How Admission Works
Learn how we review applications and how admission decisions are made.
Key Things to Know
Holistic app review: No single factor determines admission.
Context matters: We review your application based on what was available to you.
Academics are central: We also consider your story, experiences, and perspective
Applicant type matters: First-year and transfer review differs slightly.
Decision outcomes vary: You may see options beyond admit or deny (defer, waitlist).
Our Review Approach
Our process is holistic, meaning we look at the full picture of who you are.
Academics
We start by making sure you’ve completed required coursework, then look at:
- The rigor of classes available to you and the ones you chose
- Your performance over time
- Your current or most recent coursework
Fit With Your Major
We consider how your background, interests, and goals align with the major you selected.
Some programs have specific expectations or prerequisites.
Explore MajorsYour Interests & Activities
What you do outside the classroom helps us understand what matters to you.
We look for qualities like:
- Curiosity
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Motivation
- Perseverance
Depth matters more than quantity, so focus on what’s meaningful to you.
Your Context
We review your achievements based on your environment, including:
- Your school and available opportunities
- Your community and lived experience
- Whether you’re first-generation or a veteran
Your Story
Your application is more than a list of accomplishments.
Your essays are a place to share your story, passions, and ideas, as well as any context behind your academic path.
View Essay PromptsDifferences for First-Year vs. Transfer Applicants
While our overall approach is the same, a few things differ depending on when you apply.
First-Year Applicants
- Greater emphasis on high school coursework and performance
- Senior-year courses are important
- Test scores are considered if you choose to submit them
- Responses and essays help us understand your academic interests and direction
Transfer Applicants
- Primary focus on college coursework and required classes for your major
- Missing prerequisites is the most common reason for denial
- If you have fewer than 36 transferable credits, we may also review high school performance
- Your essay should clearly explain your academic goals or intended area of study
- Admission may depend on space available in the major
Admission Decisions Explained
Admitted
You’re invited to join Illinois!
Your next steps will appear in your admitted student checklist.
If you’re admitted to your second-choice major, it means space was limited in your first choice. You’ll automatically be considered (wait listed) for your first-choice program.
Deferred
Your application is strong, and we want to review it again with the full applicant pool.
- Final decisions are released later
- We typically don’t accept additional materials (with limited exceptions)
- Applications are reviewed again in full
Wait-Listed
We received more qualified applicants than we have space for.
- The wait list is not ranked
- We admit students as space becomes available
- Selection depends on the needs of the incoming class
Denied
We know this can be difficult. Many programs are highly competitive, and space is limited.
If Illinois is still your goal, you may consider applying later as a transfer student after building a strong college record.
Explore Paths to Illinois