Guide to Applying to University of Illinois Urbana Champaign as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree
Introduction
The University of Illinois located at Urbana Champaign is a public land grant university. It is famous for research and is classified as “R1” by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is a member of the Association of American Universities. After Harvard University, Illinois University holds the second-largest university library in the US. Spread over a whopping area of 6,370 acres, the university has 16 schools and colleges and offers more than 150 undergraduate programs. There are 30 Nobel laureates and 2 Turing Award recipients associated with the University of Illinois.
English Proficiency Test Requirements
As an international student applying from a country where the dominant language isn’t English, you would have to submit test scores of either the TOEFL or the IELTS test. When applying you have to submit the highest TOEFL or IELTS test scores along with the highest subscores.
Reference: https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/process
ACT/SAT Requirements
Mentioned below are the estimated score ranges of the ACT and SAT test scores that got students admission to the university. This is provided as a reference so that you can evaluate where you stand in the university admission process.
| Test | Score Range | Average Score Required |
| ACT | 1-36 | 26 – 32 |
| SAT | 400-1600 | 1310 – 1480 |
Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
The tuition fee may slightly vary if the university makes changes in the fee and the cost of living for an average student. The cost of living will depend completely upon the location you live in and the expenses you have. Consider these values an estimate and check out Illinois University’s official website for the tuition fee before applying.
| Annual Cost | In US Dollars | In Indian Rupees |
| Tuition Fee | $ 31,988 | ₹ 22,39,160 |
| Living Expenses | $ 15,348 | ₹ 10,74,360 |
| Total | $ 47,336 | ₹ 33,13,520 |
The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1 = ₹70. The cost may vary with the varying exchange rate.
Application Portal
For international applicants, the steps for applying are the same as those for freshmen applicants but you would have to submit some additional documents as mentioned here https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/international. After gathering all your documents, visit the application portal by navigating to this link https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/freshman. Freshmen can either apply through myIllini or the Coalition Application and the University of Illinois considers both without preference.
Essay Prompts
The essay prompts for the University of Illinois are as follows:
Essay Prompt 1 (Word limit 300-400)
“Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals. If you’re applying to the Division of General Studies, explain your academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. You may include any majors or areas of study you’re currently considering.”
Essay Prompt 2 (Word limit 300-400)
“If you select a second-choice major other than the Division of General Studies on your application, write a second essay explaining your interest in this major, too.”
The University of Illinois has some tips on their official website. Be sure to check them out here https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/essays before attempting your essays.
College Application Deadlines
All applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM CDT and the students applying to the University of Illinois Early Action deadline will be given first preference for merit awards, honor programs and will have a greater chance of getting their preferred major.
| Application Deadline | Decision Notification | |
| Early Action | November 1 | December 13 |
| Regular Decision | January 5 | February 28 |
Conclusion
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is best known for its engineering school and has a lot to offer in terms of academics and campus life. To get into this university, all you need is to have a strong application and essays that make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. UniRely’s student mentors are studying at top universities around the world. Since they’re students who have gone through the process themselves, they know best what got them admission to their university. Keep track of deadlines by using the Uni Comparison feature and get access to hundreds of student essays which will help you in shaping yours. Sign up at UniRely and talk to student mentors!
