Freshman Application Procedures

Get familiar with the application process and the necessary items you need to submit.

As an applicant, it is your responsibility to know the application requirements, to submit the necessary materials, and to monitor the status of your application online.

Two Ways to Apply

1. Apply online.
   Recommended. When you apply online you create an ID and PIN, which enables you to check your application status after submitting your application.
2. Submit a paper application to:
   Office of Undergraduate Admissions
   University of Illinois
   901 W. Illinois St., Suite 103
   Urbana, IL 61801-3445

Necessary Items to Complete Your Application

• Accurate email address. We send important information via e-mail. Please submit an address that will be checked frequently and notify the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you change it.
• Major selection. Browse our list of majors and concentrations. If you’re undecided about a major, you can apply to the Division of General Studies. You may only apply to one program; however, you will automatically be considered for other programs, including the Division of General Studies, if you are not admitted to your first choice.
• Essays. Two essays of no more than 300 words each are required in the application. We want to read about you, what interests you and why. After the essays are completed, ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to proofread and provide feedback. Remember, they should not write for you, but help catch misspellings and give suggestions.
• List of Activities, Work Experience, Community Service, & Honors/Awards. List the most important and meaningful experiences you’ve had and honors earned during high school for each question.
• Application Fee. Please submit a nonrefundable $50 application fee ($60 for international applicants), payable to the University of Illinois, or a completed fee waiver from your high school guidance counselor.
• Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
  • The SRAR is an online form on which an applicant provides the information traditionally found on an official high school transcript, such as courses taken, level of courses taken, and grades. Students must have a copy of their transcript on hand when completing the SRAR. Students should allow 30 minutes to fully complete the SRAR.
  • You cannot begin the SRAR unless you have started our online application or submitted a paper application. We recommend that you do not complete the SRAR until you have completed and submitted your application.
  • To assist in completing the SRAR, we suggest that you watch this video and/or complete the worksheet.
  • Do NOT send any official transcripts or supporting documentation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. If a student is admitted to the University and accepts his or her offer of admission, an official transcript must then be sent to the University so that the SRAR can be verified.
  • To qualify for Priority Admission, the SRAR must be submitted by November 1. For Regular Admission, it must be submitted by January 12.
• Official test scores. Standardized test scores are required for admission review: either ACT (code 1154) or SAT 1 (code 1836) scores are accepted. To qualify for Priority Admission, test scores must be received by November 1. For Regular Admission, they must be received by January 12. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Copies of student score reports will not be accepted. 

Actors, Artists, Dancers, and Musicians

Please submit an Undergraduate Application for Admission prior to completing the program-specific requirements.

• Art and design applicants must submit a portfolio. Instructions and forms are available on the Art and Design website or call 217.333.6632.
• Dance applicants must complete an audition. Information on completing this requirement is available on the Department of Dance website or call 217.333.1010.
• Music applicants must complete an audition and/or interview. For specific requirements, to schedule the audition/interview, and complete the supplemental music application visit the School of Music website or contact the Music Admissions Office at 217.244.7899.
• Theatre applicants must complete an interview and an audition or portfolio review. Information on completing these requirements is available on the Department of Theatre website or call 217.333.2371.

Other Important Application Information

• Checking the status of your application. Once you receive acknowledgement of receipt from us, you should check the status of your application. Please allow several days for us to match your academic records with your application. 
• Unsolicited information.  Please do not send unsolicited information such as letters of recommendation.  That documentation will NOT be added to your file.   
• Honors Programs. Your Undergraduate Application for Admission is the same application used for admission into all campus honors programs. Admission into honors programs is determined by a combination of GPA, test scores, rigor of coursework, and strength of essays. If you’re interested in being accepted to an honors program, the best way to approach the application is with care and attention to detail. Priority for honors programs may be given to applicants who apply during the Priority Filing Period. If you’re selected to an honors program, you’ll receive notification directly from the program by April 1. Read more about honors.
• Merit-Based Scholarships. Your Undergraduate Application for Admission is the same application used for all merit-based scholarships. You will automatically be considered for scholarships when you apply. Priority for scholarships may be given to applicants who apply during the Priority Filing Period. Our scholarships are granted to students based on academic achievement and are awarded by individual colleges and departments. If you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll receive notification directly from the department by April. Read more about scholarships.
• Need-Based Aid. For consideration of need-based aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. Our priority date to apply for need-based aid is March 15. For more information, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Federal School Code for Illinois is 001775.