The University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

“I may have some benefits of affirmative action, butNov 04 2009Sociology
I may have some benefits of affirmative action, but even minority students who come here have a lot to offer. My only down fall was my ACT scores (I had a 19). Everything else looked pretty good though. I had a 3.73 GPA, ranked #5 or 6 in my class, and was involved in almost everything at my high school from student council, all types of sports, etc. Most minorities that I know had similar situations to mine. So I'd say get ur GPA up as high as u can, get involved in everything, and try your best on the ACT. If your a minority student and that's ur only issue I wouldn't worry about it. As far as the others I'd just say work hard, get involved, and stay at the top of your class.
ACT: 19 Female

“Don't let the fact that the university is locatedMay 29 2009Biology
Don't let the fact that the university is located in the center of Illinois discourage you. There are tons of things to do in Champaign-Urbana. And don't think that just because you go to a large public school that you won't receive a good education. You will. U of I will provided you with a top quality education that I believe rivals even some of the best schools. Work hard in high school, join extracurrics, do well on your entrance exams, and write a strong personal statement (This formula basically applies to all schools). That's all I can say since they've raised the bar a lot since I graduated from high school. I'm not sure how much you'll need to do now. Good luck. Godspeed. And enjoy your college years. It'll be gone before you know it.
Male

“If you want to get accepted into UIUC, it'sFeb 10 2009Chemistry
If you want to get accepted into UIUC, it's vital that you follow these specific guidelines:

1. Take 4 years of everything. Math, science, english, foreign language, social studies, etc.

2. Cram your schedule with AP and Honors courses, even if you're not sure you'll do well in them.

3. Study hard for those AP Tests and the ACT. Try to get atleast a 26 on the ACT to get you by, and 4's on the AP Tests.

4. Be on the honors math track

5. Have a Job in High School and work 20ish hours weekly.

6. Try your best to be an A or B average student, and strive to do better than your classmates. Don't bother applying if you're not in the top half of your class.

7. Take MORE AP classes and Honors Classes

8. Don't be from Illinois (they want the $$$)

9. Be EXTREMELY involved in your school. (sports, music, theater, academic clubs, tutoring, other teams, volunteering, etc.) Send in a super detailed resume with your application that has EVERYTHING you ever got involved with on it.

10. Make sure your essays are amazing and that your application is neat and on time.

3.
ACT: 29 Female

“I was incredibly involved in high schoolJan 20 2009Unknown
I was incredibly involved in high school. I was on student council, competed in athletics, volunteered, etc. You name it, I did it. It seems that way for most of my fellow students. Everyone was in the top % of their graduating class and all were incredibly involved. Show the school what you do outside of the classroom to get admissions interest.
ACT: 28 Female

“I was very involved in high school and wasJul 20 2008English
I was very involved in high school and was in the top 10% of my class. I was student council president, community service club president, and an active member in many other things like theater and art competitions. I tutored and volunteered. I also played tennis and sang in 2 different choirs.

I know many people who got in by doing much less than I did, so don't be intimidated. I know I was kind of obsessive. I would just suggest trying to get a leadership position in a club you enjoy and keep your grades up. Studying for the ACT would help, too. Don't stress, but take a few practice tests. Keep in mind that you are evaluated as an overall student, not just your scores, gpa, or community involvement.
ACT: 30 Female