Help With Applying
Applying Through Common App
Planning to apply through Common App? Watch their video to walk through the process from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Companion
This tool provides guidance on each section of Common App, moving through these sections in a linear manner.
Common App Guide
If you still have questions after watching Common App's walkthrough, you can also check out their super-thorough guide.
Self-Reporting Your Courses & Grades
After applying through Common App, we'll email you instructions on how to self-report your courses and grades. We encourage you to check out our video walkthrough playlist and FAQ as you work!
How to Write Your Application Essays
When you apply, you'll be asked to answer two to three major-specific prompts and an essay question. View example answers below!
1. Tell us why you're interested in your chosen major.
Questions you'll answer depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our undeclared program, and if you've selected a second-choice major. Each answer should be around 150 words.
2. Write a personal essay.
Answer the prompt of your choice from Common App's full list. Your essay response can be anywhere from 250 to 650 words total.
Application Fee Waivers
If the cost to apply to college is weighing you down, fee waivers can help! Fee waivers must be submitted by a high school counselor or other school official. If you think you qualify, ask your counselor to submit our fee waiver form.
Majors
You'll be asked to choose a major within our application. Not sure what you want to major in yet? That's okay! We're here to help you discover the perfect path for you.
Explore Major Options
You can explore all of our majors–including descriptions, career options, post-grad stats, and more–on our website.
Need Help Deciding?
If you're unsure of where to start, take a quiz to discover our majors that relate to your personality type.
Go Undeclared
You can also apply to our undeclared program in the Division of Exploratory Studies and choose a major later!
Application Checklist
Not sure where to start, or just want to be certain you've done everything needed to apply? Here's a quick checklist to help!
Submit your application.
At Illinois, we use the Common App, so get started whenever you're ready!
Pay your application fee or have your counselor submit a fee waiver.
When you submit your application, you'll pay a nonrefundable fee by credit card. If you qualify for a fee waiver, make sure your counselor submits our fee waiver form.
Submit your courses and grades.
After you apply through Common App, we'll email you a link to report this information after you submit the application.
See if you have additional requirements.
For example, if you're applying into a talent-based major like art, dance, music, or theatre, you'll need to complete an audition or submit a portfolio.
Check your status.
After applying through the Common App, we'll create a myIllini account for you after you submit your application. This will allow you to view your status page and confirm all is good.
More College Prep Resources
Check out the resources below for additional help as you apply, including general college prep resources.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help you! Please don't hesitate to reach out to our admissions counselors at any time.