So, you’re thinking about applying to Illinois State University, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. Well, we’re here to help! Of course, there are a lot of factors in the admissions process, and it’s impossible to accurately predict whether you’ll be admitted or not. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores. So, using those as a measure, we can give you an estimate of your chances.

With an acceptance rate of 88%, admission to Illinois State is mildly competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to be at the very top of your class and have an ACT score of around 24.

Not quite there? Try taking our SAT prep course and you’ll still have a chance of getting in, but it’s in the single digits. Let’s take a closer look at Illinois State admission statistics.

Illinois State Admissions Statistics

Illinois State’s acceptance rate in 2017 was 88%. For students applying to the class of 2021, out of 12,139 applicants, Illinois State admitted about 10,648. The average GPA of admitted applicants was 4.24, the average ACT score was 24.

For students who took the ACT, the 25th percentile score of successful applicants was 21, and the 75th percentile score was 26.

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If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements. Still, at the 25th percentile, your chances of getting in are in the low single digits.

Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

As we said, admission to Illinois State is mildly competitive. Even if Illinois State is your dream school, and even if you’re in the 75th percentile, you’ll still want to make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools to ensure you’ll gain admission somewhere.

Generally, you should have at least three safety schools (where you are in the 75th percentile of GPA/test scores), three reach schools (where you are in the 25th percentile of GPA/test scores) and three target schools (where you are near the average for GPA/test scores) on your list.

OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at Illinois State’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.

Illinois State Application Requirements

To apply to Illinois State, you’ll need to fill out the ISU Online Application, submit an ACT or SAT score, pay the $50 application fee, submit your high school transcript, and submit your intended major or program (if unsure then state “Undeclared”). Everything should be submitted by April 1st.

Here’s a full list of application requirements:

• Fill out the ISU Online Application
• Submit an ACT score or SAT score
• Pay the $50 application fee
• Submit your high school transcript
• Submit your intended major or program (if unsure then state “Undeclared”)

The application deadline is April 1st.

Have you been admitted to Illinois State? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.

Illinois State Admitted Students Profile

If you matriculate at Illinois State, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.

Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:

• Roughly 45% are male and 55% are female
• 0.6% of students are international

Illinois State has a diverse class. The ethnicities of admitted applicants are:

• International: 0.6%
• Underrepresented minority: 0.3%
• Two or more races: 2.8%
• White: 75.8%

What do these admitted students plan to study? Illinois State offers dozens of majors, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of the top programs:

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• Business
• Marketing
• Management

Now, how are you going to pay for this?

Illinois State Tuition Figures

At $39,304, Illinois State’s cost of attendance is astronomical. But, don’t panic! Most incoming students receive some form of financial aid, and the average award is $8,924.

Here’s a fuller look at Illinois State tuition and financial aid in 2017:

• Total budget: $39,304
• Average financial aid package: $8,924
• The average student debt of an Illinois State graduate is $29,576

Now, what is life like at Illinois State? Let’s take a look.

Illinois State Location

The university’s main campus is located in the twin city community of Bloomington-Normal, located approximately 130 miles southwest of Chicago.

Illinois State was originally founded in 1857 and stands as the state’s oldest public university.

Remember, you’re going to Illinois State for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.

Illinois State Academics

Illinois State has dozens of majors. Some of the school’s more interesting majors are:

• Agriculture
• Audiology
• Biology
• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Early Childhood Education and Teaching
• Fine/Studio Arts
• General Studies
• Health Information/Medical Records Administration
• Industrial Technology
• Journalism
• Legal Studies
• Management Science
• Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
• Public Relations/Image Management
• Social Work
• Visual and Performing Arts

Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at Illinois State.

Student Life at Illinois State

Illinois State has hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and politics interests, and various media and publications.

Here’s a sampling of Illinois State’s student activities:

• Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance
• Braille Birds
• Collegiate Farm Bureau
• Deaf Redbirds Association
• Entrepreneurship Organization
• Fashion Design and Merchandising Association
• A Trend to Follow
• Say No More Entertainment
• Vibe Tribe
• College Diabetes Network
• Investing Club
• Paranormal Hunters
• Capoeira Club
• Black Actors League
• Clef Hangers
• Exercise is Medicine
• Meditation Club ISU

Are you an athlete? Illinois State’s got plenty of options for you.

Illinois State Athletics

Illinois State offers a large number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, as well as club, offerings, for both men and women. So, if you’re not up to varsity level, remember there are plenty of club and intramural sports to try out for, too.

Illinois State’s sports include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Cross-Country
• Golf
• Track & Field
• Tennis

Who might you become with an Illinois State degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:

Notable Alums

Illinois State has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.

Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:

• Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Todd Heisler
• Film Critic Richard Roeper
• Author Eric Rohmann
• Musician Suzy Bogguss
• Former UN Ambassador Donald McHenry
• NFL coach Mike Zimmer
• Actor Gary Cole
• Actress Jane Lynch
• Comedian Natasha Leggero
• Actor John Malkovich

And this is only a partial list!

Remember!

Getting into Illinois State is very competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no. If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the more competitive schools. And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are. If you work hard, you’ll end up at a school that’s right for you, and still get a great education.

If you need to boost your GPA or test scores before application time rolls around, you should consider signing up for a course with Prep Expert. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes, both in-person and online, at locations throughout the United States.

Our expert teachers and tutors will not only share with you tried and true methods for improving your score, but also help you correct deficiencies in any subject that you’re having difficulty with—English, Writing, Mathematics or Science.

Additionally, online classes can be watched On Demand, so if you miss a class due to your busy schedule, you can catch it online later. We have helped hundreds of students get the scores they need to attend the school of their dreams.

For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE class happening right now!