Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

How to Apply as a First-Year Applicant

1. Gather your application materials.

Before starting the application, be sure to have a copy of your high school transcript, any test score results you're planning to include, and a credit card if you plan to pay the application fee upon submission.

high school students looking at a tablet

2. Complete your application.

You'll provide your high school courses/grades, choose your major and a second choice, complete our writing prompts, and list your extracurricular activities, honors, and awards. You can also decide whether you want us to use your ACT/SAT scores in our review. We'll use all information submitted with your application to determine admission into campus honors programs and award merit-based scholarships.

Courses & Grades

List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. If you're applying through Common App, we'll email you a link to report this information after you submit the application. We'll require an official transcript only if you enroll at UIUC.

Test Scores (if provided)

We are test-optional, meaning you're not required to submit ACT and/or SAT test results when you apply. Depending on whether or not you report ACT or SAT scores, a TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test may be required.

ACT/SAT

If you choose to report your scores, enter your highest test scores for the ACT composite and/or the SAT total without super-scoring, along with the highest sub-scores you earned in each category regardless of test date. We don't require or use the ACT writing test. We'll require official scores only if you enroll at UIUC. Our SAT code is 1836, and our ACT code is 1154.

TOEFL iBT/IELTS/Duolingo English Test

If you're including these scores, you should report your highest TOEFL iBT (do not use MyBest score), IELTS Academic, IELTS or Indicator, or Duolingo English Test score and highest sub-scores, regardless of test date. Test scores that will be used to fulfill the English proficiency requirement must be taken within two years of the applicant's date of enrollment in the university. The Duolingo English Test and the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition will be accepted for fall 2024, but a decision has not been made for future terms.

We'll require official scores only if you enroll at UIUC. Our TOEFL iBT code is 1836. IELTS scores should be sent electronically via your testing center to the following account name: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Undergraduate. Duolingo English Test scores should be sent electronically to the following account name: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Undergraduate Admissions.

3. Pay the application fee.

When you submit the application, you'll pay a nonrefundable fee by credit card. If you're a domestic student who qualifies for a fee waiver, your guidance counselor must submit our fee waiver form. We must receive a fee or fee waiver form by our deadlines for your application to be considered complete.

  • Domestic Fee: $50
  • International Fee: $75

4. See if you have further application requirements.

Depending on the major you're applying to, you may have a few more things to do.

International Applicants

You should also be aware of some additional information and requirements.

Art & Design Applicants

You will also need to submit a portfolio. More information is available through the School of Art and Design or by calling 217-244-8462.

Dance Applicants

You will also need to complete an audition. More information is available through the Department of Dance or by calling 217-333-1010.

Music Applicants

You will also need to complete a music application and audition or interview. More information is available through the School of Music or by calling 217-244-7899.

Theatre Applicants

You will also need to interview and complete an audition or portfolio review. More information is available through the Department of Theatre or by calling 217-333-2371.

5. Check your status.

Once you've submitted your application, check its status by clicking on your application in myIllini.

Common App Applicants

If you already have a myIllini account, you can use it to view your status. If you don't have a myIllini account, we'll create one for you and you'll receive an email a few days after submitting your application with instructions on how to access it.

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