I’m thinking about putting CS+Chem and Materials Science in Grainger College of Engineering as my first and second majors, but I’m afraid that UIUC isn’t going to accept me even for materials major since it’s my second choice, and I’m OOS (since I don’t know if I’ll get in CS+Chem for first major).
I’m quite interested in the CS+Chem program because I heard UIUC has really strong CS program. However, all my science-related ECs involve mostly chemistry stuff, only a brief research includes some computational component. I’ve also taken APCSP and this other school computer course but that was in 9th grade and as far as my CS background goes.
UIUC is one of my safety schools, but I’m just worried that if I apply 1st major CS+Chem it will be hard for me to get in as Materials Science after this.
Any advice for 1st/2nd choice? Or does anyone know how the UIUC admissions system works?
If you want materials science, apply for that as your first choice. Do your HS courses support this major, or any of the ECs (which you said were more chem related?)
With that said, changing majors within Grainger is possible
Definitely not a safety for an OOS student. Graingers acceptance rate for class of 2028 was 24.2%, CS+X majors 18.1%
Thanks for your advice! I have mostly chemistry and math awards, and I’m interested in Materials Chemistry. Does UIUC admit by majors? Because I have heard somewhere that the acceptance rate is somewhat higher for Materials Science… I’ll have to confirm that one though!
Yes UIUC admits by major and you have to write about ‘why major?’ for both your first and second choice, and those supplementals are important.
UIUC does not generally make individual major acceptance rates publicly available. What we know is that Grainger total admission rate is around 24% as I noted above…so it’s unlikely that any individual Grainger major approaches safety territory for an OOS student, regardless how high their stats.
I would encourage you to do research on UIUC and their admissions process before submitting your app. Start here, do a virtual admissions session if you can’t visit in person, read the blog, read the app guide, and do the major finder. Good luck.
As an OOS student, you should not consider UIUC a safety school for either major. Also, CS + X majors are not allowed as a second choice but Material Science is, so I’d advise putting the CS + Chem as your first choice and Material Science as second choice.
You’re putting the cart before the horse. Deep breath…slow down. You need to get into UIUC first, then you need to be accepted to your desired major. UIUC is generally a reach school for most everyone, especially for STEM majors. It’s NOT a safety school. I would add a few more just in case the stars don’t line-up.
But UIUC admits by major, so applicants are considered for their first choice and then second choice. So deciding which major to select as first and second choices does impact admission. You don’t get in to the school and then get in to a major at a later point.
Completely agree with all that you have said. Someone filed a FOIA for specific admits within engineering for entering class of 24. Materials is significantly higher admit rate (as a first choice) over MechE or CS. My pics cut off OOS, but it can be found on Reddit.
