The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), founded in 1867, is one of the leading public research universities in the United States and the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system. Located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, the university offers a dynamic and expansive academic environment.

As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), UIUC is internationally recognized for excellence in research and innovation. The university is particularly strong in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Agricultural Sciences, Physics, Psychology, and Information Sciences. The Grainger College of Engineering and its Computer Science programs are consistently ranked among the top in the nation.

Academically, UIUC comprises numerous colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Gies College of Business, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and School of Information Sciences. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages undergraduate research participation.

UIUC has made significant contributions to technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Many leaders in technology and industry are alumni of the university. Strong partnerships with corporations, research institutes, and government agencies provide students with valuable internship and career opportunities.

The campus community is diverse and globally engaged, with a substantial international student population. Students benefit from a wide range of student organizations, research laboratories, and global exchange programs.

Combining academic excellence with a strong culture of innovation, UIUC prepares students to become globally minded professionals and impactful leaders in an ever-evolving world.

What are University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looking for?

We consider many factors when making an admission decision. Most applications receive at least 2 readings, and we check all preliminary decisions to ensure a high level of consistency.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.

Major-Specific Prompts

As part of your application, you will answer two to three prompts. The specific questions you receive depend on whether you are applying directly to a major or to the Undeclared Program, and whether you have selected a second-choice major. Each response should be approximately 150 words.

Within the Common App, you can find our major-specific writing prompts under the “Writing” tab in the supplemental questions section after adding the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as one of your colleges.

If You're Applying to a Major:

1. Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This may be from an extracurricular activity, a class you’ve taken, or another relevant experience.

2. Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from Illinois and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If You're Applying to the Undeclared Program in the Division of Exploratory Studies:

1. What are your academic interests? Please include two to three majors you are considering at Illinois and explain why.

2. What are your future academic or career goals? You may reference courses you took in high school and how they influenced your goals.

If You've Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared):

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or describe your broader academic and career goals.

Essay Prompts

In addition to the major-specific questions, you will answer one general essay prompt as part of your application. Choose and respond to one prompt from the full list available on the Common App website. Your response should be between 250 and 650 words.