I think if you are a “research-orientated person,” you ought to perform more critical, in-depth research before you publish your conclusions. WaitingInCPA’s responses are correct. Basing research university assessments upon where a handful of other students apply is neither a sound comparison, nor statistically rigorous. UIC Honors comes with advantages. It is not MIT, nor should it be. They have distinctly different missions, and different populations to serve. The caliber of undergraduates does not approximate MIT or Penn, though Honors students will have significantly higher qualifications. That said, UIC has one of the most diverse undergraduate student populations in the country, and this can provide a very nice advantage. If you receive a nice funding package from UIC, that can also be a great advantage.
UIC is one of approximately 100 research universities in the U.S. that qualify as “Research Intensive”, the highest category of research activity under the Carnegie Research classification. In other words, it is a major player. Some of UIC’s programs are quite strong, including its school of public health, as well as certain areas or disciplines, such as analytical philosophy, some areas of English, and likely others if you hunt around. It is also one of the few schools in the area with an accredited school for architecture. Also, UIC graduates partake in a rather unique alumni association, in which alumni are combined in the general, and very large, U. of I. association (along with Urbana-Champaign and Springfield).
This doesn’t mean UIC Honors is the best choice for you, but it merits further analysis.