<p>Unfortunately, it seems that UI is underrated on CC and in my suburban Chicago community as well.</p>
<p>According to Naviance over 80 students from my kid’s high school applied to UI and only 5 are attending. But, I don’t think the RAI has anything to do with that. People in my community covet UW-Madison and Michigan. U of I-Champagne/Urbana is second to those two. </p>
<p>lovemykids2, I live in the suburbs of Chicago, people in my community think very highly of UI, but the cost turns people down. My daughter is going this fall and her award summary was just posted on ISIS, COA for fall 2011 is $38,454.00. Ouch!
Also just an FYI, I have twins, funny thing happened at Iowa. Twin 1 has an RAI of 243, so when she applied she sent in a personal statement and 2 letters of recommendation. On a Tuesday her application said “not admitted” then that same week on Thursday, Twin 2 who has an RAI of 270 application status went to “Admitted”. On that Saturday we received 2 letters of acceptance in the mail. I rechecked the application status of Twin 1 and it said “admitted” It was strange to say the least.
I am sure your son will have no problem with admission. BTW Twin 1 is going to another school here in Illinois. But she was still thrilled they admitted her.</p>