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4 Tips for Writing a Great UIUC Essay

College Info , College Essays

Thinking of attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign? Then you've come to the right place. For this highly-ranked public school, you'll need to submit a personal statement with your application. But what should you include in your UIUC essay to make you stand out?

Read on to learn what the current UIUC essay prompt is and how to write a great UIUC essay. We also show you a real UIUC essay example to give you an idea of what a great statement looks like.

Feature Image: Adam Jones /Flickr

What Is the UIUC Essay?

All applicants must answer two to three UIUC prompts and one Common Application prompt as part of their application for admission.

Your UIUC prompt will change based on whether you 1) are applying to a major, 2) are applying to UIUC's Undeclared Program, or 3) have selected a second-choice major (including Undeclared). Each response should be about 150 words. 

Here are this year's UIUC prompts:

If you're applying to a major:

• Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If you're applying to UIUC's Undeclared Program:

• What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering.
• What are your future academic or career goals?

If you've selected a second-choice major (including Undeclared): 

• Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.

Students are also required to select one Common application essay prompt from a range of choices and write a response. 

You can view the full list of Coalition application essay prompts here and all of the Common Application essay prompts here. 

How to Write the UIUC Essay: Topics and Tips

The University of Illinois essay is an important part of your application since it's the only personal essay you'll write for the school. This makes it the only area on the UIUC application in which you can show off your personality, academic passion, and storytelling skills.

The overall point of this statement is for UIUC to learn more about you as a person and what qualities you'll bring to the school if you enroll.

In addition, UIUC has a YouTube series on admissions counseling that includes some useful videos with tips on how you can write an effective UIUC essay:

Now that you have a general sense of what UIUC will be looking for in your application essay, let’s break down each UIUC application essay prompt one by one. 

Myllini Major-Specific Prompt #1

Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you've taken, or through something else.

Here's your chance to show your passion for your first-choice major! You have a lot of leeway here: maybe you took a class that lit a fire inside you, maybe you joined a club related to the subject, or maybe you participated in a related activity. Be careful, though. You only have 150 words, and UIUC is asking for an experience related to your major, not why you selected it in the first place. This is a time for you to show that you're already taking steps toward engaging with your chosen major!

Choose a story that is meaningful to you, and remember to be as detailed as you can within the constraints. Show the UIUC admissions counselors that you care about your chosen major, and you're already engaging with it.

Myllini Major-Specific Prompt #2

Unlike the first essay, which asks you about your past experience, this is where you get to dream big and show UIUC what you want to do with your degree. Remember to write this as if you've already been accepted to UIUC—they want to know how you'll represent them in the world! You only have 150 words, but you can do a lot in that space. If, for example, you want to be an aerospace engineer, you should check out UIUC's Aerospace Engineering website and connect their specific courses, professors, and extracurriculars to your post-degree goals. Maybe you want to work for NASA, and the UIUC robotics team will aid you in successfully applying. Be as specific as you can! And show UIUC that they are the best school for you to achieve your goals.

Myllini Undeclared Prompt #1

What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering. Much like the Major-Specific Prompt #1, this prompt asks you to share what you're passionate about, and where you excel academically. Be specific! Rather than saying "I've always been good at English and I like it," go into detail: perhaps you won an essay contest, or your op-ed was featured in the school paper. Maybe writing poetry is the best way you can connect your outer and inner worlds. If you have a few majors in mind, definitely mention them here! It's always good to show that you have a specific plan for your college career , even if you're not 100% sure what you want to major in yet. 

Myllini Undeclared Prompt #2

What are your future academic or career goals? This question mirrors Major-Specific Prompt #2, and asks you to talk about your ideal future. Maybe you know you want to get a graduate degree in sociology, or you're certain that you want to spend a few years with the Peace Corps before working with the U.S. Department of State. The key here is to remember that undeclared doesn't mean unplanned. Many students have specific career goals, but they see multiple paths to achieve them. This is your chance to show the future self you want to be, and how UIUC will get you to your goal.

Myllini Second-Choice Major Prompt #1

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals. You'll only need to answer this question if you've applied to a second-choice major! This prompt should look pretty familiar: you can choose to answer either the Major-Specific Prompt #1 or the Major-Specific Prompt #2. The trick here is to show that your second-choice major is deliberate and useful for your future goals. You're not just picking a second-choice major because you really, really want to get into UIUC in any way, shape, or form. If you have a secondary interest that's almost as strong as your first-choice major, consider answering the first prompt. If you have a very strong career goal that multiple majors could feed into, consider answering the second.

Whichever choice you make, remember to clearly state why UIUC is the best schoo l for your major or career path!

A Real UIUC Essay Example + Analysis

To help give you a better idea of what your own UIUC essay could look like, here is one real UIUC essay example we found online, written by an admitted student.

Keep in mind that this essay was written for an old prompt that's no longer on the MyIllini application. However, this essay is still a great example of how college counselors want to see students talk about their interests and passions. 

Here is the prompt:

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (250 to 650 words)

And here is the essay:

The chicken, or the egg? The hours I’ve spent pondering this question are countless. People frequently debate the seemingly simple idea of which came first. To me, it is more than just a question, but an example of how human beings think. The question of “Which came first?” captivates me because it is a question without an answer. It has been asked for centuries and no progress has been made, but it still continues to be brought up. I think this is because humans prefer clear-cut answers. Like in any kind of competition, ending with a tie between teams or individuals isn’t a satisfying conclusion. People would rather the competition continue for extra time than admit there’s no real winner, or in this case, no real answer. So even though it’s obvious there will be no agreement, the debate over chickens and eggs continues. When people label something a “chicken-egg” situation, it means there is no way to establish the order of cause and effect, again leaving a feeling of uncertainty. But human nature is to seek an answer. The chicken-egg question shows humanity’s inability to accept unfinished business, and this fascinates me most. People want closure in all aspects of life, and big questions like this are no exception. I think the question “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” is so interesting because people will always try to answer it knowing they will never find a solution. It shows that humans desire understanding above all else. When I want to learn more about this concept, I turn to my grandfather. He doesn’t have a degree in philosophy or psychology, yet he’s a reliable source on almost any subject given his extensive years spent at the University of Life. With so many experiences under his belt, he understands unanswerable questions much better than I do. “The only truth is uncertainty,” he tells me when I once again dive deep into the possibility of eggs without chickens or chickens without eggs. In his words, the most beautiful parts of life are the questions we can’t answer but spend out whole life trying to. My own desire for answers keeps me thinking about this question for hours on end. I think there’s good points to grandpa’s perspective, but as an eighteen-year-old entering college, I don’t know if I can accept that the only answer is no answer just yet. Until I can, I’ll gather my own evidence and continue to spend my days wondering whether Aristotle was eating chicken and waffles or omelettes for breakfast.

What Makes This UIUC Essay Work?

• It’s got a great hook. The applicant starts the essay with a familiar philosophical question: “The chicken, or the egg?”. This pulls the admissions committee into the essay by making them ponder the question too. The applicant then analyzes the question and provides their own unique interpretation of what it’s really getting at. As the applicant says at the end of the first paragraph, “To me, it’s more than just a question, but an example of how human beings think.” By stating their unique take on the chicken vs egg dilemma, the applicant shows the admissions committee that they can interpret complex ideas and analyze tough questions. These are qualities that UIUC wants their incoming class of students to have!
• It’s clear, focused, and easy to follow: A topic like this one could easily go off the rails, but the applicant keeps the essay focused by responding to exactly what the prompt is asking in the correct order. The first paragraph states the idea that the applicant finds engaging. The next two paragraphs explain why the applicant finds this idea “captivating” and connects their engagement with the idea to deeper meanings about human nature, which also demonstrates why this topic causes the applicant to “lose all track of time.” The fourth paragraph states who the applicant turns to when they want to learn more about this question, and explains what they have gained from exploring this question with their grandpa. The applicant wraps up the essay with a conclusion that describes how their approach to the chicken vs egg question relates to the kind of student they will be at UIUC. The clear structure, clean prose, and adept analysis all make this essay easy to understand and exciting to read

How Could This UIUC Essay Be Even Better?

• It could be more specific about why the idea is captivating: Although this UIUC essay is well written and tightly focused, it isn't super specific about why the applicant personally relates to the question about the chicken and the egg. The applicant does a great job explaining what they feel this debate reveals about human nature, but doesn’t say much about why that debate is meaningful to them.
• It could have a stronger conclusion : Although the applicant makes a great attempt at tying their essay response into why they will be a great fit for UIUC, the conclusion could do a bit more to show how this is the case. Reframing the last paragraph so it explains how the applicant’s approach to uncertainty makes them the perfect UIUC candidate could make this essay even stronger.

3 Essential Tips for Writing a Great UIUC Essay

To wrap up, here are four essential tips to keep in mind as you write your U of I application essay.

#1: Don't Just List Your Accomplishments

At first glance, some of the UIUC essay prompts may seem like an invitation to list all of your amazing accomplishments. But none of these prompts actually want you to do that! Instead, you need to use expertly crafted stories to convey everything you have to offer as an applicant to UIUC.

The point of the UIUC essay is to give the admissions committee more detailed and personal commentary on why you've chosen their school and why you would be a great addition to their student community. Leave the list of accomplishments for your resume. Telling a genuine story is the best way to show how your life experiences have shaped you into the perfect candidate for admission to UIUC.

#2: Highlight Your Passion

While the essay prompts all have a different focus, the main goal of each one is to draw out what you’re passionate about and why. With each prompt, what you're really trying to do is demonstrate your passion to the UIUC admissions committee.

In other words, what motivates you to learn? What drives you more than anything else? And why are you so enthusiastic about bringing your ideas, experiences, and character to UIUC?

By highlighting your passions and interests, you're also showing the UIUC admissions committee who you are and what's important to you, both academically and more broadly.

To really make your passion stand out in your University of Illinois essay, take the following steps:

• Be as specific as possible —give us real names and use visceral descriptions to make us feel as though we're there experiencing and feeling everything with you
• Be honest —the admissions committee wants to get to know the real you, and it can only do this if you're writing in an authentic voice that's true to who you are

#3: Polish and Proofread

My final tip is to give yourself plenty of time to polish and proofread your UIUC essay.

In your rough draft, keep an eye out for obvious typos and technical mistakes, such as errors in punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Also, look for any areas that are awkward, incomplete, out of place, or unclear.

Once you've edited your essay on your own, give it to someone else to read, such as a parent, teacher, or tutor. Ask them to make technical corrections as needed and to offer you advice on what you might be able to improve in terms of story, cogency, and overall effectiveness.

What's Next?

Applying to other colleges in the midwest? Check out our expert guides to how to write the UChicago essays , the Notre Dame essays , and the Michigan State essay .

If you're using the Common App to submit your college applications, you'll need to figure out which essay prompt is the best one for you .

Learn more about how to get into the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign by visiting our UIUC admission requirements page .

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2-3 essays of 150 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

The admissions committee at the University Illinois Urbana Champaign wants to know about your academic interests and career goals. The prompts change slightly depending on whether you’re hoping to attend with a declared major or not. Regardless, you should be prepared to write concisely and authentically about your plans and goals!

If You’re Applying to a Major:

Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. this can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. (150 words).

For this essay, d escribe an experience you’ve had that relates to your first-choice major. Admissions is literally asking you to speak about this experience in detail, so don’t hold back. Did you work on a science experiment that taught you about the basics of organic chemistry? Maybe you watched those crazy robotics videos online and thought, “Hmm, I should understand how those work so I can protect my future family when A.I. takes over in 2050.” (I mean, honestly, have they not watched Black Mirror ?!) Throughout high school, you’ve been exposed to so many different subjects, and admissions wants to know why this one in particular has caught your eye.

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. (150 words)

After explaining why your major is the right choice for you, look ahead five or ten years and imagine how it will catapult you into a fulfilling career—one that you may not have access to otherwise. Maybe when you were younger, you fell in love with stargazing and memorizing constellations and knew you wanted to be involved in a space-related field when you grew up—UIUC’s Astronomy program will help you get there! Build a bridge between your past and your future for admissions so they can see your commitment and demonstrated interest in this field.

If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies:

What are your academic interests please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at illinois and why. (150 words).

There’s only one trick to generating a straightforward explanation of your academic interests: be honest. Since you probably don’t know what you want to major in or are in the process of paring down your list, don’t waste time trying to think of what admissions “wants” you to say! Choosing anything other than your true interests would be a misrepresentation of who you are and a disservice to you and the admissions office. To narrow your focus, try to tell a story with your choices. How can you use your life experiences to reveal something about what you value and what excites you intellectually? 

Try to illustrate a general inclination (e.g., journalism, English, and media/cinema studies go hand-in-hand). Or if you really feel like you could go any direction, try to show a balance, picking majors across fields that link to each other in a way that makes sense (e.g., mathematics, linguistics, and music composition all use special notations). Do whatever you can do to give admissions the full picture of who you are.

What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals. (150 words)

Even if you’re undecided, it’s important to remember that UIUC seeks to invite movers and shakers to campus, students with big dreams and plans to make them happen. You don’t have to use this prompt to outline your 30-page plan for eliminating world hunger—in fact, with only 150 words to work with, we definitely advise against it! Think about the areas that pique your interest and where your curiosity originated. Was it a philosophy class you took junior year? Or, perhaps what spurred your interest wasn’t a class at all. Maybe you knew you wanted to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change and global warming after watching a poignant documentary with your family that hit close to home. How do you plan to contribute to this effort and how will your time at UIUC set you up for carbon neutral success? (Maybe their Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences major is a good place to start?) Whatever way you decide to answer this prompt, be sure to show admissions that you have an actionable, long-term goal in mind.

If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared):

You have selected a second-choice major. please explain your interest in that major or your overall academic or career goals. (150 words).

For this essay, admissions understands that you haven’t got it all figured out yet. And that’s okay! A lot of very successful people have leapt in and out of various disciplines or have even found common ground where they overlap (think philosophy and economics or agriculture and business). You’re allowed (encouraged, even!) to have many interests, and admissions wants to know where your strengths lie. 

Why does this secondary area of education appeal to you? What applications can you see blossoming from studying in this field? We recommend doing another dive into UIUC’s course offerings to show that this isn’t just an afterthought; additionally, feel free to share any previous experiences (in or out of the classroom) that have led you to this choice. Once you’ve succinctly demonstrated your interest, look to the future and explain how UIUC’s offerings will help you achieve your end-goals when it comes to your selected second-choice area of study.

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University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign | UIUC

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Undergraduate Admissions

Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

Requirements for First-Year Applicants

As you prepare, we want you to know the things we expect from our applicants. You may also want to take a look at our application process and how we review .

Course Rigor

Taking advanced classes can increase your chance of being accepted to UIUC, as tougher coursework proves you like a challenge and are willing to work hard. Taking rigorous coursework in subject areas related to your future major also demonstrates an interest and strong foundation in your future academic track. We want you to challenge yourself given what's available at your school, provided you can still be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

Coursework & Grades

Following are the kinds of courses you need to take while in high school and the number of years you need to take them. You should work to consistently make strong grades in these courses.

• English : 4 years required
• Math : 3 or 3.5 years required, 4 years recommended
• Social sciences : 2 years required, 4 years recommended
• Lab sciences : 2 years required, 4 years recommended
• Language other than English : 2 years required, 4 years recommended
• Flexible academic units : 2 years required, 4+ years recommended

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When we review your application, we want to know what's important to you. The quality of your involvement outside the classroom is much more important than quantity. Take part in the activities you're passionate about and enjoy. We take notice when you demonstrate leadership skills and show long-term commitment to the things you love.

When we review your application, we want to know what’s important to you. The quality of your involvement outside the classroom is much more important than quantity. Take part in the activities you're passionate about and enjoy. We take notice when you demonstrate leadership skills and show long-term commitment to the things you love.

Related Experiences

If you know what major you want to pursue at UIUC, seek out experiences and opportunities related to it now. Doing so will not only show your passion and motivation, but it will also help you get a feel for your potential field. If you don't know what you want to do yet, don't stress! This is your chance to explore any areas of interest you might have.

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UIUC Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

September 13, 2023

The University of Illinois — Urbana Champaign is one of the top public universities in the entire United States. Top-ranked computer science, engineering, and business programs, in particular, attract an endless stream of high-caliber applicants from around the globe. Great grades and test scores will put aspiring members of the Fighting Illini on strong footing. However, you are also required to address 2-3 UIUC supplemental essay prompts.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into UIUC? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Let’s dive right in and begin examining the 2023-24 UIUC supplemental essays. Two important notes:

• You will be addressing 2-3 of these essays, depending on which category you fall into.
• Each response is a max of 150 words.

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’re Applying to a Major:

1) explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. this can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else..

UIUC is not necessarily asking you to write about the in-class or extracurricular experience which led to you earning the most prestigious awards or holding the highest position of leadership. The university is going to see all of your accomplishments in the Honors and Activities sections of the Common App. As such, you want to ask yourself two main questions:

1) Which experience best illustrates my passion and commitment to my first choice major?

2) Which experience is closest to my heart and most representative of my unique passions?

Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. Start this process by asking yourself, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment that I have experienced in a classroom setting or in my extracurricular activities?” If you can identify one clear-cut moment, that is likely the activity worth sharing with the UIUC admissions staff.

2) Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

This prompt shares some of the same elements of a traditional “Why Us?” essay, but UIUC is particularly interested in hearing about why the curriculum in your desired academic department is attractive to you—not so much about your love for the football team or the beautiful campus. Below are some quick tips for writing an essay that will help your admissions cause:

• Cite specific academic programs , professors ,  research opportunities , internship/externship programs ,  study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , etc.
• State why your chosen program is the perfect fit for you  and why you are the perfect fit for it.
• Offer insight into your future personal/academic/career goals. It’s okay if you’re not 100% sure what you want to do at age 25 (most teens are not). Feel free to speculate based on your current mindset and interests.

In summary, you’ll want to dedicate time to researching more about your prospective college/department and what makes it truly world-class. The more specific you can get here, the better your UIUC essays will be!

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies:

1) what are your academic interests please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at illinois and why..

Your strengths will likely be evident from other data points (AP scores, classroom grades, SAT/ACT results, etc.). Therefore we recommend focusing the bulk of your response on your specific academic interests that relate to your major of choice.

Whether it’s a general love for math/science or literature or a specific interest in aerospace engineering or 19th century French novels, use this opportunity to share what makes you tick, the ideas that keep you up at night, and what subject inspires you to dream big. What topic makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? Share the manner in which you relentlessly pursue knowledge. Whether it’s falling down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the nature of time or consuming thousands of hours of podcasts on game theory, this is a chance to illustrate the ways in which you are an obsessive learner with an endless thirst for information. The admissions reader should emerge from reading this essay with the sense that you are a sincerely curious young person with a strong intellectual drive.

Finally, be sure to connect these interests to 2-3 majors at Illinois and support your reasoning with school-specific offerings and resources, like academic departments , courses , research initiatives , etc.

2) What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.

Note that this question is a bit different than the one asked of students with a firm first-choice major. We recommend providing a straightforward answer here. If you are Undeclared, you may not have a firm idea of your academic goals, but you can use your current academic interests (the ones explored in the question above) as well as past academic experiences to guide your answer. Similarly, your career intentions may be relatively unformed. Use this space to share academic/career areas that may be of interest. Don’t sweat it if your plans are still in a nascent stage. This is normal for a 17 or 18-year-old, and UIUC will understand.

UIUC Supplemental Essays: If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared):

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals..

See answer #1 for those selecting a major. You are essentially repeating this process for a different field. However, you probably don’t want to have two completely unrelated majors/career goals. For example, if your first choice was business and your second choice was economics, it’s easy to explain the relationship. If the fields are more disparate (e.g. Dance & Chemical Engineering, be sure to provide a thorough explanation.

How important are the essays at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign?

UIUC only labels two factors as being “very important” to the admissions process. Those factors are: the rigor of your high school coursework and your GPA. The essays are “important” to the application review. In fact, the essays are rated as being of equal importance to test scores, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UIUC supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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UIUC Supplemental Essays 2023-24

If you’re interested in attending UIUC, writing effective UIUC essays is an important step toward gaining admission. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), located in eastern Illinois , stands out as one of the premier public universities in the nation. Consequently, UIUC Admissions assesses thousands of applications and UIUC supplemental essays annually to identify strong candidates.

With UIUC’s acceptance rate hovering around 45%, many students are curious about the key to gaining admission. While a strong academic record is important in any application, the UIUC supplemental essays are crucial to your application journey. Your essays offer admissions officials a glimpse into your academic interests and how they align with UIUC offerings. Therefore, your UIUC essays can be the deciding factor in the success of your application.

Our guide to the UIUC supplemental essays will walk you through strategies to use while writing your UIUC essays. We will explore the UIUC application requirements and analyze UIUC essay prompts, including the UIUC why major essay and why UIUC essay. In each section, you’ll find valuable insights to help you craft outstanding UIUC essays. With this guide, you’ll be ready to craft compelling UIUC essays that are certain to impress University of Illinois Admissions.

First, we’ll go over some UIUC Admissions quick facts. Then, we’ll take a look at the prompts for each of the UIUC supplemental essays and how to answer them. If you’re ready to learn all about the UIUC essays, let’s get started!

UIUC Admissions: Quick Facts

University of illinois at urbana-champaign quick facts.

• UIUC Acceptance Rate: 45% – while UIUC’s acceptance rate is higher than other top universities, U.S. News still considers UIUC moderately selective. 
• UIUC Application Platforms: UIUC accepts the Common Application & myIllni Application
• Students will respond to one essay prompt from the list of 2023-2024 Common Application Essay Prompts . Prompts are the same whether you apply through myIllini or the Common App. 
• Students will respond to specific UIUC essay prompts depending on their choice of major. Your UIUC essays may include a UIUC why major essay and why UIUC essay.
• Early Action: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 5th 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does University of Illinois Urbana Champaign require an essay?

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) requires applicants to submit UIUC supplemental essays as part of the application process. To start, all applicants must complete one personal statement essay, ranging from 250 to 650 words. This University of Illinois essay allows candidates to showcase their unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. The good news is that the UIUC essay prompts for this essay mirror the Common Application essay prompts. So, if you are applying to other schools via the Common App, you don’t need to write a new essay for UIUC. 

In addition to your personal statement, applicants must also submit 2 to 3 additional UIUC supplemental essays. The number of essays you write and the UIUC essay prompts you’ll respond to will depend on your chosen major(s). These major-specific UIUC supplemental essays allow applicants to delve deeper into their academic interests. In these essays, students can demonstrate an understanding of their chosen field of study and how their passions align with UIUC.

Ultimately, UIUC supplemental essays play a crucial role in providing the University of Illinois admissions committee with a comprehensive understanding of each applicant. Supplemental essays are UIUC’s main tool for seeing beyond what is reflected in a student’s academic achievements and standardized test scores. Once we go over the UIUC essay prompts, you’ll see just how important and valuable these essays can be to your application.

In the next sections, we will dive deeper into the major specific prompts. We’ll show you how to respond to these UIUC essay prompts to ensure your UIUC essays strengthen your application.

UIUC Major-Specific Prompts

For those applying to a specific major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), you can expect two major-specific UIUC essay prompts. These UIUC essays can be thought of as a UIUC why major essay and why UIUC essay. Together, these prompts are designed to gain deeper insights into your academic and personal aspirations. 

Major-specific University of Illinois Essay Prompt #1

Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. this can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. (150 words).

To craft your first UIUC why major essay, you must recount a recent, significant experience related to your first-choice major. Whether it’s an extracurricular activity, a memorable class, or any other relevant context, the connection to your intended major should be clear. Take the opportunity to provide a detailed narrative that showcases your hands-on involvement and its impact on your academic journey.

Major-specific University of Illinois Essay Prompt #2

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from uiuc and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. (150 words).

Your second UIUC why major essay can also be thought of as a why UIUC essay. In your essay, you’ll want to articulate your personal and/or career goals following graduation from UIUC. However, you’ll also need to explain how completing your first-choice major at UIUC aligns with and contributes to these aspirations. This prompt requires thoughtful reflection on your long-term vision, drawing clear connections between your academic pursuits at UIUC and your personal and professional journey. 

Strong college candidates will have clear goals and a track record of commitment to their education. By addressing these UIUC essays with sincerity and depth, you can present a compelling case for your suitability and enthusiasm for your chosen major.

UIUC Undeclared Major Program Essay Prompts

Students applying to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as an undeclared major can also anticipate two UIUC essay prompts. These UIUC supplemental essays are specifically tailored for students who are still undecided. These UIUC supplemental essays are similar to the major-specific essays in that you’ll still be discussing your academic interests and future goals.

Undeclared Major University of Illinois Essay Prompt #1

What are your academic interests please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at illinois and why. (150 words).

This essay invites you to share varied academic interests, requesting that you include specific majors you are considering at Illinois. Be sure to select specific major programs, rather than more general areas of study, and elaborate on the reasons behind your choices. This University of Illinois essay lets you showcase your curiosity and thought process in exploring potential academic paths. So, even if you’re undecided, you can still show the admissions committee what topics pique your curiosity.

Undeclared Major University of Illinois Essay Prompt #2

What are your future career or academic goals you may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals. (150 words).

For this essay, you must articulate your future aspirations for college and beyond. You are also encouraged to look back on previous experiences and include details about high school courses that have inspired you. This University of Illinois essay prompt allows you to reflect on not just what you want to accomplish but also why . In your essay, aim to create a narrative that demonstrates the alignment between your educational background and future endeavors. 

Even if you aren’t sure what you want to study, that doesn’t mean you can’t wow admissions with your essays. By responding thoughtfully to these UIUC essays, you can present a well-rounded picture of your academic interests and future ambitions. 

UIUC Second-Choice Major Essay Prompt

For those who have chosen a second-choice major, including undeclared, UIUC provides a specific essay prompt to delve into your motivations and aspirations. Although this University of Illinois essay is technically optional, UIUC strongly recommends students select a second-choice major and complete this essay.

Second-Choice Major University of Illinois Essay Prompt

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals. (150 words).

This University of Illinois essay allows applicants to convey the reasons behind selecting a secondary major or to elucidate their broader academic and professional objectives. In responding to this UIUC essay prompt, consider sharing the factors that fuel your interest in the chosen second major and how it aligns with your overall academic and career trajectory. Whether you have a clear career path or are exploring various academic avenues, use this essay to showcase your thoughtful consideration of your academic journey and your second-choice major’s role in shaping your educational and professional aspirations. Crafting a compelling response to this prompt will strengthen your application by giving the admissions committee valuable insights into your motivations and future plans at UIUC.

How to write UIUC Essays?

You will notice that UIUC essays are uniquely tailored to outline your personal experiences within your interests. This reflects UIUC’s commitment to truly understanding who you are as a student and how your academic environment can contribute to your desired development.

With limited space, your essays need to be focused and concise, and writing them may require a touch of creativity. Approaching the UIUC essays requires careful consideration and authenticity to effectively communicate how UIUC aligns with your academic interests. Therefore, use the following steps to help craft your UIUC supplemental essays:

Self-reflection is Key

Self-reflection is a crucial first step in preparing your UIUC supplemental essays. Take the time to delve into who you are, what matters to you, and why you are an exceptional fit for UIUC. Focus on your individuality and consider what aspects of your personality and experiences have been vital to your growth. This preliminary exploration is pivotal to choosing strong topics for each of the UIUC essay prompts.

Choose the Common App Prompt That Fits You

While the major-specific UIUC essays will depend on your selected major, you do have the opportunity to choose your personal statement prompt. When deciding between the UIUC essay prompts, choose the one that aligns best with your experiences and interests. For instance, if overcoming a challenge has significantly shaped your perspective, consider the UIUC essay prompts related to resilience. Similarly, if you’ve achieved a noteworthy accomplishment, opt for the UIUC essay prompts inviting reflection on success. Your goal when choosing between the UIUC essay prompts is to pick one that effectively showcases your best qualities. (Especially those that make you a valuable addition to UIUC’s academic community.)

Be Creative, Be Different, Stand Out

Given the intimate nature of UIUC supplemental essays, don’t be afraid to be creative! Craft your narrative with innovation, experimenting with storytelling elements such as chronology and story arcs. Use dialogue and imagery to enhance the personal touch of your UIUC essays, providing admissions with a vivid portrayal of your unique qualities. Instead of merely stating preferences, vividly illustrate your interests. For instance, rather than stating a love for reading, you might vividly depict the hours spent engrossed in books.

By adhering to these steps, you will undoubtedly capture the attention of the admissions team. Remember, there is no singular formula for writing UIUC essays. Infuse your personality and distinctive experiences into your UIUC supplemental essays (and answer the prompts!) and you’ll be on the right track. Beyond these guidelines, you can find more detailed writing advice in this article on “ How to Write Better Essays .” 

Does UIUC care about essays?

Yes, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) certainly cares about your UIUC supplemental essays. UIUC takes pride in its thorough admissions process . While academic excellence is essential, UIUC recognizes that true potential encompasses more than just grades. This holistic approach is exemplified by the significance attributed to things like your background, interests, and previous accomplishments and challenges. These things are hard to tell from numbers alone, which is what makes your UIUC supplemental essays so important.

The emphasis on UIUC supplemental essays reflects the university’s strategic decision to identify individuals who resonate with its values of academic excellence, innovation, and a commitment to societal impact. The UIUC essays offer applicants a platform to share their personal stories, experiences, and aspirations, enabling the admissions committee to better understand each candidate’s unique qualities and perspectives.

Therefore, crafting impactful UIUC supplemental essays is one of the most important steps in the application process. UIUC essays are not just a showcase of writing skills but a window into your character, revealing your commitment to contributing to UIUC’s academic and innovative community.

What is the UIUC known for?

UIUC is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, cutting-edge research initiatives, and a vibrant campus community. UIUC consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States and is recognized for its outstanding engineering, computer science, and business programs. So, let’s dive deeper into some of UIUC’s best qualities:

Top-Tier Engineering Programs

UIUC is consistently recognized for its outstanding engineering programs, particularly electrical engineering and computer science. (U.S. News has UIUC ranking #5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering and Computer Science Programs). The Grainger College of Engineering has a distinguished reputation for producing graduates who excel in the technological and industrial sectors.

Cutting-Edge Research Facilities

UIUC is a research -intensive institution with state-of-the-art facilities. For example, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is a hub for interdisciplinary research, fostering collaborations among scientists, engineers, and scholars to address complex global challenges.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The university strongly commits to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The Research Park at UIUC provides a supportive ecosystem for startups and industry partnerships, allowing students and researchers to translate their ideas into real-world applications.

Academic Excellence in Business

UIUC’s Gies College of Business consistently ranks among the best in the nation. (U.S. News’ UIUC ranking highlights Gies as one of the Top 10 public undergraduate business programs in the country.) The Gies College of Business offers cutting-edge programs, including the highly regarded MBA. It is known for its emphasis on experiential learning and preparing students for leadership roles in the business world.

Diverse and Inclusive Campus

UIUC takes pride in its diverse and inclusive campus community. With students from around the globe and a wide range of cultural organizations within its 800 clubs and student organizations , the university provides a dynamic environment that encourages cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

It’s no secret that UIUC is a top-tier institution. Known for academic excellence, research impact, and diversity, UIUC prepares its graduates for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

More supplemental essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

As you begin crafting your application for UIUC, consider exploring additional resources from CollegeAdvisor to enhance your preparation. These valuable tools are designed to provide expert guidance throughout the application process, ensuring you present your strongest and most authentic version of yourself. CollegeAdvisor’s resources go beyond the conventional and offer tailored advice for navigating specific aspects of the application journey.

Here are a few resources to check out before you start your application to UIUC:

• How to Get into UIUC Guide : This guide is a treasure trove of information, offering a detailed roadmap for securing admission to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It provides strategic insights into UIUC’s admissions process, tips for writing compelling UIUC essays, and advice on showcasing your unique qualities to stand out in the competitive applicant pool.
• College Essay Topics : Crafting impactful essays is a crucial aspect of the application process. This College Essay Topics resource assists you in exploring creative and meaningful ideas for your essays. It provides inspiration and guidance to help you tell your story in a way that resonates with admissions committees.
• How to Start a Personal Statement : Your very first sentence will set the tone for your entire essay. This resource offers practical tips on how to start a personal statement effectively, helping you capture the reader’s attention from the outset. Learn how to craft a compelling opening that reflects your voice and establishes a strong foundation for your narrative.

Exploring these resources will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of the application process. That way, you can feel empowered to create compelling materials, increasing your chances of success at UIUC and other esteemed universities.

UIUC Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ( UIUC ) presents a unique and dynamic opportunity for prospective students. With UIUC ranking #30 in the nation by Forbes, UIUC stands as one of the nation’s premier public universities in the Midwest . UIUC’s rigorous admissions process underscores its commitment to identifying candidates who both excel academically and align with its values.

The UIUC application process goes beyond standardized test scores, reflecting the university’s commitment to understanding the values and aspirations of each applicant. As such, the UIUC supplemental essays are incredibly important. UIUC essays require self-reflection, creativity, and a genuine connection to UIUC’s academic environment.

Before you go, here are some final takeaways from our guide to the UIUC supplemental essays. 

Navigating the UIUC essay prompts

• The major-specific UIUC essay prompts offer applicants a chance to showcase hands-on involvement and articulate how their chosen major aligns with their personal and career goals.
• Undeclared major applicants can express their academic interests and future aspirations through the tailored UIUC essay prompts, providing a glimpse into their exploration of potential academic paths.
• The UIUC second-choice major essay prompts allow applicants to delve into the motivations behind their secondary major or articulate broader academic and professional objectives, adding depth to their application.

Tips for writing your UIUC essays

• Resources from CollegeAdvisor, such as the “How to Get into UIUC Guide,” “College Essay Topics,” and “How to Start a Personal Statement,” provide strategic insights and practical tips to enhance your application journey, especially your UIUC essays.
• UIUC supplemental essays are essential for conveying your unique qualities and commitment to UIUC’s academic and innovative community. Approach the UIUC essays with authenticity, creativity, and a genuine connection to the university’s values, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive University of Illinois admissions process.

With these strategies, you can create UIUC essays that meet the requirements, stand out, and make a lasting impression on the UIUC admissions committee. We wish you the best of luck with your application and writing your UIUC supplemental essays. And good luck on your application journey!

This article was written by senior advisor, Ashley Hollins . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: An In-Depth Look

August 8, 2024 By AdmissionsCheckup

Student Body and Campus Life 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) boasts a substantial student body, with over 35,000 students. Approximately 70% of these students are from Illinois, fostering a strong sense of local pride and school spirit. This regional affiliation is reflected in the university’s iconic orange and blue colors and the block “I” symbol. As a large public research institution with an R1 classification, UIUC is renowned for its extensive research activities and land-grant status. 

The campus is uniquely divided between the cities of Urbana and Champaign, both of which are known for their tranquil, small-town atmosphere. While the serene environment offers a peaceful academic setting, the university’s proximity to major cities like Chicago and Indianapolis (90-120 minutes away) provides students with access to larger urban centers. Despite its picturesque setting, UIUC has faced challenges due to state political issues, which have impacted the campus’s environment, creating a mix of beauty and some rough edges. 

Campus and Facilities 

The university’s campus spans 6,400 acres and features a blend of historic and modern architecture, characterized by its red brick buildings. While many aspects of the campus have remained unchanged since the 1950s, such as the phone booths and metal trellis decorations, state politics have introduced some rough edges to the otherwise well-maintained campus. 

Academic Focus and Resources 

UIUC is well-regarded for its strong academic programs in business, engineering, science, and physics, with around 15% of students focusing on these fields. The university provides extensive academic resources, including libraries, online services, writing assistance, and tutoring. Introductory courses are typically large due to the university’s size, but the academic environment remains competitive yet collaborative. Notably, UIUC’s physics program is recognized as one of the strongest in the United States.

University Overlaps and Admission Parameters 

UIUC’s peer institutions include the University of Michigan, Indiana University, the University of Wisconsin, and Purdue University. The university has a 60% acceptance rate, making it relatively accessible compared to more selective institutions. Admissions requirements vary depending on the major but typically include a mid-25% ACT score and a core curriculum with acceptable grades. 

Campus Traditions 

UIUC has retired its controversial Chief Illiniwek mascot but maintains significant traditions such as Homecoming, which the university claims to have originated. Homecoming remains a major event and a point of pride for the university community. 

Multiple Campuses and Learning Environment 

UIUC also has a significant presence in Chicago, where programs in allied health, computer science, and economics are popular. The university promotes independence among its students, providing robust academic support while encouraging resilience and self-sufficiency. 

AdmissionsCheckup can help 

Navigating the college application process can be challenging, particularly when targeting selective institutions. AdmissionsCheckup offers invaluable assistance with its draft application critique. Our team, composed of former admissions officers from esteemed institutions like Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Princeton, and USC, is committed to providing a thorough review of your application. For an early evaluation of your college essay and application, visit AdmissionsCheckup.com or email us at [email protected]. 

Sources :  

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Common Application
• AdmissionsCheckup

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University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign Undergraduate College Application Essays

These University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign college application essays were written by students accepted at University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Piano lessons nicole dipaolo, university of illinois - urbana-champaign.

I have always considered my self-employment as a private piano teacher to be my single greatest contribution, not only to my students but to myself. I began giving lessons as a freshman, after several family friends expressed interest in having...

Signora Bernardo Anonymous

As a teenage girl with hyperlexia - a communications disorder that causes some social problems - my life has had its share of interesting challenges. Although my disorder is not nearly as severe as it was during my childhood, it has left some...

Elizabeth Nicole DiPaolo

A petite young woman sits in the obstetrician's office, her four-year-old daughter in her lap. The little girl is restless yet unable to extricate herself from her mother's arms due to cerebral palsy. Both mother and daughter wear worried...

My Room Anonymous

It was 11:30 on a chilly Thursday night, and I was taking a brief stroll through my neighborhood. My mind swarmed with overwhelming thoughts concerning school, parents, and most of all, the college application. I had been tirelessly trying to...

What Makes This Black Guy Himself? Robert Marshawn Walker

I defy odds. From birth, doctors predicted bad things for me based on my environment, including that I would not be intelligent, because I lacked proper motor skills and speech proficiency. Today, I have defied those odds, because my mother...

Hidden Interests Anonymous

The question was "1. Having a diverse and exciting community of students is an important component in determining a great university. How can I contribute to that population?"

As I sat at my desk pondering this question, I grabbed my 7-year-old...

From Drought to Genetics, A Lifetime of Plants Anonymous

In 1988, drought was the main concern in my small southern Illinois town. My parents’ only blessing that year was the birth of a baby girl amidst the withering crops. What no one knew then was that the current drought crisis would ultimately...

If You Want the Rainbow Anonymous

It seemed as if it was just yesterday when I anxiously fidgeted around in the airplane seat, awaiting unexpected surprises in my new home. This, however, was ten years ago when I emigrated from China to the United States. My parents had warned me...

Aspirations Anonymous

When I was around nine years old, I would always sit at the dinner table with my mom, waiting for my dad to come home from a busy day at work. After changing out of his suit, he would come to the kitchen and start to talk about his day. The way...

My Passion for Literature Anonymous

I stood on my tiptoes, clapping furiously, my mouth open in a joyous scream. The White Sox, my favorite baseball team, had won a critical game while I was in the audience. As the furor of victorious shouts died down, I noticed my friends’ faces;...

There's No Business Like Show Business Anonymous

Electrifying bursts of energy flow through my veins as the excitement builds up just minutes before opening night. The lights flicker and the audience goes silent. The curtains slowly glide open as I set foot on the stage. The lights turn on and...

Creativity Anonymous

My room is a reflection of me. From the moment you step inside, my organizational skills and creativity are apparent. My walls are covered with pictures and magazine cutouts, but they’re not just put there in any random way. My arrangements are...

I Love Teeth Anonymous

A strong collective scent of generic medicine, hints of mint, and latex gloves permeate the orthodontic dental office, exciting me as I enter the place. I take a seat in the waiting room and impatiently wait for my name to be called. While...

The Visit Anonymous

When deciding where to go to college, most students do not know which school is the perfect one for them. But for me, this is not the case. I know that the University of Illinois is the ideal choice for me. I know it is perfect because of the...

Not Your Average Jock Anonymous

Out of breath, I settle down in my three point stance. Everyone on the line is pointing and yelling to say who they are blocking. On the snap of the ball I exert all my energy to push the other opponent into the ground. While football may seem...

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Anonymous

“You save BIG money, you save BIG money, you save BIG money at Menards!”

The songs that I sang as a child were never the opening themes of Clifford or Arthur. Instead, I would sing the jingles of the commercials I saw on television: Luna, State...

Dreams Anonymous

It’s 3:16 A.M.

My eyes are bloodshot from sleeplessness; I stumble into my room and crash my head against the soft, plush pillow laying on my bed. I pull the blanket over my head and close my eyes, trying desperately to get some sleep before the...

Tempo Giusto Anonymous

I glared at the plastic contraption before me and tried one last time to summon any telekinesis powers.

Nope. Nothing. The device’s arm stubbornly oscillated at a regular pace, like a mocking tongue across a palate. I sighed dejectedly and shut...

Data, Reborn and Reinvented Anonymous

Big data, big data, and big data. With the birth of the internet age, our world has inevitably produced massive quantities of data. Application is limitless as such data yields crucial information about human trends and preferences, clearly...

Combining Computer Science and Stats through Robotics Anonymous

“There’s no shortage of female applicants, but we have trouble finding ones who are skilled enough,” said the female engineer guiding us at Adobe Headquarters, where my robotics team had the privilege of visiting. Her words stuck with me. I,...

Computer Science + Linguistics Anonymous

“I’m afraid. Dave, my mind is going,” pleaded HAL 9000 in a monotone voice. Although I was aware of artificial intelligence, watching 2001: A Space Odyssey as a sophomore was the catalyst to my interest in this controversial field.

Specifically,...

Shanghai for a Year Anonymous

The vibrant skyline stood dead. It was 4:30 A.M. and life ceased to exist on the streets of Shanghai. The sunrise peaked through the jungle of buildings across the river and shined onto our faces. I stared at the skyline, thinking how much the...

Why Electrical Engineering? Huey Nguyen

All I heard was giggles coming from my classmates as my name was announced back during my middle school graduation ceremony. Mr. Raleigh, my eighth-grade geometry teacher, had nominated me for the “Human Calculator” award. As I embarrassingly yet...

UIUC Computer Science Supplement Anonymous

My interest in computer science was kindled after a basketball game in my freshman year. After the game, my father, who had been taking stats on the sideline in his notebook, contended that I had scored 21 points, yet I was absolutely certain I...

Recent Questions about University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

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Information Technology

Uic’s voice on technology & innovation: thoughts on the integration of ai in education.

Last semester, we introduced UIC’s Voice on Technology & Innovation – a CIO-moderated talk series through which the UIC community of students, faculty and staff are invited to share their diverse experiences and perspectives on popular technology-focused topics. In this series, CIO Matt Riley reviewed input from various UIC community members, shared in this feature.

UIC's Voice on Technology & Innovation Spring 2024 Prompt Heading link Copy link

How has the integration of AI in education influenced your perspective on teaching and learning, and what specific benefits or challenges have you observed in harnessing AI tools within the educational environment?

Thoughts from the UIC Community Heading link Copy link

“It’s been one full school year since ChatGPT become a global phenomenon, and overall it turned out more or less as we expected in UIC’s writing courses. Some students — not as many as we feared, but maybe one or two in each first-year writing class — have obviously used ChatGPT to cheat by submitting entire essays, or portions of essays, that were written by the AI.

Writing instructors knew to expect this, but maybe we ended up seeing fewer of these cases than we feared…or maybe more? I think most of us thought these cases would be harder to detect, and if there’s any silver lining, it seems like an attentive reader can fairly easily spot the odd AI-generated paper. A paper that’s largely AI-generated tends to stand out among two-dozen other drafts for its aberrant writing style and, in many cases, the inaccuracies and imprecisions it presents.

Whatever generative AI’s benefits and affordances may be in producing outlines to essays, and summing up the internet discourse on any given topic, students need to realize that it’s never a good thing to submit AI-written text per se, without carefully vetting it for its factual content. Critical thinking is required in any given college course, and students’ own thought-labor in presenting ideas and connecting facts needs to guide their use of AI, not vice versa.”

Mark Bennett Director, First-Year Writing Program

community response 2 Heading link Copy link

“The advent of AI technology in higher learning environments poses an opportunity for all of us who spend time in classrooms because it challenges how we consume and disseminate information. As a graduate student, the many features offered by AI-inclusive technology, such as the AI Assistant feature in Adobe products, means I can more easily navigate PDFs to find the information I need. Access to other technologies like ChatGPT or Copilot means I can get more specific results in searches for information online.

My professional training allows me to discern the quality of the information I find and gives me a moral compass to address misuse concerns. The use of AI technology puts me front-center at the beginning of this new technological age. The last time I was this excited was in the 1990s when the internet was coming online. As a teaching assistant, however, I find the technology presents different circumstances that center on the issue of AI’s ethical use. In the last year, I noticed an increased use of AI among undergraduate students to fulfill homework assignments or more significant assessments.

The lack of institutional support in the way of technology tools to address this issue, i.e., a SafeAssign-like application, has perpetuated the misuse of the technology and left classrooms as no-man-lands where anything and everything is now suspect. I honestly believe this does not have to be the case. As educators, we have an incredible opportunity to guide our students through this new age and grow our skill sets simultaneously. This is the perfect time to update syllabi, assignments, and assessments to reflect this new reality.

I would argue that any time is the right time to do this, but the advent of AI created the perfect time to perform these upgrades en masse. As British propagandists communicated to their populace in times of war, we must keep calm and carry on.”

Paul Ribera Graduate Student, Teaching Assistant, Instructor on Record

community response 3 Heading link Copy link

“Since AI was introduced into mainstream, I feel pressured to integrate it into my research. I am a 3rd year graduate student and would like to graduate within the next three years but now if I don’t have an AI component I think my resume will not be as competitive when applying for jobs.”

Soraida Garcia Graduate Student

“The ease of ChatGPT and other generative AI sites has made trust nearly impossible between instructors and students. As soon as instructors suspect the use of AI written submissions for assignments, there can be no trust between them and their students, even if the student did not use AI to complete an assignment. As both an advisor and an instructor for first-year seminar courses, I have seen how poorly prepared young people are to enter the academic environment.

This technology has disrupted connections in classrooms and has impeded the ability for students to challenge themselves academically. In the same way most people use calculators to do simple math, these AI tools are reducing our capacity to do our own work, manage time effectively, and problem solve. I find it increasingly frustrating to hear that my co-workers are using AI to complete basic tasks like write a personal email to a student. ”

Laura Kaczmarczyk Honors Academic Advisor and Program Specialist

CIO Matt Riley Responds Heading link Copy link

This Spring, we asked the UIC community how AI impacted teaching and learning throughout the 2023 to 2024 year. A mix of faculty and students answered the question, and some common themes emerged that I want to address.

• The advent of GenAI has created trust issues in the academic space. There were mentions of very obviously AI-written papers and worry that students may not even realize the ramifications of turning in that type of work.  Also, from a trust standpoint, there is concern that some percent of students are using AI and getting away with it, leading to mistrust between students.
• Some note that students may be less prepared than ever , disruptively relying upon these tools and changing classroom dynamics.
• On the plus side, students believe that GenAI can help them gather research and answer the questions they need , which increases their ability to think and perform at a high level in their classes.
• Finally , all seem to agree that more guidance on appropriate uses of AI at UIC , defined AI tools, and general help on the topic would make a difference across the academic landscape.

For angst around available information on AI for the academic community, I would point to three perhaps underused opportunities that exist at UIC:

• There are a variety of articles and opportunities with AI for both faculty and students available on the Learning Technology Solutions website, learning.uic.edu
• Faculty can hone in on the AI subject in the CATE newsletter archive at teaching.uic.edu
• General information on AI tools available at UIC is available at it.uic.edu/ai

Colleges may also have their own guidance on AI. Please look for more information on GenAI in faculty and student newsletters when they arrive in Fall ’24.

C2A Heading link Copy link

• Speech bubble icon UIC's Voice on Tech & Innovation
• Computer icon UIC AI Resources

UIC's Voice on Technology & Innovation | Fall 2024 Prompt: Heading link Copy link

Ensuring the security of our digital environment is a shared responsibility. How can we enhance awareness and education about cybersecurity across the university community? What measures do you believe would contribute to a more secure online environment for both personal and professional use?

Join the Conversation!

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How to Write the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Essays 2016-2017

Check out the uiuc application essays for 2017-2018.

Surrounded by sprawling cornfields and home of the Fighting Illini, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (or UIUC for short) is one of the nation’s foremost public research universities . Although it is a state school, approximately 26% of incoming freshman are non-Illinois residents, a testament to the desirability of a UIUC education.

While especially well known for their highly ranked undergraduate business and engineering programs, the school is regularly ranked as one of the top 50 universities in the world by multiple sources.

In addition to being a founding member of the Big Ten Conference (making it a great choice for avid sports fans and intellectuals alike), the University of Illinois has the second largest campus library system behind Harvard University, a hefty endowment of $3.3 billion, and an undergraduate population of almost 32,900 students. In terms of standardized testing, ACT score averages range from 27-33 campus wide, while SAT scores (without writing) fall between 1340 and 1480.

UIUC Application Essay Prompts

Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals. If you’re applying to the Division of General Studies, explain your academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. You may include any majors or areas of study you’re currently considering. (300-400 words)

Before even setting pen to paper, consider the fact that this essay is the only piece of writing the University of Illinois will receive with your application. To be honest, this is both a blessing and a curse. While on one hand you won’t have to worry about repeating certain themes or life lessons, on the other, you have far fewer words to express your compatibility with the school and desire to attend. In other terms, you have fewer opportunities to wow the admissions officers!

With that being said, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Let’s start with something you don’t want to do: recycle large chunks of your Common App essay. While this may sound like a huge time-saver, trust us when we say that your reader will be able to tell if your essay was originally intended for a different prompt.

The key word though in that recommendation is “large.” It is perfectly alright to use a similar story or change wording in places to make the essay applicable, but merely rewriting the introduction and conclusion of your Common App essay won’t suffice.

A nother thing you don’t want to do when writing this essay is relist academic achievements or extracurriculars already in your application as an example of how you have “developed interest” in your intended major. For example, say your intended major is in math, and you were an avid member of your school’s Math Olympiad Team.

This qualification and any related awards should be near the top of your extracurricular list , and creating a laundry list of these same achievements in your essay will add little insight about your personality or character into your application.

A better method of describing your involvement with the major of your choice (as opposed to listing) is to pick a unique, humorous, or telling story you experienced during one of these related activities and elaborate on how you realized your passion for or developed an intense desire to learn from it.

Because you are only afforded 300-400 words, we recommend using this template to guide your writing process:

• Using descriptive language: “As buckets of rain pounded on my windshield, claps of thunder rocked the small sedan I was proud to call my own — at least, up until that point. Trapped on the side of a highway with a flat tire, miles from home, I regretted the fact that I had never learned how to change a tire… But, in having an argument with my tire iron, physics principles that once seemed merely theoretical in my mind found a purpose.”
• Connecting physics principles with the leverage needed to properly use a tire iron may be a bit of a stretch, so while the passage included above may be a rather corny example, beginning your essay with a humorous or interesting story is going to stick in an admissions officer’s mind far longer than a generic alternative.
• Body Paragraphs (150-200 words) – At this point, you should have established your intended major, and the bulk of your body paragraph(s) should deal with proving how you pursued this interest either in school or otherwise. Again, don’t list! Pick one or two of your most influential extracurricular activities and show how they have given meaning to your life. Or, if you have conducted a unique experiment or project in class, now is the time to describe it. Remember, quality over quantity. 
• The second is to describe your related career goals. Since this is included in the prompt, if you have adequate room to elaborate a bit on these, we would recommend going in this direction. However, if you’re still unsure of your precise career goals at this time, that’s totally okay too. In that case, feel free to write in more general terms about your interests.

Division of General Studies

While this prompt is essentially the same, we wanted to quickly remark on how many academic interests you should include, as the number really shouldn’t exceed two or three. Remember: quality and depth over quantity.

Additionally, be cautious when writing about your strengths, as it can be difficult to straddle the fine line between bragging and referencing your accomplishments . One way to combat this concern is to first reference a minor shortcoming or failure (related to your academics interest, of course), and then describe how you overcame that to discover your strengths.

There is no doubt that college admissions is a stressful time in any student’s life, so we hope this guide has calmed some of your anxiety for the writing process. Remember that admissions officers are not just looking for the next Shakespeare; they want to see applicants who have taken the time to self-reflect and differentiate themselves from their peers. What makes you stand out? What can you bring to campus that no one else can?

After drafting your UIUC essay, don’t be afraid to ask teachers, parents, friends, or mentors in your life for second opinions and guidance. And as a final reminder, don’t forget to appreciate the admissions process (just a little bit) because after all, it determines where you will spend the four most exciting, transformative years of your life.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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U.S. Mortgage Rates Drop Sharply, With 30-Year at 6.47%

The key mortgage rate had its biggest one-week decline of the year, falling to the lowest level in 15 months.

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By Danielle Kaye

Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in more than a year, a balm for prospective home buyers and sellers in a challenging real estate market.

The average rate on 30-year mortgages, the most popular home loan in the United States, dropped to 6.47 percent this week, Freddie Mac reported on Thursday. That rate has been steadily easing since April, when it rose above 7 percent — a relief for not only buyers, but also potential sellers who have felt locked into lower rates on their existing loans and have kept their houses off the market.

The decline, from 6.73 percent a week earlier, was the biggest this year.

Mortgage rates stood at around 3 percent in late 2021. They began climbing when the Federal Reserve started raising its benchmark rate to combat inflation, reaching levels not seen in two decades.

“The decline in mortgage rates does increase prospective home buyers’ purchasing power and should begin to pique their interest in making a move,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement.

The decline in mortgage rates could also allow existing homeowners to refinance, Mr. Khater said. The share of market mortgage applications that reflect refinancing was the highest in more than two years, according to Freddie Mac.

The Fed is expected to start lowering interest rates in September after holding them at 5.3 percent for the past year. Investors increasingly anticipate that the initial cut will be half a percentage point.

While the Fed’s benchmark rate and mortgage rates aren’t directly connected, a Fed rate cut could indirectly put even more downward pressure on mortgages. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, which underpins borrowing costs, dropped this week as panic ensued after a weaker-than-expected jobs report , contributing to the mortgage-rate movement.

Sales of existing homes slipped 5.4 percent in June from a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors — a sign of continued sluggishness in the housing market. Homes sat on the market longer, and sellers received fewer offers.

The lower mortgage rate could encourage some homeowners to get into the market, said Julia Fonseca, an assistant professor of finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. But as of March, nearly 60 percent of mortgage holders had rates of 4 percent or less, she added, still far from the current cost of borrowing.

“It’s a step — but it’s a small step,” Ms. Fonseca said of the latest drop. “We’re moving in the direction of lowering borrowing costs and less lock-in, but we still have a ways to go if we consider how low these rates that people have locked in actually are.”

Danielle Kaye is a business reporter and a 2024 David Carr Fellow, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Danielle Kaye