Things to Consider For College Planning

COLLEGE ADMISSION FACTORS

The following represents the six most commonly considered factors used by college admissions officers when reviewing applications: 

• • High school grades

    •  grades are the most important factor because they are used to compute grade point average

  • Subjects studied in high school

    • level of difficulty, commonly referred to as rigor of schedule

  • Test results

    • this includes tests administered by the College Board (SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests) and the American College Testing Program (ACT)

    • each college determines the required tests

  • Counselor and teacher recommendations

  • Significant participation

    • leadership in school and/or community

    • volunteer activities

    • employment

  • Personal factors explained through essays and personal statements

    • motivation

    • enthusiasm for learning

    • social adjustment

    • emotional maturity

    • sense of integrity and responsibility

    • special aptitudes and skills

    • experience

    • accurate self-assessment of aptitudes and abilities

    • extenuating circumstances

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO ILLINOIS PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

According to the State of Illinois Board of Higher Education, freshman applicants are required to have successfully completed at least 15 units of high school coursework from the following 5 categories: 

• • 4 years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature)

  • 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history and government)

  • 3 years of mathematics, generally algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra (the combination of introduction to algebra and sophomore algebra is equivalent to one year of algebra for college entrance)

  • 3 years of science (laboratory sciences)

  • 2 years of foreign language, or in some cases, 2 years of fine arts (music, art) or practical arts (technical and applied) 

NOTE:  Please consult individual colleges and universities for a complete list of admission requirements.