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<title>Illinois Safety Resources</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/uiuc-safety-resources/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uiuc-safety-resources</link>
<comments>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/uiuc-safety-resources/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:12:06 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college safety]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[safety]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[uiuc]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=41308</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>At Illinois, we take your safety seriously. You deserve to study, socialize, work, and play in an environment where you feel secure. As part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s emphasis on student safety, we offer several different resources to give you peace of mind as well as concrete, usable tools to keep you safe. […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/uiuc-safety-resources/">Illinois Safety Resources</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>At Illinois, we take your safety seriously. You deserve to study, socialize, work, and play in an environment where you feel secure. As part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s emphasis on student safety, we offer several different resources to give you peace of mind as well as concrete, usable tools to keep you safe.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="800" height="492" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts.jpg" alt="closeup of an Illini Alert on a phone" class="wp-image-41339" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts-768x472.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts-370x228.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts-270x166.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts-570x351.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-illini-alerts-740x455.jpg 740w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Illini Alert</h2>
<p>In case of emergency, it’s important to stay informed. As a student here, you’ll automatically receive <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/info/illini-alerts/">Illini Alert</a> messages to your @illinois.edu email address with real-time updates if there’s an incident happening on or near campus that you should know about. You can also sign up to be contacted by text or at an alternative email address. (Parents, <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/info/illini-alerts/">you can sign up for texts, too</a>!) Illinois is intent on transparency and keeping you informed of any public safety issues, which is why we were recently recognized as the top <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/clery/">Clery compliance program</a> in the country.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">University Police</h2>
<p>Illinois has <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/about/">its own police department</a>, which is available 24/7 and focused on preventing crime and providing a safe environment where students can thrive. University Police collaborate with the university community as well as the cities of Urbana and Champaign in order to best serve the public. In fact, with four police departments located within about a mile’s radius of campus, we have one of the most densely patrolled areas in the region. We’re also an accredited Tier II ILEAP agency, which means our policing policies are highly efficient and adhere to the best current practices in law enforcement.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emergency Phones</h2>
<p>Illinois campus has dozens of emergency phones available for students to use on and around campus at any point if they feel unsafe. These phones connect directly to the University Police Department and are monitored 24/7, including holidays. A <a href="https://go.illinois.edu/ephones">complete map of emergency phones</a> is available so you’ll know exactly where to go if you need to make an emergency call. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="493" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol.jpg" alt="Student Patrol members with a CUPD officer" class="wp-image-41340" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol-768x473.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol-370x228.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol-270x166.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol-570x351.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-student-patrol-740x456.jpg 740w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SafeWalks/SafeRides</h2>
<p>One of the best ways to stay safe is traveling with others, especially at night. <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/services/safewalks/">SafeWalks</a> is a free service provided by trained Student Patrol members so you don’t have to walk alone. <a href="https://mtd.org/maps-and-schedules/uiuc-learn-to-ride/saferides/">SafeRides</a> is a free service provided by the local public bus district to provide safe transportation to people who would otherwise have to travel alone. Hours and contact information are available online, or you can use a campus emergency phone to contact SafeWalks.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COAST</h2>
<p><a href="https://police.illinois.edu/services/coast/">COAST</a>—short for the Community Outreach and Support Team—is a campus organization that offers educational safety programming for students, faculty, and staff, as well as social work services for mental health crises and therapy K9 resources. Whether you’re interested in receiving a safety presentation, crisis help, or a stress-reducing visit from a trained therapy dog, reach out to C.O.A.S.T. and see how they can help you stay safe.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Avoiding Scams</h2>
<p>Scams might not be the first thing you think of when “campus safety” comes to mind, but keeping your information safe is just as important as staying physically safe. Illinois has a <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/info/scams/">list of advice on how to avoid scams</a>, as well as a record of reported scams that have recently affected students or other campus members so you’ll know what to look for.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="526" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe.jpg" alt="friends having fun together at a Homecoming celebration concert" class="wp-image-41343" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe-768x505.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe-370x243.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe-270x178.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe-570x375.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/safety-resources-stay-safe-740x487.jpg 740w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Ways to Stay Safe</h2>
<p>We want every student to have access to the best possible Illinois safety information so every member of campus can feel as confident and safe as possible on and off campus. Check out our <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/info/tips-2/">list of safety tips</a> to make sure you have all the information you need to feel secure and to know what resources are available to you. Your safety is extremely important to our community, and we’re committed to keeping you safe and informed.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/uiuc-safety-resources/">Illinois Safety Resources</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
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<item>
<title>A Illinois Transfer Experience: Grace</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/a-uiuc-transfer-experience-grace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-uiuc-transfer-experience-grace</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:47:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Student Stories]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=42160</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Grace is a 2023 Illinois graduate with degrees in East Asian studies and political science. Although her undergraduate journey ended with a blue cap and gown at Memorial Stadium, it actually began at a different school. Grace was a transfer student, and we sat down with her to hear all about the transfer experience. Why […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/a-uiuc-transfer-experience-grace/">A Illinois Transfer Experience: Grace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Grace is a 2023 Illinois graduate with degrees in East Asian studies and political science. Although her undergraduate journey ended with a blue cap and gown at Memorial Stadium, it actually began at a different school. Grace was a transfer student, and we sat down with her to hear all about the transfer experience.</p>
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="A UIUC Transfer Student Experience: Grace" width="770" height="433" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2GGeILA09Og?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why did you decide to transfer to Illinois?</h2>
<p>When I was looking to transfer, I was looking for a place I felt more at home, because [my old school] was just so small. There weren’t a lot of people or a lot of opportunities to get to know other people. [I was also looking for] a place where if I wanted to do research, if I wanted to take harder classes in that major area that I want to focus on, they were going to have that.</p>
<p>So I looked at U of I because my mom told me to. But when I was on the website, I was looking at all of the professors in the East Asian studies and the political science department, and their interest and the research they had done previously aligned with what I want to do now. And I was like, “Well, this might be a really good place for me to go now, because it has so much stuff that I can do.”</p>
<p>I really just decided that because of the opportunities it would afford me and because of the people that I could meet, I was going to transfer to U of I.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do you feel like you made the right choice?</h2>
<p>Yes. It was very scary because I was like, “Oh, I messed up the first time,” and “Oh my God, what if I hate it here?” And I didn’t. I ended up joining a bunch of clubs starting out, and I met a really solid group of friends that stick with each other now, too.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="968" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field.jpg" alt="Grace posing together with a group of friends in a field of flowers with a retro filter" class="wp-image-42182" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field-768x929.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field-370x448.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field-270x327.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field-570x690.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-friend-group-in-a-field-740x895.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What resources does Illinois provide for transfer students?</h2>
<p>They provide a lot of resources for transfer students and just students, too. For transfer students, sometimes you have to live in residential halls. I didn’t, but I know a lot of my other transfer friends lived in<a href="https://housing.illinois.edu/transfer-student-living"> Scott Hall</a>, and they loved that they were with other transfer students—so they got a community built in right away, the day that they moved into U of I.</p>
<p>They also have<a href="https://newstudent.illinois.edu/transfer/lit/"> LIT Camp, Leading Illini Transfers.</a> You get to go there and meet other transfers who may not have lived in Scott Hall, but live elsewhere on campus. And they’re really great at introducing you to your community that’s built in. Everyone has the same experience, everyone’s coming in sort of scared just because now we’re at this gigantic university. </p>
<p>They also give you the tools that you need to go outside of that transfer community to meet [other people] and to go to other RSOs and to other events as well, like <a href="https://union.illinois.edu/illinites">Illinites</a> or the <a href="https://newstudent.illinois.edu/welcome-week/">Welcome Week</a>, too. Because even if you’re a transfer student, you still get to do all of the Welcome Week activities that a first-year student gets to do.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How has your Illinois experience been so far?</h2>
<p>When I first came in, I thought I was too late to do anything. I transferred my second semester sophomore year, so almost a junior. And I was like, “Oh my God, I can’t be in a leadership role in any of my clubs that I joined, I can’t study abroad or I can’t do research because people have already taken that spot.” And it took me a while to get out of that mindset.</p>
<p>I think one of the biggest things was, I’m in the Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law fraternity. So I was the president of that this past year. I joined my second semester of sophomore year, [and] immediately I became academic committee head. I became an executive board member the year after that, so basically, in about a year I was able to be the president.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="828" height="1060" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity.jpg" alt="Grace and" class="wp-image-42184" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity.jpg 828w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity-768x983.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity-370x474.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity-270x346.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity-570x730.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/grace-pre-law-fraternity-740x947.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are you looking forward to next?</h2>
<p>After graduating here, I am going to go to China. I’m going to be a student at Tsinghua University in the <a href="https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/">Schwarzman Scholars Program.</a> The Schwarzman Scholars Program is a fully funded one-year master’s program in global affairs. </p>
<p>After that I’m going to do a PhD, probably in the same sort of field. But I’m really excited just to meet all these people from all over the world as well as get to live and work in China.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s your best advice for transfer students?</h2>
<p>I think my biggest piece of advice [is] it’s never too late to do something. Also, your college experience doesn’t have to look like someone else’s. So when I came in, I thought I needed to be like the other people who started their first year here. [I thought] I was too late, I needed to do 50 things right away, I needed to be in leadership right now because everyone else was. </p>
<p>And I thought people were looking at me like, “That’s a transfer, we can tell.” Here at U of I, it’s not delineated between “this is a transfer student, this is a first-year student.” I know someone who transferred their junior year who studied abroad in France. I know someone who got a really huge research award and they’re doing their PhD now, and they transferred at the same time that I did.</p>
<p>Your college experience is going to be unique. You really have to grasp that experience and grasp how different you may be and then use that to your advantage.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/a-uiuc-transfer-experience-grace/">A Illinois Transfer Experience: Grace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>Student Success at Illinois</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/student-success-at-uiuc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=student-success-at-uiuc</link>
<comments>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/student-success-at-uiuc/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:32:05 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Illini Success]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college success]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illini success]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illinois]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[student success]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[uiuc]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=42084</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Ah, success. Something you’ve probably heard about before, and something everybody talks about. Maybe the idea of it motivates you. Maybe you already have a goal you’re working towards. Or maybe trying to figure out what exactly it looks like and how to achieve it stresses you out. Here’s the thing about success: There’s no […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/student-success-at-uiuc/">Student Success at Illinois</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Ah, success. Something you’ve probably heard about before, and something everybody talks about. Maybe the idea of it motivates you. Maybe you already have a goal you’re working towards. Or maybe trying to figure out what exactly it looks like and how to achieve it stresses you out.</p>
<p>Here’s the thing about success: There’s no universal definition. How you measure it depends on your personal goals, values, and priorities. With endless possibilities, we’re here to share just some of the ways success can come from a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign experience. Let’s go!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Current Student Success</h2>
<p>It may feel like a lofty goal, something that only becomes a possibility <em>after</em> you graduate, when you wake up one day suddenly living in a NYC high-rise, <em>13 Going on 30</em> style. But success is something you can start cultivating as soon as you step on campus!</p>
<p>One way our current students find success is through <a href="https://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/">research</a>. They assist professors at the top of their fields, collaborate with graduate student mentors, and investigate projects of their own. Even as undergraduates, work they do contributes to solving real-world problems and making an impact in a big way.</p>
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Building a COVID-19-busting robot, the Terminator: Meet Mihir, a freshman engineering researcher" width="770" height="433" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V5A40dkEqSs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p style="font-size:16px"><em>Growing up in India, Mihir built his own 3-D printer and even a robot that can disinfect entire rooms! He used this experience as a springboard to Illinois, where he now does research on electromagnetically actuated spines.</em></p>
<p>Another way students find success is through <a href="https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/jobs-and-internships/internships">internships</a>. Going through the process—cultivating references and interviewing—is an effort to be proud of no matter what. If you secure the position? Well, that’s just another feather in your cap, as it shows how your past accomplishments have collected and paid off to get you where you are today.</p>
<p>Beyond academic successes, Illini also take on leadership roles. Students gain experience as Resident Advisors (RAs), teaching assistants, and board members of different Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). Using these opportunities, as well as tools from the <a href="http://leadership.illinois.edu/">Leadership Center</a>, students learn what it means to be involved and be great leaders early in their careers.</p>
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="How do you find pre-med mentors in college? Kennedy talks founding Mentors in Medicine" width="770" height="433" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SLjcwAHi8zI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p style="font-size:16px"><em>Kennedy started her own student group on campus—a mentoring program for pre-med students. She saw a need and took the initiative, and now students will benefit for years to come!</em></p>
<p>And perhaps most importantly, we want to talk about the success that comes from everyday life in college. Passing the big exam, surviving the hardest class in your major, or learning an abundance of new things in classes you enjoy are all reasons to celebrate! There’s something to be said for doing your best each day and coming out the other side with a degree you’re proud of.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recruitment</h2>
<p>Remember what we just talked about, how current students are already finding success in their own ways? Well, the word is out, and employers want to hire Illini. Like, really badly.</p>
<p>Throughout the year, the <a href="https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/">Career Center</a>, as well as different colleges like <a href="https://las.illinois.edu/">Liberal Arts and Sciences</a>, <a href="https://grainger.illinois.edu/">Grainger Engineering</a>, <a href="https://aces.illinois.edu/">Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences</a>, and <a href="https://gies.illinois.edu/">Gies Business</a>, host career fairs for students to connect with top employers. Bust out your best blazer, dust off that resume, and be amazed that 92 Fortune 100 companies want to recruit <em>you. </em>(That’s how many Fortune 100 companies recruited Illini last year!)</p>
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<p style="font-size:16px"><em>Hoping to gain hands-on experience, Chase took advantage of ACES career fairs. He landed a marketing internship and spent two summers with John Deere before being offered a full-time position.</em></p>
<p>And whether or not you land a job at the career fair or from an internship, don’t sweat! Last year, a whopping 95% of Illini graduates had secured a first destination of employment, additional education, or volunteer/service work within six months of graduation. To see some of the great places students end up, check out our<a href="https://illinisuccess.illinois.edu/annual-reports/"> Illini success report</a>.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Long-Term Success</h2>
<p>Being an Illini sets you up for more than just a great first job upon graduation—it also sets you up for success in the long term.</p>
<p>Take, for example, <a href="https://media.illinois.edu/journalism-alum-murray-wins-pulitzer-prize-investigative-reporting">Eli Murray</a>, a 2015 graduate from the College of Media. His reporting on toxic hazards at a battery recycling plant in Florida with his team earned him the esteemed Pulitzer Prize only seven years after graduating Illinois. Or <a href="https://grainger.illinois.edu/alumni/hall-of-fame/Steve-Chen">Steve Chen</a> and <a href="https://grainger.illinois.edu/alumni/hall-of-fame/Jawed-Karim">Jawed Karim</a>, two of the three co-founders of a little website we’re guessing you may have heard of before, YouTube.</p>
<p>Now, let’s be perfectly clear: You don’t need to rack up awards like Pulitzers and Nobels or create a life-changing technology to consider yourself a successful Illinois alumni. Taking what you learn as a student and putting it toward something you’re passionate about sounds like a pretty good definition of success to us.</p>
<p>Recent alumni <a href="https://journeys.illinois.edu/2022/10/31/a-different-direction/">Megan</a> used her kinesiology degree as a springboard to medical school—something that had always been her goal. Karidia’s children motivated her to continue her education, which led her to obtain her bachelor’s in communications and kickstart her dream career.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Karidia’s Story | UIUC grad shares emotional moment with family" width="770" height="433" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PioshIcmMrg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<p style="font-size:16px"><em>Everyone has their own path to graduation, and although Karidia’s was one less traveled, her perseverance, dedication, and the knowledge that she belonged at Illinois have helped her thrive. <em>Now Karidia looks forward to everything still to come</em>!</em></p>
<p><a href="https://journeys.illinois.edu/2022/11/09/on-the-horizon/">Jonathan</a> took on the challenge of being a first-generation student and turned it into a job at Boeing, where he has ample opportunity for personal growth and research according to his interests. Mackenzie didn’t listen when people doubted her as a computer science major. Instead, she worked hard, made the most of the opportunities in front of her, and ended up landing a full-time position with Microsoft.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="What’s it like being a woman in CS? Mackenzie talks opportunities for female engineers at UIUC" width="770" height="433" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HS6k3v-yHBQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<p style="font-size:16px"><em>When she first came to Illinois, Mackenzie felt unsure of whether or not she belonged in computer science as a woman. But after competing in HackIllinois with her friends, she realized she was in the right place.</em></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<p>So there it is, a story of success told in many parts and many different ways by Illini students past and present. If there’s anything to take away from this, it’s that the keys to success are in your hands the moment you step on campus, no matter how you choose to define it. With hard work, passion, and the entire Illinois family behind you, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. We can’t wait to see it!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/student-success-at-uiuc/">Student Success at Illinois</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>Are You Ready For It? Let’s Talk About the Meaning of the Illinois Reputation</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/are-you-ready-for-it-lets-talk-about-the-meaning-of-the-uiuc-reputation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=are-you-ready-for-it-lets-talk-about-the-meaning-of-the-uiuc-reputation</link>
<comments>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/are-you-ready-for-it-lets-talk-about-the-meaning-of-the-uiuc-reputation/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:22:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Academics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illinois]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[reputation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[uiuc]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=41805</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>“Reputation” is a word with many layers; while not quite the mouthful that the “University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign” is, it carries a similar feeling of importance, a sense of permanence, and maybe even a tinge of gravity. It conveys a history, a background, or even predictions about the future.  But here’s the thing about reputation: […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/are-you-ready-for-it-lets-talk-about-the-meaning-of-the-uiuc-reputation/">Are You Ready For It? Let’s Talk About the Meaning of the Illinois Reputation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>“Reputation” is a word with many layers; while not quite the mouthful that the “University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign” is, it carries a similar feeling of importance, a sense of permanence, and maybe even a tinge of gravity. It conveys a history, a background, or even predictions about the future. </p>
<p>But here’s the thing about reputation: it’s a constant process. You don’t acquire a reputation by being stagnant and unremarkable over time, nor do you maintain a reputation by resisting change once you feel you’ve done enough – and Illinois is no different! We are always adapting to new eras to stay at the forefront of educational success.</p>
<p>We owe this fact to our magnificent student body and faculty, who are the momentum behind our growth. They’re what makes us great! Let’s talk about all the ways Illini students and staff maintain our reputation for excellence.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="537" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh.jpg" alt="The Illini Vex Robotics team proudly showcases and poses with one of their creations at the Engineering Open House" class="wp-image-41832" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh-768x516.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh-370x248.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh-270x181.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh-570x383.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/vex-robotics-eoh-740x497.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We’re a Consistently Top-Ranked University</h2>
<p>Illinois is the #12 public university in the nation – and it’s probably because we’re filled to the brim with passionate, inspiring faculty and alumni. Plus, there’s plenty of them to go around! Our student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, which means there’s always opportunity for one-on-one instruction and attention. </p>
<p>If you consult the numbers, you’ll find that 27 Pulitzer Prize winners and 23 Nobel Prize winners have called Illinois home (what can we say, we’re a physics hotspot), and we regularly lead the nation in National Science Foundation funding for research. We’re also one of just 34 five-star U.S. universities that gives you quality AND affordability, per <em>Money</em>!</p>
<p>Plus, there’s no shortage of opportunity to learn in a real-world environment. We are always at the forefront of student research and entrepreneurship, and we encourage students to get involved in their passions in a hands-on environment. Internships, campus jobs, and work-study opportunities are always available for any student – we offer tons of engagement options in not only STEM fields but the humanities as well! </p>
<p>Our propensity for ensuring students gain essential experience and skills in their majors before they enter the job field is the foundation of our reputation for constant innovation and momentum. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="586" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice.jpg" alt="three students having fun practicing their routine inside one of Illinois dance studios" class="wp-image-41833" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice-768x563.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice-370x271.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice-270x198.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice-570x418.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice-740x542.jpg 740w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/studio-dance-practice-80x60.jpg 80w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We’ve Got Stellar Programs </h2>
<p>What do you want to study?</p>
<p>Because we probably have it. With ever-growing lists of options for majors, research programs, student organizations, and class choices, we are constantly expanding our academic and recreational horizons and creating room to develop our reputation for quality in new areas. (Some of our colleges boast the top programs in the nation!)</p>
<p>On top of stellar singular programs, many of our colleges have teamed up to provide interconnected majors that allow students to pursue two majors at once. These programs, such as <a href="https://dance.illinois.edu/programs-applying/undergraduate-programs/ba-bs-in-kinesiology/">dance and kinesiology</a> and <a href="https://cs.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate/degree-program-options/cs-x-degree-programs">computer science + X</a>, offer the opportunity to explore how disciplines might work together or alongside each other. We know that intersectionality is an essential component of the real world, and we work to provide students with the resources to draw in as much experience in as many areas as possible while they’re at Illinois.</p>
<p>Plus, for those students interested in further elevating their academic experience, several scholar programs and living communities exist on campus that offer extra resources, opportunities to connect with peers, or even classes. There are <a href="https://www.housing.illinois.edu/living-communities/llc">11 living-learning communities</a> among our residential housing options, with focuses ranging from business to sustainability. There is always an opportunity to share passions at Illinois!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="536" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium.jpg" alt="graduating student in cap and gown poses at Commencement at Memorial Stadium with the jumbotron in the background proudly displaying the orange and blue Illinois logo" class="wp-image-41828" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium-768x515.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium-370x248.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium-270x181.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium-570x382.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/graduating-student-portrait-at-memorial-stadium-740x496.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We Know Value Is Important </h2>
<p>Success comes in many different forms, and Illini are working hard to discover all of them. Illinois contains both the resources to help students develop essential life skills – from knowledge of the field to the capacity to be a valuable member of a team – as well as the opportunity to use those skills after graduation. </p>
<p>For example, there are around 1,000 student organizations on campus aimed at providing opportunities for students to try on all of their interests for size while they’re at Illinois. Whether they want to explore their chosen field of study or an extracurricular hobby, so many chances exist to get directly involved while simultaneously making connections with other students, gaining experience, and maybe even trying out a leadership position.</p>
<p>The connections don’t end there. With a network of over half-a-million living alumni, Illini graduate into a world where their predecessors have been setting the example for the value of an Illinois education (and, on average, with a <a href="https://illinisuccess.illinois.edu/annual-reports/">starting salary of around 75k</a> – the numbers don’t hurt!). Plus, last year, 92 Fortune 100 companies recruited Illini graduates. Illinois students are desirable because their prestigious reputation precedes them!</p>
<p>While success will look different for everyone, any definition is possible at Illinois. We value all of our students’ futures, no matter what they might bring!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">There’s More Than One Path to Success</h2>
<p>We’re sure you’ve heard it before, but it’s true – success looks different for everyone, and it might not be exactly what you imagined. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” right? So long as you build your reputation for being a hard worker and a good person (and keep an open mind about what constitutes achievement!), success will find you.</p>
<p>Plus, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to have achieved success, and you don’t need to win a Nobel Prize in your field to be a valuable member of the Illini family. Our students and faculty model the Illinois reputation simply by being intelligent, passionate learners and teachers! </p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<p>The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a diverse, vibrant campus with a reputation for excellence and opportunity. Our students and faculty are known for doing amazing things, which we see represented in every field they choose to enter! <br>For more examples of the ways Illini alumni are bringing evidence of the Illinois reputation to the world, check out our <a href="https://illinisuccess.illinois.edu/">Illini Success</a> website or the incredible features on <a href="https://storied.illinois.edu/#!">Storied</a>!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/are-you-ready-for-it-lets-talk-about-the-meaning-of-the-uiuc-reputation/">Are You Ready For It? Let’s Talk About the Meaning of the Illinois Reputation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>Transfer Guide: How to Apply, Step by Step</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-transfer-to-illinois/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-transfer-to-illinois</link>
<comments>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-transfer-to-illinois/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 14:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Admissions]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[applying]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[transfer]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=33777</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome! We’re so excited you’re thinking of making the jump to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Illinois transfer process looks a little different than the steps you may have taken to apply to colleges in high school, so we’re here to lay it out plain and simple. Let’s get started. Prep Work Your “prep […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-transfer-to-illinois/">Transfer Guide: How to Apply, Step by Step</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Welcome! We’re so excited you’re thinking of making the jump to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Illinois transfer process looks a little different than the steps you may have taken to apply to colleges in high school, so we’re here to lay it out plain and simple. Let’s get started.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Work</h2>
<p>Your “prep work” is basically just doing some research. Make sure you can check off these five steps before beginning your application. Our <a href="https://transferhandbook.illinois.edu/">Transfer Handbook</a> is a good place to start; it’ll give you a quick snapshot of some of these details for your major.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Illinois Admissions Guide: Transfer Handbook" width="770" height="578" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MHGlusiK7QY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Know our dates and deadlines. </strong><a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Transfer/dates">Application deadlines</a> depend on whether you’re applying for the spring or fall semester.</li>
<li><strong>Compare your GPA. </strong>Figure out what your GPA is and compare it with our <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Transfer/gpa-guidelines">transfer GPA guidelines</a> to get a sense of where you stand among other transfer applicants.</li>
<li><strong>Pick a major. </strong>We have over 175 majors at Illinois, but not all of them are open to transfers. Check our <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Transfer/open-closed">open and closed programs list</a> to see if the major you’re interested in is accepting transfer applicants at your level for the term you’re hoping to enroll.</li>
<li><strong>Figure out what courses you need to take in order to transfer. </strong>Our Illinois <a href="https://transferhandbook.illinois.edu">Transfer Handbook</a> describes the recommended course sequences for each of our majors. It may look intimidating at first, but that’s just because it has a ton of information in it! Reference the page that talks about the major you’re interested in; you must complete the coursework listed under Admissions Requirements before transferring.</li>
<li><strong>Figure out which of your courses will transfer. </strong>When you come to Illinois, some of your course credits may come along with you. The site <a href="https://www.transferology.com/school/illinois">Transferology</a> can help you figure out what credits will make the trip. Start by <a href="https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/4zezv9m0yq">watching their video</a>, which will guide you through the process from start to finish.</li>
</ol>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">45-Credit-Hour Rule</h3>
<p>A quick heads up: No matter how many credits you have when you transfer, you still need to take at least 45 credit hours at Illinois. Note that 21 of these hours will need to be at the 300 or 400 level.</p>
</div>
</div></div>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Application Process</h2>
<p>Once you’ve
done your prep work, you’re ready to <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/myillini-apply">apply</a>! This includes
filling out our application as well as submitting some additional materials. Let’s
break things down.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Your Application</h3>
<p>You’ll submit your application through myIllini, our student portal. Most things will be fairly easy to fill out, but it can take some time (so make sure you don’t wait until the night before the deadline to start!).</p>
<p>You’ll begin by adding some
personal information, like your name and address, where you go to school, and
so on. We won’t get into all that here, but let’s touch on some of the more
substantial parts.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Major. </strong>In our application, we’ll ask you to select both a first- and second-choice major (in case you aren’t admitted to your first choice). It’s a good idea to refer to our <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Transfer/handbook">Transfer Handbook</a> to make sure you’ve completed the requirements for the majors you choose.</li>
<li><strong>Essay. </strong>Personal essays are always challenging, but the good news is you can check out our <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Transfer/essay">essay questions for transfer applicants</a> before you start your application. Our biggest tip? Make sure to answer what we’re asking!</li>
<li><strong>Activities, Honors, & Distinctions. </strong>We’ll ask you to provide a certain number of activities, honors, and distinctions. Take some time to think about the things you’ve been involved in and the things you’ve accomplished. Be certain to highlight the things you’ve done recently at your current institution.</li>
<li><strong>Application Fee. </strong>Unless you have a fee waiver, you’ll be asked to <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Transfer/process#application-fee">pay a fee</a> when you submit your application. If you think you may qualify for a fee waiver, ask a school official (for example, an advisor or representative in your financial aid office) at your current college to submit a <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/counselors/forms#fee-waiver">fee waiver</a> on your behalf.</li>
</ol>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1240" height="620" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/students-talking-on-steps-of-lincoln-hall.jpg" alt="students talking on the steps of Lincoln Hall" class="wp-image-33925" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/students-talking-on-steps-of-lincoln-hall.jpg 1240w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/students-talking-on-steps-of-lincoln-hall-768x384.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/students-talking-on-steps-of-lincoln-hall-370x185.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/students-talking-on-steps-of-lincoln-hall-270x135.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/students-talking-on-steps-of-lincoln-hall-740x370.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Application Pro Tip</h3>
<p>If you have any questions as you’re working, <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/FAQ/applicant-transfer">review our FAQ</a>. You can also <a href="mailto:transfer@illinois.edu">email our admissions counselors</a> or <a href="https://enroll.illinois.edu/portal/transfer_one_on_one">meet with them one-on-one</a>. They’re more than happy to help!</p>
</div>
</div></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Your Supporting Materials</h3>
<p>First, congratulations on making it this far—this means you’re
almost done! But before you breathe that big sigh of relief, we need just a few
more things from you.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Transcripts.</strong> You’ll be asked to submit official university transcripts from the colleges you’ve gone to, along with an official high school transcript to confirm graduation. (We’ll also accept the GED and other high school equivalency exams in place of a high school transcript.) This information should be sent straight to our admissions office. Note that we’ll only consider your high school performance if you have completed fewer than 36 graded, transferable credit hours since graduating from high school.</li>
<li><strong>English Proficiency.</strong> You must demonstrate you’re proficient in the English language to be admitted. If you spent all four years of high school in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico), good news: You automatically qualify! If this doesn’t describe you, see <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/policies#proficiency">our admissions website</a> for how to satisfy this requirement.</li>
<li><strong>Special Requirements.</strong> If you’re applying into a talent-based major like art, dance, music, or theatre, you’ll likely need to complete an audition or submit a portfolio. If you’re an international student, you also have a few more steps to take. <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/transfer/process">Learn more on our website</a>.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Checking Your Application Status</h2>
<p>After you’ve submitted your
application and supporting materials, make sure to check myIllini to verify we aren’t missing
anything. Seriously, there’s nothing worse
than thinking you’ve applied only to discover later on that your application
was never actually complete! </p>
<p>If you apply for the fall semester, you’ll receive a decision by May. If you apply for the spring semester, you’ll receive a decision by early-December.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1240" height="620" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/girls-looking-at-computer-in-illini-union.jpg" alt="girls looking at applications on a computer" class="wp-image-33894" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/girls-looking-at-computer-in-illini-union.jpg 1240w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/girls-looking-at-computer-in-illini-union-768x384.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/girls-looking-at-computer-in-illini-union-370x185.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/girls-looking-at-computer-in-illini-union-270x135.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/girls-looking-at-computer-in-illini-union-740x370.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px" /></figure>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Applying for Financial Aid</h2>
<p>Although financial aid is a crucial part of the college application process, you actually have to apply for it separately. How? By submitting the Free Application for Student Financial Aid, or <a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">FAFSA.</a> To learn more about that process as well as other ways to cut your cost of attendance, read our <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=33411">Guide to Paying for College</a>.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<p>We want your transition to Illinois to be as smooth as possible. Feel free to <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/contact">reach out to our office</a> if you have any questions at all. We hope to see you on campus! </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-transfer-to-illinois/">Transfer Guide: How to Apply, Step by Step</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<item>
<title>Support Resources at Illinois</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/support-resources-at-uiuc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=support-resources-at-uiuc</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2023 13:14:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college support]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[support resources]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=41760</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Making the jump from high school to college can be a difficult transition. While you’re figuring out where to find your classes, how to work the laundry system, and how to live on your own for maybe the first time ever, we want to make sure you have the resources you need to be successful.  […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/support-resources-at-uiuc/">Support Resources at Illinois</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Making the jump from high school to college can be a difficult transition. While you’re figuring out where to find your classes, how to work the laundry system, and how to live on your own for maybe the first time ever, we want to make sure you have the resources you need to be successful. </p>
<p>As a student, you have access to many different support resources at Illinois, all of which are here to help you live your best college life. And, lucky for you, we’ve put them all in one place—right here!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other.jpg" alt="group of friends leaning on on another (literally) and reading, writing, and studying together on the Quad" class="wp-image-41790" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other-370x247.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other-270x180.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other-570x380.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fun-study-group-leaning-on-each-other-740x493.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Academic Resources</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Michael L. Jeffries Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success</h3>
<p><a href="https://jeffriescenter.illinois.edu/">The Jeffries Center</a> offers tutoring services for all undergrads. They provide tutoring for over 50 classes each semester, with special focus on 100-level classes many first-year students are required to take, like those in chemistry, math, or language. </p>
<p>Students who sign up for tutoring will be matched with another student who has successfully taken that class in the past, earning an A or a B grade. After you sign up, you’ll meet with the tutor for at least one hour every week so you can get the help you need!</p>
<p>The Jeffries Center also offers other academic resources outside of tutoring. Students can attend supplemental learning sessions, review sessions, and even drop-in tutoring hours for certain classes.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tutoring</h3>
<p>Outside of The Jeffries Center, there are several options for major- or class-specific tutoring sessions. For example, if you find yourself struggling in a chemistry class, visit the <a href="https://chemistry.illinois.edu/clc">Chemistry Learning Center</a> to seek help from teaching assistants who are actively teaching chemistry courses. Can’t solve that math problem? Attend free tutoring through the <a href="https://publish.illinois.edu/mathstat-ssc/">Math and Statistics Student Support Center</a>. <a href="https://care.grainger.illinois.edu/">The Grainger College of Engineering</a> and<a href="https://giesgroups.illinois.edu/advising/home/"> Gies College of Business</a> also have tutoring and advising services to help you out!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Writer’s Workshop</h3>
<p>Located in the Main Library, the<a href="https://writersworkshop.illinois.edu/"> Writer’s Workshop</a> can assist with all your writing needs. For a quick fix when you’re stuck on a paragraph, come to drop-in hours and chat with a tutor for 15 to 30 minutes. You can also sign up for a 50-minute time slot to get more in-depth feedback or simply submit your work online and get comments back from the Writer’s Workshop staff.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="549" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad.jpg" alt="two friends embracing and enjoying some much needed time with one another on the Quad between classes" class="wp-image-41793" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad-768x527.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad-370x254.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad-270x185.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad-435x300.jpg 435w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad-570x391.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friends-hugging-quad-740x508.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health & Wellness</h2>
<p>Maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health while at college is super important. You can find a detailed breakdown of <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/mental-health-services-at-uiuc/">mental health resources</a> in a previous blog, but for now, here are some highlights and other ways to maintain your overall wellness.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Counseling Center</h3>
<p>The <a href="http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/">Counseling Center</a> provides counseling for students as well as outreach and prevention education opportunities. All expenses are covered through the Health Services Fee, and students can opt for individual or group counseling. The trained staff professionals can also refer students to community therapists and provide special assessments for drug/alcohol use, ADHD, and disordered eating.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">McKinley Health Center</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/">Mckinley Health Center</a> is the place to go for all health-related issues, both physical and mental, while you’re on campus. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 217-333-2700 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or, in some cases, online through the<a href="https://mymckinley.illinois.edu/"> MyMcKinely Portal</a>. </p>
<p>McKinely also offers a Dial-A-Nurse service, through which students can call a registered nurse 24/7 to receive medical advice on illnesses and injuries. You can reach them by calling 217-333-2700.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Campus Rec</h3>
<p>At<a href="https://campusrec.illinois.edu/"> Campus Recreation</a>, there’s a way for everybody to be active! Swipe your iCard at The Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) or Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE), and you have access to indoor tracks, weightlifting equipment, open gymnasiums, and a variety of indoor sport courts. </p>
<p>If working out alone doesn’t strike your fancy, sign up for group fitness or personal training. Other programs include intramural sports, the Campus Bike Center, and lessons like swimming, ice skating, and food programs.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disability Resources</h2>
<p>The<a href="https://dres.illinois.edu/"> Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services</a>, or DRES, provides accommodations to ensure that every student at Illinois has the resources they need to thrive in their education. From accessible building spaces to testing accommodations and neurodivergent resources, DRES can help all students reach their full potential.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Testing Accommodations</h3>
<p>Students seeking academic accommodations can first engage with<a href="https://dres.illinois.edu/academic-supports/accommodations/"> DRES</a> in an interactive discussion, informed by documentation and a self-report provided by students, to determine what resources will help them thrive in the classroom. DRES access specialists will then write students a letter of accommodation, which students will give to their professors at the start of the semester so they can get the help they need from the very beginning!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beckwith Residential Support Services at Newman Hall</h3>
<p><a href="https://dres.illinois.edu/living-accommodations/beckwith-residential-support-services-at-nugent-hall/">Beckwith Residential Support Services</a> (BRSS) provides support for students who require assistance with daily living activities due to physical disability. While living in Nugent Hall, students are not only helped with their accommodations but also participate in educational opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills about independent living. </p>
<p>In addition, residents collaborate with the Beckwith administrative team for hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating Beckwith’s staff. Students do have to apply to live at Beckwith; more information for that process can be found under DRES’s<a href="https://dres.illinois.edu/living-accommodations/prospective-student-resources/"> prospective student resources</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support for Students with Autism</h3>
<p>DRES provides resources and support for all students with autism spectrum disorder. Their<a href="https://dres.illinois.edu/academic-supports/supports-for-students-with-autism/"> autism support programs</a> have grown substantially, now with over 100 students registered and receiving assistance. DRES support includes facilitating discussions with professors about accommodations, academic coaching, career support, and so much more!</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Minority Student Resources</h2>
<p>Making sure students from underrepresented communities feel supported and heard is a huge priority for us. We mentioned the academic resources <a href="https://jeffriescenter.illinois.edu/">The Jeffries Center</a> offers above, but they’re so great, we’ll give them a second shout-out! The Jeffries Center is the place to go when you need support academically. They offer tutoring and mentoring programs designed to help ease the transition to being a college student, specifically for first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.</p>
<p>We also have five different cultural houses on campus, as well as a slew of resource centers. Many of <a href="https://oiir.illinois.edu/our-centers">these groups</a> have their own building on campus where students can meet and connect with other people who share some of their identities. For a more detailed look at all of the resources for minority students, you can read our <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/diversity-inclusion-at-uiuc/">blog</a> on just that topic!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="500" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street.jpg" alt="a student wearing Illini Orange rides a bike down a busy Green Street on a sunny afternoon" class="wp-image-41791" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street-768x480.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street-370x231.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street-270x169.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street-570x356.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a-bustling-green-street-740x463.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Safety</h2>
<p>Feeling safe while you attend college is a must, and your safety is a priority for us. Sign up for <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/info/illini-alerts/">Illini-Alerts</a> to receive texts and emails about crime and severe weather events on campus. Use <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/services/safewalks/">SafeWalks or SafeRides</a> for when you need to get home late at night. And know that the <a href="https://police.illinois.edu/">University Police</a> are here to keep students safe, and they’re just a phone call away. Check out the <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/uiuc-safety-resources/">blog</a> we wrote giving you all the details you need to feel safe on campus.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financial Aid & Money Management</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Office of Student Financial Aid</h3>
<p>Paying for college can be one of the most stressful parts of the whole experience. Luckily, there’s an entire office dedicated to helping you get your finances in order!<a href="https://osfa.illinois.edu/"> The Office of Student Financial Aid</a> can walk you through the ins and outs of paying for your college experience. From calculating costs to filing your FAFSA to seeking scholarships and everything in between, making a financial plan will feel a lot more manageable with help from OSFA.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Student Money Management Center</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.studentmoney.uillinois.edu/AboutSMMC">Student Money Management Center</a> provides financial education for all students in the University of Illinois System. Their full-time staff offers content like webinars, podcasts, and mentoring on financial topics to empower students to make positive financial decisions while in college. The best part? These services are available to University of Illinois alumni, so you can still get the best financial advice long after you graduate.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair.jpg" alt="student talking with potential employer at the Illini Career & Internship Fair coordinated by The Career Center" class="wp-image-41789" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair-370x247.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair-270x180.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair-570x380.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illini-career-and-internship-fair-740x493.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Career Planning</h2>
<p>The<a href="https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/"> Career Center</a> can help you as you start thinking about the goals you have for life after college. Start by dropping in for resume or cover letter reviews—no appointment necessary! Or, if you have questions about majors, career options, or graduate school, you can schedule a 30-minute appointment with one of the center’s career experts.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Student Assistance Center</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care/student-assistance-center/">Student Assistance Center</a> is the first line of contact for students seeking assistance from the Office of the Dean. The Assistant Deans at the center are trained to help students navigate different challenges of college life. Whether you need help understanding university policy, are struggling with issues affecting your academic performance, or need help in any way but aren’t sure where to turn, the Student Assistance Center can point you toward the support you need.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Support Resources</h2>
<p>We’ve done our best to lay out the highlight reel, but there are still many support resources at Illinois we haven’t covered, and lots of places you can go to seek them out. Our support webpage has a large <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/discover/campus-life/support">list of resources</a>, and so does this page from the <a href="https://odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care/resources/campus/">Office of the Dean of Students.</a> And remember, if you’re not sure where to turn, reaching out to the Student Assistance Center will set you on the right path.</p>
<p>Although each organization may provide aid for different parts of the student experience, all of the resources listed above have one goal in mind: to support you through whatever challenges come your way. There may be bumps along the way, but we hope to make your journey as smooth as possible.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/support-resources-at-uiuc/">Support Resources at Illinois</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>Applying to College at Illinois: A Complete Guide</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/applying-to-illinois-a-complete-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=applying-to-illinois-a-complete-guide</link>
<comments>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/applying-to-illinois-a-complete-guide/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 06 May 2023 15:49:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Admissions]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[applying]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[majors]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=33121</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Applying to college is key, and you want to get it right. It can also be a complicated maze full of twists and turns (including different requirements and deadlines for every school on your list!). We’re here to guide you through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign first-year application process and out the other side. Looking […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/applying-to-illinois-a-complete-guide/">Applying to College at Illinois: A Complete Guide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Applying to college is key, and you want to get it right. It can also be a complicated maze full of twists and turns (including different requirements and deadlines for every school on your list!). We’re here to guide you through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign first-year application process and out the other side.</p>
<p><strong>Looking to transfer to Illinois? <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-transfer-to-illinois/">Check out our transfer guide</a> instead!</strong></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Illinois Dates & Deadlines</h2>
<p>As you’re applying to colleges, the number of dates floating around your head can be overwhelming. Although you don’t want to miss an important deadline, you deserve to save your brain space for more important knowledge (like all eight variations of that password you’ve been using since you were 10!).</p>
<p>So without further ado, grab your planner and add <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/dates">these dates</a> to it. They’re the ones you need to know when it comes to Illinois.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Illinois Application Process</h2>
<p>You can’t apply to a college without submitting an application, and there’s a lot to unpack in ours! Let’s dig in.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing Your App Type</h3>
<p>When you’re ready to <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/myillini-apply">begin your Illinois application</a>, you have two options: You can apply through the <a href="https://www.commonapp.org/">Common App</a> or <a href="https://myillini.illinois.edu/IdentityManagement/Account/Create">myIllini</a>. Common App is a shared application that allows you to apply to multiple schools at once, while myIllini is our university application. We don’t care which one you choose, so just pick the one that makes the most sense to you.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Things You’ll Need</h3>
<p>Before you start your application, make sure you have the following things on hand:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A copy of your high school transcript </li>
<li>Any test score results you choose to report</li>
<li>A credit card to pay your application fee (if you don’t have a fee waiver)</li>
</ul>
<p>We also suggest a quiet place devoid of distractions to help you maintain your focus while filling out applications. A pair of headphones and a good playlist can go a long way as well.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="521" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk.jpg" alt="students decompress and play volleyball on the Quad in front the Illini Union at dusk" class="wp-image-42080" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk-768x500.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk-370x241.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk-270x176.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk-570x371.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/quad-volleyball-at-dusk-740x482.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Application Pro Tip</strong></h3>
<p>Things you won’t need? Letters of recommendation or the like, since we don’t accept them. You also don’t need to send official transcripts or official test score results our way; we only ask for the official versions of these if you enroll at Illinois.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stuff Our App Includes</h3>
<p>The majority of <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/myillini-apply">our application</a> will be fairly easy to fill out, but it can take some time (so make sure you don’t wait until the night before the deadline to start!). You’ll begin by adding some personal information, like your name and address, where you go to school and your graduation date, and so on. We won’t get into all that here, but let’s touch on some of the more substantial parts.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Courses & Grades</h4>
<p>We ask you to self-report your high school courses and grades, which means you’ll enter them directly into our application. Be sure to refer to that copy of your transcript we mentioned above so that what you provide is accurate. Note that if you apply through the Common App, you’ll add this information in our self-reported academic record (SRAR) a few days after submitting your application.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Test Scores (if provided)</h4>
<p>Illinois is test-optional, meaning you’re not required to submit ACT and/or SAT test results when you apply. If you do choose to provide yours, you’ll self-report them just like you do your courses and grades.</p>
<p>We encourage you to report your scores if you feel they accurately represent your ability. Carefully consider your decision, since you won’t be able to change it later on. You can learn more about our test-optional policy within our <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/FAQ/applicant-freshman#test-optional">first-year applicant FAQ</a>.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Major</h4>
<p>Before you apply, you can learn more about the majors we offer through our <a href="https://myillini.illinois.edu/Programs">program explorer</a>. In our application, we’ll ask you to select both a first- and second-choice major (in case you aren’t admitted to your first choice). If you still aren’t sure what you’d like to major in by the time you’re applying to college, we also have an <a href="https://myillini.illinois.edu/Programs/MajorDetail/10KW5083NONE">undeclared option</a> that allows you to explore your options before declaring a major.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Major-Specific Prompts</h4>
<p>You’ll answer <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/essays#short">two to three major-specific prompts</a> in our application, depending on what you’re applying to. Your answers will help us determine if your interests and goals are a good fit for your selected program, so be specific. You’ll also want to be direct, since you only have 150 to work with for each prompt.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Essay</h4>
<p>You’ll also write an essay. The good news? You have <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/essays#essays">lots of prompts</a> to choose from, and they’re available even before our application opens. This means you can knock your essay out early! Our two best pieces of advice when writing are to 1) answer the prompt, and 2) have a teacher, family member, or counselor proofread it.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. Activities, Honors, & Distinctions</h4>
<p>Finally, we’ll ask you to provide a certain number of activities, honors, and distinctions. Take some time to think about the things you’ve been involved in and the things you’ve accomplished. Whatever is most important to you belongs on this list!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor.jpg" alt="high school student meeting with their counselor and taking notes" class="wp-image-42079" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor-370x247.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor-270x180.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor-570x380.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hs-student-with-advisor-740x493.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Application Pro Tip</strong></h3>
<p>If you have any questions as you’re working, <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/freshman/help-with-applying">check out our Help With Applying webpage</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk_H4szzb26nZB6humuExPv4H-VrseOau">watch our video how-tos</a>, or <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/FAQ/applicant-freshman">review our FAQ</a>! You can also talk to your high school counselor, who can give you more guidance on how to answer certain questions.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Requirements</h3>
<p>Sometimes, students need to do more than just submit our application. For example, if you’re applying into a <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/process#cases">talent-based major</a> like art, dance, music, or theatre, you’ll need to complete an audition or submit a portfolio. Or, based on whether you choose to report the ACT/SAT and where you’ve completed your most recent schooling, we may strongly recommend or even require the <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/FAQ/applicant-freshman#test-optional">TOEFL or IELTS</a>. </p>
<p>You can learn more about any additional requirements <a href="https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/process#cases">on our website</a>. If you’re ever uncertain, <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/contact">just ask!</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your Application Status</h2>
<p>After you submit your application, it’s important that you check your myIllini status page to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Seriously, there’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve applied only to discover later on that your application was never actually complete.</p>
<p>You can view your status page and confirm everything is good to go by clicking on your application in myIllini. If you’ve chosen to apply through the Common App, we’ll create a myIllini account for you that you’ll use moving forward in the process; it will become available to you a few days after submitting your application.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Applying for Financial Aid</h2>
<p>Although financial aid is a crucial part of the college application process, you actually have to apply for it separately. How? By submitting the Free Application for Student Financial Aid, or <a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">FAFSA</a>. To learn more about that process as well as other ways to cut your cost of attendance, read our <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=33411">Guide to Paying for College</a>. Note, though, that financial aid funding is only available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1240" height="620" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/money-pile.jpg" alt="a pile of money" class="wp-image-33370" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/money-pile.jpg 1240w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/money-pile-768x384.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/money-pile-370x185.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/money-pile-270x135.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/money-pile-740x370.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1240px) 100vw, 1240px" /></figure>
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<p>We hope this guide will serve you well throughout the Illinois application process. If you get lost in the maze at any time, don’t hesitate to <a href="https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/contact">contact us</a>. We’re here to help!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/applying-to-illinois-a-complete-guide/">Applying to College at Illinois: A Complete Guide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>How to Find and Use a Net Price Calculator or Financial Aid Calculator to Estimate Your College Financial Aid</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-find-and-use-a-net-price-calculator-or-financial-aid-calculator-to-estimate-your-college-financial-aid/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-find-and-use-a-net-price-calculator-or-financial-aid-calculator-to-estimate-your-college-financial-aid</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:17:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Financial Aid]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[aid]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college prep resources]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=40742</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>We know money is a big concern when applying to college. You have to consider the cost of each institution you’re interested in attending, fill out applications for financial aid, and try to find a way to begin setting aside money for life during college. We get that this process isn’t easy, and we want […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-find-and-use-a-net-price-calculator-or-financial-aid-calculator-to-estimate-your-college-financial-aid/">How to Find and Use a Net Price Calculator or Financial Aid Calculator to Estimate Your College Financial Aid</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<p>We know money is a big concern when applying to college. You have to consider the cost of each institution you’re interested in attending, fill out applications for financial aid, and try to find a way to begin setting aside money for life during college.</p>
<p>We get that this process isn’t easy, and we want to put the best possible resources in your hands so you can make your way through it with as little pain as possible. With that, we’re here to give you a brief introduction to an extremely helpful tool: net price calculators (also sometimes called financial aid calculators).</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is a net price calculator?</h2>
<p>Before we get into what a net price calculator is, we should define what “net price” means. You’ve probably heard the phrase “cost of attendance” before (if you haven’t, consider browsing our <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=40597">glossary of financial aid terms</a>). “Cost of attendance” is, simply put, the amount of money it takes to attend a school for one year without any type of financial aid.</p>
<p>Once a student’s individual amount of financial aid is determined, a little basic math can turn your “cost of attendance” into “net price.” Your net price will be what one year of school will cost based on the cost of tuition and the financial aid you’ll receive. Although these calculators aren’t always exact, they’ll allow you to start making general plans for your future!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="444" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198.jpg" alt="Woman using a calculator in her office" class="wp-image-41957" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198-768x426.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198-370x205.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198-270x150.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198-570x316.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1431875198-740x411.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is a net price calculator the same thing as filling out the FAFSA?</h2>
<p>No. The FAFSA is the actual document that you use to apply for federal financial aid. Net price calculators formulate net price by comparing your information with students who are similar to you and have attended the same institution. Again, note that the figure these calculators send back to you are only well-informed estimates and are definitely not a substitute for filling out the FAFSA or any other financial aid applications.</p>
<p>Also, certain calculators will ask you for your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is found in your Student Aid Report (SAR). If you haven’t completed the FAFSA, you probably won’t have this number on hand, but don’t be discouraged. Most calculators will still give you a result even without the EFC.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Okay, where can I find these net price calculators?</h2>
<p>Pretty much any college or university that you could want to attend is going to have a net price calculator available for student use. The way they’re set up and the questions they ask may vary, but their purpose is fundamentally the same. So, search away. Most net price calculators will be available through the university’s financial aid office. You may be surprised what dollar amounts can show up! </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">For the sake of conversation, where could I find Illinois’s net price calculator, and what kinds of questions will it ask me?</h2>
<p>That’s such a random university to consider, but okay! We’ll use it as an example.</p>
<p><a href="https://secure.osfa.illinois.edu/NPC/NPC.asp">Illinois’s net price calculator</a> is hosted on the Office of Student Financial Aid’s website. During the process of filling out the form, you’ll be asked information about yourself and your household. Some questions will be based around finances and some around academic and/or personal information. Try to be as accurate as possible, but again, this tool is really only useful for establishing estimates, so no information you supply will be binding.</p>
<p>After filling out the form in full, you’ll receive a net price figure, as well as expected methods of financing that total.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="489" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251.jpg" alt="young student working at her computer and smiling while taking notes in a notebook" class="wp-image-41940" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251-768x469.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251-370x226.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251-270x165.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251-570x348.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/iStock-1370433251-740x452.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Okay, I think I understand. What if I have more questions related to my financial aid estimate or options after using a net price calculator?</h2>
<p>The most direct route for getting answers is to reach out to a school’s financial aid office. And speaking of Illinois again (out of the orange and blue, am I right?), that office would be the <a href="https://osfa.illinois.edu/">Office of Student Financial Aid</a>. They’re a very helpful resource as you’re navigating this process.</p>
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<p>Well, that’s what we’ve got to tell you about net price calculators (again, sometimes called financial aid calculators). They’re a great tool for any student who’s planning on attending college, and they’re pretty easy to use, too. While your college finance concerns probably won’t disappear completely because of this article, we hope that we’ve given you some tools and ways to predict what the costs of college may look like for you. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/how-to-find-and-use-a-net-price-calculator-or-financial-aid-calculator-to-estimate-your-college-financial-aid/">How to Find and Use a Net Price Calculator or Financial Aid Calculator to Estimate Your College Financial Aid</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>Is College Worth It?</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/is-college-worth-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-college-worth-it</link>
<comments>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/is-college-worth-it/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:36:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[College Prep]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college prep resources]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cost]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[planning]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=33354</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Higher education plays a huge part in our world today, but is college worth it? It depends. Here are some things to consider as you decide if going to college is a good plan for you. What can college do for you? Professional Value of a Degree A college degree has always been a resume-booster, […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/is-college-worth-it/">Is College Worth It?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Higher education plays a huge part in our world today, but is college worth it? It depends. Here are some things to consider as you decide if going to college is a good plan for you.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="548" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair.jpg" alt="female student dressed up and talking to a representative from Caterpillar at a Engineering career fair" class="wp-image-41736" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair-768x526.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair-370x253.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair-270x185.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair-570x390.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/female-student-at-engineering-career-fair-740x507.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What can college do for you?</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Professional Value of a Degree</strong></h3>
<p>A college degree has always been a resume-booster, and it has now become an expectation for many in the professional world. Some career paths are very hard to pursue without a college degree. If you know your dream job requires this kind of degree, that would be a strong pull toward going to college.</p>
<p>While evaluating your career goals, make sure to consider your target income and job availability within your field. Look at opportunities for growth for your desired position. Recent data support the idea that as you increase your education level, average salary expectations grow and unemployment rates dwindle. It’s helpful to know whether there are places to develop, both developmentally and financially, as you progress in your career.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Unemployment Rates & Earning by Education</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular" style="font-size:16px"><table><thead><tr><th>Education</th><th>Median Weekly Earning</th><th>Unemployment Rate</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Doctoral</td><td>$1,909</td><td>1.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Professional</td><td>$1,924</td><td>1.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Master’s</td><td>$1,574</td><td>2.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Bachelor’s</td><td>$1,334</td><td>3.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Associate’s</td><td>$963</td><td>4.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Some College,<br>No Degree</td><td>$899</td><td>5.5%</td></tr><tr><td>HS Diploma</td><td>$809</td><td>6.3%</td></tr><tr><td>< HS Diploma</td><td>$626</td><td>8.3%</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Average</strong></td><td><strong>$1,057</strong></td><td><strong>4.7%</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p style="font-size:16px"><em>Source: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a></em></p>
<p>Also keep in mind that most people change their careers at least once in their life. If that time comes for you, you’ll have many more new employment opportunities if you’re equipped with a bachelor’s degree than if you’re not. Plus, in many companies, an employee’s salary is based on how much experience and education they have, so having a college degree will give you an advantage even if you’re “starting over.” </p>
<p>College is an investment; paying now gives you an opportunity to gain in the future. You’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s an investment you want to make. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Undergraduate Experience</strong></h3>
<p>College gives you ways to learn more about yourself; you can discover passions, gain fresh insights, and meet new people. It is a great place to grow, but so are a lot of other places. So what makes college so special?</p>
<p>Well, it all depends on what you make out of it. Being in college can change your life if you embrace the resources and opportunities available to you. You’ll get a chance to be independent, maybe more than you’ve ever been before. College can teach you what it’s like to live away from home and make decisions for yourself.</p>
<p>Still, the college environment isn’t for everyone. Think about what your priorities are and decide if they match up with the professional, intellectual, and cultural opportunities college can provide. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="517" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications.jpg" alt="mother, daughter, and her friend looking through college applications in their home" class="wp-image-41737" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications-768x496.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications-370x239.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications-270x174.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications-570x368.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mother-daughter-and-friend-looking-at-applications-740x478.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>But what about the expense?</strong></h2>
<p>There’s no denying it—college is expensive. Then again, many students decide to commit to college anyway, and for good reasons. When you’re looking at your options, be realistic about what you want out of a college; remember that the most expensive school isn’t necessarily the best (and neither is the least expensive).</p>
<p>The vast majority of students aren’t able to pay all of their college expenses upfront, so they take advantage of financial aid, scholarships, loans, and more. To learn ways you can make college more affordable, check out our <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=33411">guide to paying for college</a>.</p>
<p>In the end (and in the beginning, if you can), be honest with your family and yourself; don’t show up at college before you explicitly understand how and when it’s going to be paid for, as well as by whom.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="521" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago.jpg" alt="two friends happily running into each other at the Illini Fest celebration in Chicago" class="wp-image-41739" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago.jpg 800w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago-768x500.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago-370x241.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago-270x176.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago-570x371.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/illini-fest-chicago-740x482.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s your plan?</strong></h2>
<p>Consider for a moment what you would do after high school if you didn’t go to college. Would you take a gap year? Get a job? What are your short- and long-term goals? Your answers might help you decide if college fits into your plan and if it’s required to carry out your goals. </p>
<p>You won’t know for sure where your life will lead, and that’s okay. But having a college degree today may very well open more doors than not, and this is something you’ll want to consider as you look ahead. </p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<p>So, is college worth it? This question will be easier to answer if you’re realistic and honest with yourself. Keep things like expenses, future goals, and different school options in mind. Make sure you understand what you’re signing up for and how much you’ll owe, and draft a few plans. </p>
<p>If in the end you decide that college is the right choice for you, we have <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?author=25">more resources</a> to help guide you through your planning process, including <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=31852">5 ways to narrow your options</a>. We hope you find them useful as you continue your journey!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/is-college-worth-it/">Is College Worth It?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<title>Balancing What You Want to Do vs. What’s Expected of You</title>
<link>https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/balancing-what-you-want-to-do-vs-whats-expected-of-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=balancing-what-you-want-to-do-vs-whats-expected-of-you</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Illinois Admissions]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:11:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[College Prep]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college prep resources]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[planning]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/?p=41585</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Maybe your family is full of critically acclaimed authors, but you’ve always preferred writing code to writing stories. Maybe you’ve said you wanted to be a doctor since you were three but have found a new passion after starring in your school’s spring musical. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do, but you […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/balancing-what-you-want-to-do-vs-whats-expected-of-you/">Balancing What You Want to Do vs. What’s Expected of You</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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<p>Maybe your family is full of critically acclaimed authors, but you’ve always preferred writing code to writing stories. Maybe you’ve said you wanted to be a doctor since you were three but have found a new passion after starring in your school’s spring musical. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do, but you know it’s not double majoring in economics and finance like all five of your older siblings.</p>
<p>Telling the people around you that your dreams don’t match their expectations can be difficult. We’ve laid out some steps to help you start the conversation and find balance between what you want to do and what’s expected of you.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Have a conversation with yourself.</h2>
<p>In the midst of all the voices around you as you start your college journey, it’s important to take a minute to listen to the voice that matters most: yours. So, what do you want to do? </p>
<p>When you ask yourself this question, what is your gut response? You may come up with a specific career, or you may just land on a set of values like “I want to help people” or “I want to stay close to home.” Being honest with yourself is a great, low-stakes way to get started making some decisions that might seem pretty scary.</p>
<p>Once you find that answer, follow up by asking “Why do I want to do this?” Understanding your own motives will not only help you clarify your goals but can also prepare you for conversations with the people in your corner who help you outline and achieve your plans.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-41709" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5.jpg 1500w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5-370x247.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5-270x180.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5-570x380.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-5-740x493.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. </strong>Do your research.</h2>
<p>Now that you’ve thought about what you want to do, it’s time to dig into the details. By looking into job outcomes and career opportunities, you can get a good grasp on what to expect from this field going forward. This way, when you initiate the conversation with friends and family, you will be able to present a strong case for the future you envision.</p>
<p>And while you may not be pursuing a math major, it might be a good idea to crunch some numbers. Having passion drive your interests is great, but it’s important to be aware of the financial situation you could see post-graduation. Start by looking into employment opportunities and salary projections, or reaching out to your school counselor about how to get started on the journey.</p>
<p>Of course, it’s totally not necessary to know your exact salary or retirement plan at this very moment. But being aware of the basics can assure both yourself and others that your chosen path will provide financial security and ensure you’re provided for.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Be honest with the people around you.</h2>
<p>With the research and soul-searching complete, it’s time to be honest with the people around you. If you’re feeling nervous about this, that’s okay. It’s not an easy thing to do! By sharing the research you’ve done and the reasoning behind your goals, you can begin a conversation about what the best choice is—the best choice for you, not anyone else!</p>
<p>And, on the flip side, be open-minded about listening to what the people around you have to say. Chances are if your family has a specific career path in mind for you, they probably think this is best based on their own experiences and ideas. So, when it comes to discussing big decisions, remember that everyone is on the same team and wants you to be successful and happy in the future.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-41708" srcset="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4.jpg 1500w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4-370x247.jpg 370w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4-270x180.jpg 270w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4-570x380.jpg 570w, https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Balance-4-740x493.jpg 740w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Make time for multiple fields if you can.</h2>
<p>Splitting your time between two disciplines can be difficult, especially if they’re on different ends of the educational spectrum. But if you’re passionate enough about what you want to do, anything is possible! </p>
<p>Talk to your academic advisor about a double major or even a minor to go alongside your primary area of study. If the major you want and the major your family wants for you are drastically different, this is a great way to get exposure and experience in both fields.</p>
<p>Additionally, you have the ability to make your college experience what you want it to be. While lots of student organizations on campus cater to certain majors or career paths, they are usually open to everybody! That means you can get involved, gain experience, and make connections in your field of interest, even if it’s not the major you’ll see on your diploma.</p>
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<p>The journey might be difficult, and it may even take multiple conversations to work toward a resolution. But with honesty and patience, you can find balance between what you want to do and what’s expected of you. And, as you search for that balance, we’ll leave you with a few things to remember: Chase your goals, be open to hearing what the people who love you have to say, and whatever career path you end up choosing, you’re going to be great!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu/balancing-what-you-want-to-do-vs-whats-expected-of-you/">Balancing What You Want to Do vs. What’s Expected of You</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.admissions.illinois.edu">Admissions Blog - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>
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