<p>I have no familiarity with UI-UC admissions, and don’t doubt they are trying to increase their Hispanic enrollment, particularly for students with MA backgrounds. However, keep in mind that the OP is applying for Engineering, which has by far the highest admissions stats of the university:</p>
<p>[U</a> of I Admissions: Freshman Admission Requirements](<a href=“http://admissions.illinois.edu/apply/requirements_freshman.html]U”>Page Not Found, Illinois Undergraduate Admissions)</p>
<p>UC-I is more within range:</p>
<p>[UIC</a> Admissions - Freshman](<a href=“http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/undergrad/freshman.html]UIC”>http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/undergrad/freshman.html)</p>