First Choice and Second Choice Major.WHY?

Basically, the most selective majors must be first choice only, so you have a more reasonable chance for admission. Unfortunately, that means if ChemE is your preferred major, you will have to find something less selective as your second choice or consider transferring into ChemE later if you are admitted into CompE

Are all majors available as a second choice?

No, not all majors are available due to space constraints. Majors unavailable as a second choice include Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science (including all Computer Science + X majors), First-Year Engineering: Undeclared, Mechanical Engineering, and all Music majors except Music BA, which doesn’t require an audition.

https://admissions.illinois.edu/FAQ/applicant-freshman