The University of Illinois (U of I) uses an unweighted 4.0 GPA scale for the admissions process. You’ll need to have a minimum high school GPA of 3.71 or higher for admission. If your GPA is only 3.71 or lower, a superior ACT or SAT score can help compensate. Let’s start with Does U Of I Take the Weighted GPA?
What Are Weighted and Unweighted GPAs? How Do They Work?
An unweighted GPA employs a four-point scale and does not reflect the difficulty of a student’s course work. An unweighted A is always the same (4.0), whether was earned in an honors class or in a remedial class. Weighted GPAs employ a five-point scale, using higher numbers to give credit for more difficult courses, so grades earned in honors and advanced placement (AP) courses count for more. The challenge of earning an A in an honors course earns a 5.0 instead of a 4.0 it would earn for a less challenging or lower-level class. Under weighted grading, a B earned in an honors course counts for more than an A earned in a remedial course.
Will My Advanced Course Work be Fairly Considered for College Applications if My High School Doesn’t Use Weighted Grading?
If your high school uses unweighted GPAs, many college admissions compensate by recalculating your unweighted GPA to give credit for more challenging course work. Further, if you had a spotty grade or two in your early days but you show improvement after that, then that won’t necessarily be a deal-breaker in the eyes of admissions.
How Does the U of I Figure Grades When Reviewing my Application for Admission?
Like many universities, U of I calculates unweighted grades in the admission process, but GPAs are just one part of your academic record that gets considered when reviewing your application. U of I employs a holistic review process, examining each application for admission at least twice. One thing they look for besides grades is evidence of consistent progress in your academic transcripts, as well as other signs of academic rigor like any honors or AP courses you took, or membership in honors societies, so it’s not just a game of numbers.
What Are U of I’s Requirements for Admission?
Admission to U of I is quite competitive. You need at least an average high school GPA of 3.71 for admission and SAT or ACT scores near the 75th percentile (an average combined score of 1350 on the 1600 SAT scale). U of I students’ average GPA is 3.84, so you will have to be at or near the top of your high school class. To have the best chance of admission, you’ll need a high school record of mostly A’s. Ideally, some AP coursework will help since it shows you’re prepared for college level-level work. U of I admits 62% of all applicants.
What If I only have a GPA of 3.5?
First, don’t panic. Fifty percent of new first-year U of I students carry an average GPA of between 3.5 and 3.94. Of the rest, 25% fall below a 3.5 GPA and 25% rate higher than 3.94. A lower-than-optimum GPA may not automatically rule you out, but you will have a much harder time being accepted unless you have a higher SAT or ACT score or something else on your application to compensate.
While a 3.5 GPA may be low for admission to highly selective, elite (think Ivy League) schools, it can still give you a chance when applying to other universities with competitive admissions standards.
What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Will I need?
If your GPA falls below than the school average, a superior score SAT or ACT score can help. Students need an average combined SAT score of 1350 or higher on the 1600 scale to or an average ACT score of 29 to be considered for admission. Special achievements on your record can help compensate for lower test scores, but there are limits.
What Should I Do if My SAT or ACT Scores Fall Short?
While U of I has no formal cutoff for low SAT or ACT scores, in actual practice your chances for admission are very slim if your ACT score is 26 less or if your SAT score is below 1350. If your test scores are inadequate or they just barely meet minimum standards, you should seriously consider retaking the SAT or ACT. U of I will review the highest test result you achieved.
What If I Don’t Make the First Round of Admissions to U of I?
If you aren’t in the first round of selected students, don’t give up hope. Students not selected immediately are placed on a wait list. As soon as U of I knows how many students are going to accept their first offer of admission, those on the wait list will be examined again to fill the remaining spots in the class.
Unlike traditional admissions criteria, the wait list isn’t ranked. Though students on the wait list are subject to the same holistic review as other students, they are selected based on the needs of the new first-year class, with an eye on balancing the class and on filling whatever open slots and majors remain. If you’re admitted to U of I from the wait list, your first choice of major may not be available, so it’s wise to have a second choice on your application.
My Application was Denied. Now What?
There may be several reasons your application may be denied: Your high school grades and test scores be insufficient or you don’t meet the audition or portfolio requirements for arts majors.
You can reapply the next open semester, especially if you plan to retake your SAT or ACT tests. You can also file an appeal, but you’ll need a convincing argument or extenuating circumstances to have a real chance. If all else fails, you should call Admissions at U of I to discuss available options for your academic and career goals.
Conclusion
Do not worry just do your best and one will overcome everything that they have a fear for. In the same way, work harder if you are willing to take weighted GPA at any of your dream university. This way you can make your future bright.