<p>I don’t understand either. I had similar stats minus your excellent ACT score, only I applied directly into General Studies. Maybe DGS at the time was full? Even then, you should have gotten deferred or wait listed, especially as an African American.</p>
<p>How was your essay? One thing I know is that UIUC admissions is very partial to people that genuinely want to go to the school rather than someone with just good stats applying just because. Did your essay exemplify this?</p>
<p>I’m very sorry, but believe me- its NOT the end of the world. You can always transfer. (and as much as the word “transfer” bugged me, it really won’t matter in the long run.) This is just a tiny spec of a moment in your life, don’t let it bring you down.</p>