
The UIUC Application Process Key Tips
If you’re considering applying to UIUC among the 47,000+ applicants for the next admissions cycle, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- UIUC does not conduct interviews, so your essays are crucial for personalizing your application.
- UIUC does not factor in “demonstrated interest,” meaning visiting campus or engaging on social media won’t impact your chances.
- The Priority Admission Deadline is November 1, while the Regular Decision deadline is January 5.
- You can apply through the Common App, Coalition App, or myIllini platform.
- Pay close attention to the short answer prompts, with responses limited to 150 words each. Dedicate enough time and effort to make them count.
Conclusion
UIUC stands as a beacon of academic excellence, drawing in a diverse pool of applicants from across the globe. As you navigate the admissions process, keep in mind the unique characteristics and requirements of UIUC. With careful planning, thoughtful essays, and attention to deadlines, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for admission to this esteemed institution. Good luck on your journey to becoming a Fighting Illini!