US holisticUnited States · Bachelor’sResearched 0d ago

Computer Science

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Overview

UIUC admits first-year Computer Science applicants through a whole-context holistic review, but states that academic performance and coursework rigor are primary. For CS in The Grainger College of Engineering, reviewers specifically focus on math and science strength, and if ACT/SAT are submitted they also consider subscores. Written responses matter because reviewers use them to assess major fit, related experiences, and goals. Portfolio review is not part of undergraduate CS admission. UIUC reported a 7.4% first-year admit rate for Computer Science for 2025.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

Not used by this program. UIUC only mentions portfolio review for talent-based Fine and Applied Arts programs, not for Computer Science.

Bar to clear: Not used by this program

Statement of PurposeMedium

UIUC requires major-specific written responses plus a Common App essay. Reviewers say essays and major-specific questions receive careful attention, and the CS application uses them to judge why you chose the major, how you developed that interest, related experiences, and your academic or career goals.

Bar to clear: Required: 2 CS-focused short responses (~150 words each) plus 1 Common App essay (250-650 words)

Academics & GPAHigh

This is the most emphasized dimension. UIUC says academic performance and coursework rigor are primary, and Grainger Engineering focuses on proficiency in math and science shown through grades and rigor. For engineering-bound applicants, advanced coursework and strong recent grades matter, and at least 3.5 years of math including trigonometry or higher is required.

Bar to clear: Grainger middle 50% GPA 3.89-4.00 unweighted, with strongest math/science rigor

Test scoresMedium

ACT/SAT are optional, so they are not universally required, but if submitted they are used in review and Grainger often looks at subscores. English proficiency testing is required or strongly encouraged for many international applicants and the subscores are considered as part of review.

Bar to clear: If submitted: ACT 33-35 or SAT 1480-1550; if English test required: IELTS 7.5+ or TOEFL 100+ or DET 130+

Application components

Major-specific written responsesCommon App personal essaySelf-reported academic record / transcriptACT/SAT score report if submittedEnglish proficiency test score if required

How to stand out

→Prioritize top grades in the hardest math and science courses available, especially in junior and senior year.

→Use the major-specific responses to show concrete CS-related work or learning, not generic interest in technology.

→Connect past CS experiences to clear long-term goals and explain why Illinois CS fits those goals.

→Submit ACT/SAT only if the score strengthens your file, especially for math-oriented review in Grainger.

→If English proficiency testing applies to you, aim above the minimum because UIUC notes admitted standards are often higher.

Source confidence

92%Well sourced

Sources

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Undergraduate Admissions - Policies & Procedures

www.admissions.illinois.edu/policies

Official admissions policy: holistic review, academics and rigor are primary, Grainger emphasizes math/science grades and rigor, portfolio review only for FAA, English proficiency rules and minimums.