Okay, so I am currently a junior in high school and I am researching universities and looking into the best schools, financially and by the quality of the education. I am originally from Illinois but I have been going to high school overseas in Milan, Italy since I was a freshman. It has been a great experience but I’m not quite sure if I will fit into the U of I community because of my diverse background and experiences. Although, I would love if it were possible.
My mom recieved both her graduate and undergraduate degrees from U of I (champaign urbana) so she has been pushing me to apply there. Although she has told me once or twice that it is difficult to get in, and she’s not sure I am able to. Honestly it was a bit of a blow to my ego but I would like to know what my chances are, and whether the admissions process will take into account the many extracurricular and other personal activities I have dedicated myself to.
Below is a taste of my personal achievements during HS:
I am currently taking the International Bacchleareaute (haha that is spelled wrong fyi) or the IB. This is like AP and is an accelerated program. I am taking HL math, HL English, and HL Chemistry although I do not plan to go into a Chemistry-related major.
Since my freshman year, my semester grades have included all A+s and As except for this past semester I recieved 2 Bs. Our school does not include B+s or A-s because the IB does not grade this way. I received two Bs in Chemistry and Spanish.
My courses include Economics, HL Math, Business Studies, HL English, HL Chemistry, Spanish and Italian. I am interested in entering the Business field or possibly communications although I have not quite decided.
To continue this already pretty long description, I am in numerous extracurriculor activities and really dedicate myself to all. I have been in student government as Publicity official for my sophmore year and junior year, plus I am running for President this spring for my senior year. I am a member of NHS (national honors society) and have planned many charity events in conjunction. I am also treasurer of Prom Comitteee, and also do MANY sports. I was basketball captain my sophmore and junior year, and volleyball captain my junior year. I also play soccer. This takes alot of my time and I really enjoy particpating in everything.
I won the most outstanding english award for 10th grade and most improved in physics last year as well. I am hoping to recieve both English and Economics this year and I am currently particpating in an international marketing competition with the well known company Media-Saturn.
Overall, I just want to know if U of I will take into account many of these parts of my life that I have worked so hard to incorporate. I am almost positive I have left many things out as well. I do habitat for humanities and am going to travel to Romania in May as well as I have done a personal fundraiser for St. Judes.
I know U of I has a great club diversity but I also just want the best school that will help me succeed.
~Thanks
* Oh and I also do MUN (Model United Nations) and go to a conference in Dublin, Ireland everyyear……
As a graduate of U of I’s College of Business, I think you will fit in well. The campus is quite diverse, in my opinion. Assuming you also score well on your ACT/SAT, you should have no trouble getting through admissions. It’s not THAT difficult and you clearly have the well-rounded background that they seek. Best wishes!
Well, I am prejudiced because I have two friends on the faculty there, but I highly recommend U of I because of their rigorous standards, and that from what I gather professors and librarians will work with you.
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We just went through this process in our family, and I can tell you that the U of I admissions counselor told us they definitely prefer students with strong extracurriculars along with good grades. They told us they prefer well-rounded students to those who have all A’s but didn’t venture out much during high school! Your background looks great so go for it!!
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Dear Melissa,
University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana – admission selectivity rating of 94; 55% of freshman class in top 10% of their high school class; SAT Math average 630-740, Critical Reading 540-670; ACT average 26-31; minimum paper TOEFL 550, minimum computer TOEFL 213, minimum web-based TOEFL 79; 71% of applicants are accepted.
All colleges look at your academic resume for GPA, class rank, courses taken (AP, Honors), SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, internships/volunteer work, work experience, personal statement, teacher recommendations and college interview. They like to see leadership/founding of 2-3 clubs over membership in 10.
Good luck!
-Rhonda
References :
http://www.Top-TierTutoring.com
Complete Book of Colleges
As a graduate of U of I’s College of Business, I think you will fit in well. The campus is quite diverse, in my opinion. Assuming you also score well on your ACT/SAT, you should have no trouble getting through admissions. It’s not THAT difficult and you clearly have the well-rounded background that they seek. Best wishes!
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