UIUC’s computer science program is one of the most selective in the country. In fact, it is ranked fifth. However, the acceptance rate is much higher for non-CS majors. So, what should you do if you want to study CS at UIUC?
UIUC’s computer science program is one of the most selective in the country
There are several important factors to consider when applying for UIUC’s computer science program. First, it’s important to show that you’re passionate about the subject. Also, make sure that your application is as complete as possible. Admissions committees look for reasons to turn you down, so be sure to avoid any mistakes.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is moderately selective, so you’ll need to have impressive high school grades to stand out from the crowd. There’s no minimum GPA for admission, but the middle 50% of first-year students earn a 3.50 GPA or higher. That means you should aim for the higher end of this range if you plan to study computer science at UIUC.
In addition to strong grades, the computer science department looks for applicants who have some experience in computer programming. It’s also helpful if you’re interested in the field. For example, if you’ve done any programming in high school, this will give you a leg up on other students who didn’t.
While UIUC’s acceptance rate is one of the highest in the country, it’s important to note that it’s not an absolute requirement for admission. Applicants are required to submit a 400-word essay. While most schools ask for several letters of recommendation, UIUC’s essay requirement is significantly shorter.
UIUC offers an undergraduate and graduate degree program in computer science. Its computer science department has been ranked in the top five computer science graduate programs in the U.S. for many years. Nevertheless, there’s no way around the fact that admission to UIUC is very competitive. The department itself is even more selective than the university itself, with an acceptance rate of over 20%.
According to CSRankings, UIUC’s computer science acceptance rate has consistently been among the top five computer science programs in the country. Currently, UIUC is ranked #2 in the world by the organization, followed by Stanford and Harvard.
In addition to your academic credentials, UIUC will also look at extracurricular activities that align with your major. For example, you might be a member of a robotics club, or an editor of a literary magazine. Your extracurricular activities are an excellent way to show your interest in your chosen major.
It has a low acceptance rate
UIUC has an overall freshman acceptance rate of 65.5%, making it a little less selective than other state schools in Illinois. However, it has one of the best computer science graduate programs in the country. In fact, it is ranked #5 in the U.S. News and World Report rankings, behind only MIT and Carnegie Mellon.
The median Math score for accepted applicants was 710, and the average Reading & Writing score was 700. The range for waitlisted students was much greater, with a median score of 675. However, the 75th percentile score was 705 – just slightly higher than the 25th percentile for accepted applicants. This means that UIUC is reporting an acceptance rate in the middle half of the acceptance curve in math, critical reading, and writing.
While the computer science acceptance rate is relatively low, the acceptance rate for non-CS students is even lower – 75%. Although the data pool for non-CS applicants is smaller, the pattern of accepted students resembles that of UIUC computer science students – a high Math score and lower Reading & Writing score. Generally, non-CS applicants have a median Reading & Writing score of 730 or 770, but applicants can still make the waitlist if their scores are lower.
The supplemental essay, which is worth a few hundred words, is a good place to start. This essay is your opportunity to highlight the things that led you to pursue your major. You should focus on a few major experiences that helped you grow, as well as reflect on how your major relates to your career goals. It is also important to reference specific courses and programs at UIUC.
UIUC computer science majors can expect to face many challenges during their studies. As a result, it is important to plan ahead to maximize your chances of acceptance. By applying by November 1, you will be able to take advantage of priority admission. The low acceptance rate of this major shows that it is a highly competitive program.
It is higher for non-CS majors
There are a number of reasons why the acceptance rate of non-CS students at UIUC is higher than for CS majors. The first is that students from non-CS majors often do not have the requisite math scores to get into a CS program. The second is that students from non-CS majors tend to have lower reading and writing scores than CS majors. The third is that non-CS majors do not have the same amount of experience in a computer science field.
Those who are interested in computer science and don’t have a background in it may want to consider an online master’s program. Computer and information technology jobs are expected to grow 11% in the next decade. Careers in these fields are widespread and range across a variety of industries. Some areas of growth for computer scientists include artificial intelligence, robotics, mobile applications, and cybersecurity.
If you are not a CS major but have a strong background in programming, you may be able to pursue an online master’s degree in computer science. However, you may need to take some prerequisite courses before you can apply. Many schools offer bridge programs that help students take the courses they need to get into their program.
Non-CS majors who want to study computer science will need to complete supplementary courses before they can apply for the major. In most cases, they can declare their major in their sophomore year, but at some universities, like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, students who wish to major in computer science must take pre-requisite courses in computer science before they can apply.