The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), known for its academic excellence and research advances, sets high standards for its applicants.In this article, we will explore UIUC-specific ACT requirements and UIUC ACT scores. For those interested in SAT scores, check out our other article that discusses UIUC’s SAT expectations!
In line with its reputation for academic excellence, the average composite ACT score at UIUC is around 32, out of the maximum possible score of 36. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. In addition, the 25th percentile score for UIUC applicants is 29, and the 75th percentile score is 34.
These statistics indicate that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 29 or below. Meanwhile, the highest 25% of scorers had a composite score of 34 or higher. These numbers reflect UIUC’s high standards, but also evidence that there is no single score that applicants must achieve to gain admission.
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. In this article, we will break down the UIUC ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at UIUC is 33. Further, the 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 30 and 35, respectively. This indicates that UIUC students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with many achieving scores close to perfect. That said, there is no minimum score required for UIUC. In addition, many students do not achieve perfect or near-perfect scores and yet are still admitted.
The average ACT Math score at UIUC is 31. This is with the 25th percentile at 27 and the 75th percentile at 34. While the math SAT scores at UIUC are slightly lower than the English scores, they are still quite high when compared to the national average.
As with other sections, there is no specific benchmark that applicants must meet. Instead, striving for these percentiles will be your best option to position yourself well in the application process.
UIUC follows a test-optional policy, meaning that SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory for all first-year applicants. This includes international students, homeschooled students, and recruited student-athletes. However, standardized test scores can help strengthen your application if they are competitive.
Applicants should self-report their SAT scores on their applications, in addition to sending for free when taking a test if desired. If you are admitted and plan to enroll, you must pay to submit official scores.
Note that UIUC does not require or use the ACT Writing section.
More information about UIUC’s SAT requirements can be found on their First-Year Applicant FAQs webpage.
For the most recent admissions cycle, 20% submitted ACT scores. Meanwhile, 44% of applicants submitted SAT scores. However, 36% of these students did not submit any standardized test scores. Although a significant portion of students chose to submit their SAT scores, the test-optional policy ensures that those who do not submit scores are not at a disadvantage.
In other words, even though the statistics show that twice as many students chose to submit the SAT as the ACT, UIUC’s admissions committee does not have a preferene between the two exams. Additionally, students who go test-optional are still provided with a holistic review of their application and have just as strong as chance of being admitted as those who submit test scores.
Deciding whether to submit SAT scores to UIUC is a personal decision. If you have a strong ACT score that falls within or above the university’s middle 50% range, it can strengthen your application’s profile.
However, not submitting scores will not harm your chances, especially if other aspects of your application are strong. We recommend that applicants consider their scores in the context of UIUC’s average ACT scores to make an informed decision.
Read more about how submitting standardized test scores will impact your UIUC application on their First-Year Applicant FAQ webpage.
UIUC does not superscore the ACT. In addition, the UIUC admissions team requests that students do not create their own superscores when self-reporting test results.
The University considers the highest total or composite score you achieved in a single sitting, along with the highest sub-scores from different test dates. Although this seems similar to the superscoring policies of other schools, there is a slightly stronger emphasis on the scores achieved on a single test day.
UIUC does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs. However, aiming for scores within the middle 50% range (29 to 34 for the composite score) is advisable. Based on the 50th percentile score of 32, sending any scores at or above 32 will add to your application very favorably.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 29 | 32 | 34 |
| English | 30 | 33 | 35 |
| Math | 27 | 31 | 34 |
It is possible to gain admission to UIUC with a lower ACT score. The UIUC admissions process takes into account various factors beyond test scores; this will benefit students who have lower-than-average test scores.
While a score below the 25th percentile (29) might be considered low for UIUC, any score above 21 is considered above average. Therefore, UIUC’s high standards will impact what is considered a “low” SAT score. Regardless, strong academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and compelling essays can compensate for lower test scores.
For applicants in the Early Action round to UIUC, all application materials, including test scores, should be submitted by November 1.
If you still have scores coming in after the application deadline, you need to have selected the score submission option when you applied (as opposed to going test-optional). Then, you can update your scores when you have them, as long as it is sufficiently before you are going to receive your application decision. This will ensure that the admissions officers have enough time to review your new test scores.
For Regular Decision applicants, the deadline is January 5 and the same restrictions as above will apply.
If you have a test date after these deadlines, report your future test date on the application, but remember that your application remains incomplete until the scores are received.
Read more about deadlines for UIUC ACT score submission on their Dates and Deadlines webpage.
UIUC’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1154.
While UIUC no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who choose to submit scores remain high. Opting not to submit scores will not harm an applicant, but a strong score can only help. Ultimately, the decision to take and submit exam scores should be based on an individual’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our UIUC SAT Breakdown!
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