How to Apply: First-Year
Start Your App
Get Your Materials
Have these items ready before you start your application:
- A copy of your transcript
- Any test scores you want to include
- A credit card if you plan to pay the application fee when you submit
Complete Your Application
Apply through the Common App.
- After you submit your Common App, we’ll email you a link to enter your courses and grades from high school.
- Everything you submit helps us review you for admission, honors programs, and merit scholarships.
What Goes Into Your Application
Major Choices
You’ll choose your first‑choice major and an optional second‑choice major.
Pro tip: Choose majors you’re genuinely interested in, since this can affect your review.
Browse MajorsEssays
You’ll write answers to a few prompts about your interests, experiences, and goals.
Pro tip: Use your own voice and answer honestly. There aren’t any right answers.
View Essay PromptsActivities, Honors & Awards
Share what you’ve been involved in both inside and outside of school.
Pro tip: Include clubs, jobs, family responsibilities, volunteering, or anything else that’s meaningful to you.
See Why This MattersTest Scores
Illinois is test‑optional. You can choose whether to include ACT or SAT scores.
If you do include ACT or SAT scores…
- Report your highest ACT composite and/or highest SAT total (no super-scoring).
- Report your highest sub‑scores, even if they’re from different test dates.
- We don’t use the ACT writing test.
- We’ll only need official scores if you enroll.
- SAT code: 1836
- ACT code: 1154
If you do not include ACT or SAT scores…
- You may need to submit an English‑language test.
If you submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores…
- Report your highest overall score and highest sub‑scores, regardless of test date. Don’t use MyBest for TOEFL.
- Scores must be taken within two years of your enrollment date.
- The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is accepted for fall 2026 only, at this time.
- We’ll only need official scores if you enroll.
- TOEFL code: 1836
- IELTS: Send electronically to “University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Undergraduate”
- Duolingo: Send electronically to “University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Undergraduate Admissions”
Pay the Application Fee
The application fee is $75.
If you qualify for a fee waiver, your counselor must send our fee‑waiver form by the deadline.
Learn About Fee Waivers
Submit Your Courses & Grades
After you submit the Common App, we’ll email you a link to self-report this information.
- List your classes and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript.
- We only need an official transcript if you enroll.
Check for Extra Steps
Some applicants require additional materials.
International Applicants
International applicants have a few additional steps to apply.
International RequirementsArt & Design Applicants
You must submit a portfolio.
Portfolio GuidelinesQuestions? Contact the School of Art and Design or call 217‑244‑8462.
Dance Applicants
You must complete an audition.
Audition RequirementsQuestions? Contact the Department of Dance or call 217‑333‑1010.
Music Applicants
You must submit a separate music application and complete an audition or interview, depending on your program.
RequirementsQuestions? Contact the School of Music or call 217‑244‑7899.
Theatre Applicants
You must complete an interview and either an audition or a portfolio review, depending on your program.
RequirementsQuestions? Contact the Department of Theatre or call 217‑333‑2371.
Track your application
A few days after you submit the Common App, we’ll create your myIllini account.
We’ll email you instructions for logging in so you can check your status and follow your progress.
Check Your Status