The 14/15 CDS for UIUC shows that only 11% of freshman were awarded merit aid at UIUC. D applied last year with a 36 ACT in-state and also did not receive merit aid. My guess would be that UIUC uses merit aid to attract highly qualified out of state students. It is much healthier to think of yourself as “qualified” rather than “overqualified” both because UIUC has an incredibly competitive computer science program and because whenever in life/business/college admissions someone projects being “overqualified” - arrogance, entitlement - these kinds of phrases come to mind. In the very brief summary of your qualifications you provided no mention of computer sciences classes or extracurriculars or outside interests were made. It may be that UIUC is looking to admit students who have demonstrated a passion for computer science rather than just smart students
U of I is a top ranked school for Computer Science
UIUC is one of the best in the world for CS…while most people pray and pray for admission, you think you’re overqualified…you part of some comedy club or something of the sort ?