# Help With Applying

**Source**: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/freshman/help-with-applying
**Parent**: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply

## What do you need help with?

- [Applying Through Common App](#common)
- [Self-Reporting Your Courses & Grades](#srar)
- [How to Write Your Application Essays](#essays)

- [Application Fee Waivers](#fee-waiver)
- [Majors](#majors)
- [Application Checklist](#checklist)

## Applying Through Common App

Planning to apply through Common App? Watch their video to walk through the process from start to finish. If you still have questions after watching Common App's walkthrough, you can also check out their super-thorough guide.

[View Guide](https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students)

## Self-Reporting Your Courses & Grades

After applying through Common App, we'll email you instructions on how to self-report your courses and grades. We encourage you to check out our [video walkthrough playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYu8MrYQEzw&list=PLk_H4szzb26lOD19Mgugfvmzzt8wK1ers) and [FAQ](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/faq/applicant-freshman#courses) as you work!

## How to Write Your Application Essays

When you apply, you'll be asked to answer [two to three major-specific prompts and an essay question](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/essays). View example answers below!

### 1. Tell us why you're interested in your chosen major.

Questions you'll answer depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our [undeclared program](https://myillini.illinois.edu/Programs/MajorDetail/10KW5083NONE), and if you've selected a [second-choice major](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/faq/applicant-freshman#second-choice-major). Each answer should be around 150 words.

[Example Answers](https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/apply-like-a-pro-examples-of-short-answer-college-application-questions/)

### 2. Write a personal essay.

Answer the prompt of your choice from [Common App's full list](https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts). Your essay response can be anywhere from 250 to 650 words total.

[Example Answer](https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/uiuc-college-essay-example-prompts/)

## Application Fee Waivers

If the cost to apply to college is weighing you down, fee waivers can help! Fee waivers must be submitted by a high school counselor or other school official. If you think you qualify, ask your counselor to submit our [fee waiver form](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/counselors/forms).

[Learn More](https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-get-a-college-application-fee-waiver/)

## Majors

You'll be asked to choose a major within our application. Not sure what you want to major in yet? That's okay! We're here to help you discover the perfect path for you.

### Explore Major Options

You can explore all of our majors–including descriptions, career options, post-grad stats, and more–on our website.

[Explore More](https://myillini.illinois.edu/Programs)

### Need Help Deciding?

If you're unsure of where to start, take a quiz to discover our majors that relate to your personality type.

[Get Started](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/Discover/academics/explore)

### Go Undeclared

You can also apply to our undeclared program in the Division of Exploratory Studies and choose a major later!

[Learn More about Undeclared](https://dgs.illinois.edu/)

## Application Checklist

Not sure where to start, or just want to be certain you've done everything needed to apply? Here's a quick checklist to help!

### Submit your application.

At Illinois, we use the Common App, so get started whenever you're ready!

### Pay your application fee or have your counselor submit a fee waiver.

When you submit your application, you'll pay a nonrefundable fee by credit card. If you qualify for a fee waiver, make sure your counselor submits our [fee waiver form](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/counselors/forms).

### Submit your courses and grades.

After you apply through Common App, we'll email you a link to report this information after you submit the application.

### See if you have [additional requirements](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/freshman/process#cases).

For example, if you're applying into a talent-based major like art, dance, music, or theatre, you'll need to complete an audition or submit a portfolio.

### Check your status.

After applying through the Common App, we'll create a myIllini account for you after you submit your application. This will allow you to view your status page and confirm all is good.

## More College Prep Resources

Check out the resources below for additional help as you apply, including general college prep resources.

- [Paying for College Resources](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/Invest/help-with-paying)
- [Preparing for Illinois Blogs](https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/early-planning-resources/)
- [General College Prep Blogs](https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/college-prep-resources/)
- [Undocumented Student Resources](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/undocumented)
- [Niche College Admissions Blogs](https://www.niche.com/blog/topics/college-admissions?ref=megamenu)

## Still Have Questions?

We're here to help you! Please don't hesitate to reach out to our admissions counselors at any time.

[Contact Us](https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/contact)