3.8 gpa, Test optional, UIUC college of Liberal Arts chances [WA resident, brain and cognitive science or sociology]

Indeed but as a big school, unlikely all. I’d be more worried at a smaller school but yes, I’d assume athletes have a lower submit rate than non.

Unless there something compelling to OP about UIUC, there’s lots of great subs in the Midwest and elsewhere so they’ll be fine no matter which way it goes.