First-Time, First-Year Admission

The University of Illinois Springfield seeks to enroll an academically well-qualified, diverse first-year class in which students have pursued rigorous college preparatory curricula while in high school and demonstrated leadership potential in their academic and non-academic pursuits. The most qualified applicants will be admitted to UIS as space permits. Priority consideration for admission will be given to students whose applications are completed and postmarked by the priority application date (March 15 prior to the fall semester in which the student wishes to enroll). Admission decisions are typically made within two weeks following the receipt of all required materials. 

The Capital Scholars Honors Program is a selective program that is open to high school graduates who have demonstrated high academic achievement and a potential for creativity and leadership. For more information, please refer to the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

College Preparatory Curricula and Academic Course Work

Students should pursue challenging college preparatory curricula. Grade trends and the rigor of courses completed throughout high school will be considered. Recommended academic course work includes the following:

  • Four years of academic English with emphasis on written and oral communication and literature

  • Three years of social studies with emphasis on history and government. (additional acceptable courses include anthropology, economics, geography, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology)

  • Three years of college preparatory mathematics, selected from algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, pre-calculus, trigonometry, and calculus

  • Three years of laboratory science, selected from biology, chemistry, geology, physical science, astronomy, and physics

  • Two years of one foreign language or two years of fine arts, selected from art, music, dance, and theater

Grade Point Average and Class Rank

The following credentials will be considered:

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

  • Class rank (if applicable)

Transcripts

UIS requires all applicants to submit official high school transcripts from every high school attended. Official college transcripts must be submitted for any course work attempted at any college or university.  

Essay

Applicants may be asked to provide written evidence of their ability to perform at the college level by submitting an essay (Common Application prompts fulfill this requirement). This essay should be based on the provided prompts. Applicants may also wish to address any circumstances (positive or negative) that may have affected the student’s high school experience, including those experiences that are not apparent from academic records. The essay should be viewed as an applicant’s opportunity to speak on his or her own behalf and should reflect the student’s best work – structure, accuracy, and overall quality will be considered.

Optional Additional Materials

Applicants may submit additional materials or documents that they feel would reflect positively on their application.  Such examples may include letters of recommendation, optional test scores, portfolio submissions, resume, etc.