<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I’m a rising senior and I visited UIUC this spring; I’m very interested in their CS program. I came to UIUC knowing it is quite selective, so I asked a lot of admissions people about who gets in and who doesn’t, etc. Two different admissions people said the average ACT score was “34 point something” for the incoming class this fall. However, on UIUC’s CS website, it says that the average ACT score for the previous incoming class (the rising sophomores) was 32.3. Is it possible that UIUC became “that much” more selective in one year? I just received 34 on my June ACT, with 36 math. I am very happy with my score, but according to some admissions people, my score isn’t even average of this year’s class. Thoughts? </p>
<p>Yes it is. There has been an tremendous increase in demand for the CS major, more than the University can accommodate. We have had overcrowded CS classes for the last 2 years. It’s about time the admissions council increases admissions selectivity for the CS department.</p>
<p>A 34 ACT and a 36 on the Math is great - you’re in the top 1% of the nation and have a perfect score where it counts. Also, if you’re in-state you’ll enjoy slightly more relaxed admission selectivity. If your grades and course-load are on par with your ACT you shouldn’t be worried. Keep up the good work and good luck in the Fall!</p>
<p>@dabears116 Thanks. Yes I have done all that I can in terms of course load an ECs. I really hope I get in!</p>
<p>There is no difference between instate and out of state selectivity. The University always tries to put together the best possible academically qualified student body selecting equally from in and out of state. Not sure where you got that, but I’d appreciate a link detailing the differences, if possible.</p>
<p>Three things to explain the increase.</p>
<p>1) That 32.3 ACT average on the website includes CS majors outside of the College of Engineering. The 34+ number might have been for COE students only.</p>
<p>2) That 32.3 ACT number was for entering freshman, the 34+ number was for accepted students. Yield goes down as ACT score goes up (generally speaking) so the accepted students number is always higher than the entering freshman number for a given class.</p>
<p>3) Number of apps went up sharply. They are necessarily getting more selective. There are only so many classrooms and instructors.</p>