UIUC Essay Guide

Located just about 2 hours south of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is home to some of the best programs and facilities in the country. The campus was founded in 1867 and is full of history and pride, making it an exciting, beautiful place to live. The twin cities of Champaign and Urbana both cater to the University, which makes off campus activities plentiful and lively.

UIUC Admissions

The overall acceptance rate for The University of Illinois is 63%, but the Grainger College of Engineering’s acceptance rate is considerably less at about 30% overall. This 30%, however, is for the entirety of Grainger and each individual major could be slightly higher or lower. For the class of 2025, 8,303 students were accepted with 70% being in state, 16% out of state, and 14% international. Although UIUC accepts many in-state students, Grainger Engineering has an international student population of 22.3%. About a quarter of engineers are international students which means that Illinois Engineers come from all over the world, which is one reason why it is more competitive than the University as a whole.

UIUC accepts for early action or regular decision. Early action applications are typically due November 15th: about a month and a half earlier than regular decision. The advantage of this is that your application will be seen in the first wave of applications, and could increase your chances of getting into a specific program. For example, if AeroE only wants to admit 120 students and 80 get accepted for early action, there's only 40 more spots left in regular decision. This makes the latter more competitive in an already competitive major. Also, when applying you apply for a specific major and have the option to choose a second choice as well. UIUC does not accept into the school without a major; you have to apply with a major in mind. Of course, you can apply undecided, but will then have to declare a major before you begin your junior year. It is crucial that when you apply and work on your essay, you have an idea of why you want to pursue that specific major.  

UIUC Essays

Prompt 1: Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. (300-400 words).

My Essay:

I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in something science or math related. Growing up, I always took a liking to my STEM classes, and was eager to learn as much as my brain could handle. I would go to the library up the street once a week and check out all the children’s science books that my little arms could carry, and I would sit down with my mom and dad while they would read and explain the big words to me. I loved building and doing the experiments, and always felt so proud whenever they worked out. I can trace my love for STEM back to these moments gathered around the kitchen table, trying to build barely working contraptions out of pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks. Looking back, I assume that I always knew that I wanted to become an engineer, even before I knew exactly what that meant. Although it did not take me long to decide on engineering, it did, however, take me a while before I decided specifically on aerospace. Initially I had my mind set on mechanical or civil before coming to a halt at aerospace. One of the main reasons for this decision I can credit to my uncle. He loves science as much as I do, and is the person who introduced me to the glory of space and space travel. I would listen to him talk about all things space, most of which went way over my head at the time, and just absolutely love it. He also would have what he liked to call “launch parties,” which consisted of our entire family gathering around the too small TV to watch whatever launch was happening that day. I soon found myself looking forward to these days, and would research the rockets, the astronauts, the missions, reading anything and everything that I could get my hands on. Because of these experiences I have had as a child, I soon realized that aerospace was the industry that I felt most connected to. Attending the University of Illinois, which is consistently ranked in the top ten for AeroE, would give me the resources that I do not have access to in my current, everyday life. I know that a career in aerospace engineering is something that would make that little girl that I was proud.

Why This Essay Worked:

For this prompt, it is important to identify what this major means to you. Since UIUC admits based on major, they want to see that you are passionate and excited to pursue this. For this prompt, you’re basically answering why they should choose you for this program and not someone else. 

I tried to go back and explain that my love for STEM started at a young age, and that I always had a love for engineering before I knew what it was. If possible, I recommend going back and trying to pinpoint certain memories or instances where you decided (even unconsciously) that you loved the subject you intend to major in. In addition, I expressed how people in my life have affected me in deciding this major. I tried to show the connection that family has to my STEM education in order to convey the meaning it has to me.

Also, since this is the only essay that you will likely write for Illinois, I highly recommend using good vocabulary and grammar. It may not seem important, but universities notice misspelled words and incorrect sentences. You don’t want something that small to hinder your chances of being admitted, especially since this is the only chance you can express yourself.

At UIUC, you can choose to apply to a second choice major as well. This gives you a better chance of getting into the school as a whole, as well it doesn’t limit you to one specific program. The second choice majors are optional (I personally did not apply to a second choice), but if you choose one the prompt is exactly the same.

Do you need help ensuring your application essays are college-ready? Connect with a PathIvy counselor today for personalized essay help!

Written by Catherine Maali, PathIvy UIUC Ambassador