UIUC's engineering acceptance rate?

Does anyone have any idea about what the acceptance rate is for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Engineering? I'm quite interested in their engineering program and would love to know my chances of getting in. Also, any tips for building a solid application for UIUC engineering? Thanks so much!

The acceptance rate for UIUC's College of Engineering typically isn't released publicly, but it's possible to get a rough estimate by looking at the school's overall rate. The acceptance rate for UIUC as a whole has been around 40-50% in recent years, but the College of Engineering is especially popular and well-regarded, so its acceptance rate is likely lower than UIUC's as a whole. While providing an exact number isn't possible, it's likely somewhere in the 30s, or potentially even high 20s.

That being said, it's important to remember that factors like your course rigor, grades, test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities all contribute to your chances of getting in far more than the College of Engineering's specific acceptance rate, whatever it may be. Here are some tips to strengthen your application for UIUC's College of Engineering:

1. Demonstrate strong academic performance: UIUC's College of Engineering is known for its rigorous academic programs. Make sure to have a high GPA and take AP or IB courses in math and science subjects, if your school offers them, to showcase your ability to handle more advanced material. Additionally, while UIUC is officially test-optional, when applying to a program that's known to be more competitive than the school as a whole, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible, so it may be worth your while to invest time and energy into shooting for a high score on the SAT or ACT. You can read more about how to navigate test-optional policies on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

2. Highlight relevant extracurriculars: Show your passion for engineering by participating in activities that demonstrate your interest and commitment. These could include science or engineering clubs, science fairs, engineering summer programs (you can get some ideas of reputable ones on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-engineering-summer-programs), or research in related fields. Also, if you have any leadership roles or significant accomplishments within these activities, be sure to emphasize them in your application.

3. Write impactful essays: In your essays, highlight your experiences or achievements that showcase your dedication and aptitude for engineering. Make sure your passion for engineering comes across in your writing, and explain why UIUC's College of Engineering is the best fit for you. Avoid cliche topics and focus on what makes you unique, especially as it pertains to the field of engineering. CollegeVine's blog contains more detailed guidance on how to tackle UIUC's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-essays.

4. Research UIUC's Engineering program: Familiarize yourself with the specific aspects of UIUC's College of Engineering that make it unique or appeal to you personally. Mentioning these aspects in your essay will show that you've done your homework and genuinely believe that the program aligns well with your goals and interests.

5. Letters of recommendation: Be aware that UIUC does not accept any letters of recommendation, and they will be removed from your profile if you do accidentally send them. You want to adhere to this policy, as still sending one in may make you come across as disrespectful of their admissions process.

By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong application that showcases your passion for engineering and highlights how you would be a great fit for UIUC's College of Engineering. Good luck!