The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), known for its academic excellence and research advances, sets high standards for its applicants. This article explores UIUC’s SAT scores and requirements, providing insights for prospective students. Be sure to also check out our post on UIUC’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at UIUC?
The average SAT score for students at UIUC is around 1440, out of a maximum score of 1600. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1320, and the 75th percentile score is 1510. This means that 25% of students scored below 1320, and 25% scored above 1510. While these scores reflect the university’s high standards, they also show that there is a range of scores among admitted students.
What is the average SAT English score at UIUC?
The SAT is divided into two sections: English (also known as Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and Math. Each section is scored out of 800, with a combined total of 1600.
The average SAT English score at UIUC is 700. The 25th percentile score is 650, and the 75th percentile score is 730. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 650 places you in the lowest 25% of scorers, while a score above 730 places you in the highest 25%.
What is the average SAT Math score at UIUC?
In contrast to the average SAT English scores at UIUC, the average SAT math score is 740. The 25th percentile score is 670, and the 75th percentile score is 780. These statistics show that there is a significant difference in the SAT English and SAT math scores, but there is no strict expectation that your SAT Math scores are higher than your SAT English scores.
From these statistics, we can see that 25% of UIUC students achieved a 670 or below on their SAT math section. Further, 25% of UIUC students achieved a 780 or above on their SAT math section, likely with a considerable number of perfect scores included in that percentage. While perfect scores are rare, a high score in the Math section can significantly boost your application. Nevertheless, such high scores are not necessary for admission.
What are UIUC’s SAT requirements?
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 the SAT Subject Tests, and the essay portion of the SAT is also not necessary or expected for your application.
More information about UIUC’s SAT requirements can be found on their First-Year Applicant FAQs webpage.
What percentage of UIUC applicants submit the SAT?
For the most recent admissions cycle, 44% of applicants submitted SAT scores. Meanwhile, 20% submitted ACT 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. Test-optional students have just as strong as chance of being admitted as those who submit test scores.
Should I go test-optional?
Deciding whether to submit SAT scores to UIUC is a personal decision. If you have a strong SAT 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 SAT 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.
Does UIUC superscore the SAT?
UIUC does not superscore the SAT. 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.
What’s a good SAT score for UIUC?
UIUC does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs. However, aiming for scores within the middle 50% range (1320 to 1510 for the composite score) is advisable. Based on the 50th percentile score of 1440, sending any scores at or above 1440 will add to your application very favorably.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1320 | 1440 | 1510 |
| English | 650 | 700 | 730 |
| Math | 670 | 28 | 32 |
Can I get into UIUC with a low SAT score?
It is possible to gain admission to UIUC with a lower SAT score. The UIUC admissions process takes into account various factors beyond test scores. This policy will benefit students who have lower-than-average test scores.
While a score below the 25th percentile (1320) might be considered low for UIUC, any score above 1050 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.
When should I take the SAT for UIUC?
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. Still, remember that your application remains incomplete until the scores are received.
Read more about deadlines for UIUC SAT score submission on their Dates and Deadlines webpage.
What is UIUC’s SAT code?
UIUC’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 1836.
While UIUC’s test-optional policy allows applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores, doing so can still benefit your application if you have strong scores. The decision to submit SAT scores should be based on your individual strengths, priorities, and overall application strategy. If you are considering the ACT instead, be sure to check out our article on UIUC’s ACT scores!
