Applying for Admission to Illinois College

Illinois College welcomes applications from students who are seeking a challenging liberal arts education.   Applicants entering as freshmen or as transfers must present evidence that they are prepared to pursue excellence in their academic and co-curricular endeavors at the College.  Recognizing that each individual student brings their own gifts and talents, the admissions process is personalized from the initial contact the student has with the college to their matriculation at the College.

The Admission Committee reviews the applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities, recommendations and essay or writing sample for evidence of academic and intellectual integrity, the ability to communicate effectively and the ability to foster tolerance and respect for fellow members of the Illinois College family and the community.  The admissions process is selective, with only those students with a strong likelihood of success being offered admission.

Suggested Course Preparation for Freshmen Applicants

Work completed at the high school level forms the foundation of work to be done at Illinois College.  Students are expected to have taken a solid college preparatory course load, including a minimum of 4 years of English / Language Arts, 3 years of mathematics, 2 years of lab science courses and 2 years of social sciences (one of which must be U.S. History).  In addition to these courses, Illinois College expects that students will have taken at least two years of a foreign language as well as strong academic electives whenever possible. Candidates should have a minimum of 16 academic units.  Particular attention is paid to a student’s senior year course selection with the expectation that students who wish to attend a selective liberal arts college will have challenged themselves with the most demanding set of courses possible.

Personal Interviews and Campus Visits

The Admissions Committee at Illinois College strongly encourages students to visit campus and meet with a member of the admissions staff.  Personal interviews are an opportunity for the candidate to provide additional information that would be helpful to the Admissions Committee and to gain important information about the college.  Individual appointments may be arranged by contacting the Admissions Office at 866-464-5265.  In addition to the personal interview, students may schedule a campus tour, visit classes or meet with faculty members and/or coaches. 

Admission Notification

Illinois College operates a modified rolling admission process.  Students may begin to submit their applications in the summer prior to their senior year in high school.  Files will be reviewed beginning in late October with the first round of decisions being sent out in late November or early December.  From that date, decisions are mailed weekly.

Candidates who wish to be considered for the Illinois College Trustee Scholarship Program or who have been nominated for the Illinois College Heritage Scholarship Program must have a complete application on file in the Admissions Office by December 1 to be considered for these awards.

Students who wish to be considered for other merit scholarships offered by Illinois College should have a complete application on file by March 1.  Merit scholarships are awarded on the basis of a student’s overall academic performance standardized testing results, and personal involvement in both school and community.