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Counselor FAQ

1. Will a student have an advantage if he or she applies apply during the priority filing period?
   • Possibly. Applicants may have an advantage when an application is received during the priority filing period. While we are open to receive applications for all programs until January 2, admission after November 1 may be more competitive. Also, students who apply during priority filing will receive an admission decision in December; those who do not will receive an admission decision in February.
2. How are the admissions criteria weighted?
   • The heaviest weight is given to objective academic criteria, i.e. grades, class rank, and test scores. Subjective factors such as extracurricular involvement and essays will not compensate for major deficits in academic credentials, but can make an impact on the admission decision both positively or negatively.
3. The application asks about activities outside the classroom.  Is there a minimum number of activities, honors, or volunteer hours you are looking for?
   • No, we are not looking for a specific number of hours or types of activities.  We are looking for a student who will take advantage of the many opportunities available at Illinois. Participation in extracurricular activities in high school will be a positive factor in the admission review, but not at the expense of the academic criteria. 
4. Is ACT Writing required?
   • Yes, the writing is required.
5. Do you accept letters of recommendation?
   • We do not require letters of recommendation, and our preference is that they NOT be included in your application materials. You may be thinking, “Well it can’t hurt to send them anyway.” We review thousands of applications each year.  Sending unsolicited materials can be distracting to the reader. More is not better.The only time a letter of recommendation is helpful is when a student has had extenuating circumstances that are verified by a high school counselor. 
6. Do you use legacy in the admissions process?
   • Being a legacy can be considered during the admissions process; however, your academic performance, test scores, and essays carry the most weight for admission.
7. If a student is denied his or her first choice can the student apply for another major?
   • On the application, students may only apply to one program; however, they will automatically be considered for other related majors including undeclared in the Division of General Studies, if they are not selected for admission to their first choice. The review will happen automatically without any further input required from the student. If a student is denied admission, the student has already been reviewed for that second choice option.

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