College-Specific Criteria

Each college looks for different qualities to ensure a student is a good fit with a particular program.

For Computer Science + X majors, students must show interest in the plus part of the major in addition to Computer Science.

College of Agricultural, Consumer, & Environmental Sciences

  • Experiences related to the major
  • Strong math and science coursework and performance for most majors
  • Agricultural and Consumer Economics: Calculus preferred (if available at high school) and strong social science and business-related coursework and performance

College of Applied Health Sciences

  • Understanding of the major and career options
  • Leadership experiences
  • Kinesiology, Speech and Hearing Science: Strong science coursework and performance

Gies College of Business

  • Strong math coursework and performance
  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school) over statistics
  • Leadership experiences
  • Commitment to activities (don’t have to be related to business)

College of Education

Licensure Majors

  • Illinois State Board of Education testing information
  • Strong English coursework and performance
  • Elementary Education: Interest and experience in working with young children
  • Special Education: Interest and experience in working with special-needs students of any age

Non-Licensure Majors

  • Learning and Education Studies: Interest in a career in education outside of teaching

College of Engineering

  • Strong math and science coursework and performance
  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
  • Math and science-related experiences, including scientific discovery beyond the classroom
  • Interest in improving society through engineering
  • First-Year Engineering Undeclared: Essay demonstrating an interest in exploring multiple areas within engineering

College of Fine & Applied Arts

  • Architectural Studies: Strong math coursework and performance
  • Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies and Planning: Strong social science coursework and performance
  • Fine arts majors: Strong talent review (audition or portfolio)

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences 

  • Strong coursework and grades related to the area of study

College of Media

  • Strong English and humanities coursework and performance
  • AP English Language or AP English Literature preferred (if available at high school)
  • Experience in newspaper, yearbook, broadcasting, blogging, or using social media for promotion
  • Advertising: Strong math performance

Division of General Studies

  • Interest in exploring majors and academic interests or interest in nursing

School of Social Work

  • Interest in helping people, being a change agent, and making a difference with organizations and communities
  • Understanding of the major and social work values
  • Leadership experience and commitment to activities
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