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Freshman Information

Average admitted freshman:
2007-2008 academic year

78 percent ranked in the top half of their graduating class

49 percent ranked in the top quarter

18 percent ranked in the top 10 percent of their class

The middle 50 percent of admitted students earned ACT composite scores of 22 to 26 and the average GPA was 3.47.

Additional Facts

Ninety-two percent of undergraduates are 17-24 years old.

The campus is 58% women and 42% men.

There are over 20,000 students enrolled at Illinois State.

The student teacher ratio is 19:1.

Ninety percent of classes are taught by faculty members.

Former Illinois State Student

If you have not been in attendance at Illinois State for one or more semesters you will need to submit an Undergraduate Application in order to apply for readmission. You must indicate “readmission” within the “Admission Category” section. There is no application fee for former Illinois State students applying to the same level. Please refer to the application for admission for any additional documents that may be needed in order to complete your file and make an admission decision.

For more information in regard to readmission, visit the Office of Enrollment Management and Academic Services Web site.  In addition, visit the Inquire section of this Web site and choose Former ISU Student.

Admission to Illinois State

Illinois State seeks a highly motivated, academically well-prepared, and diverse student body. We value individualized attention for each and every student and guarantee that your application will be reviewed carefully by admissions representatives.

Priority consideration for admission will be given to outstanding students whose applications are complete and postmarked during the priority filing period for the term for which they are applying. Applications postmarked during the priority filing period may have an advantage when space is limited.

College preparation

You are encouraged to pursue as rigorous and challenging a college preparatory program as is available. You must show successful completion of:

  • Four years of English with emphasis on written and oral communication and literature
  • Three years of college preparatory mathematics, including Algebra I, geometry, and Algebra II - trigonometry, or higher
  • Two years of social studies with emphasis on history and government
  • Two years of laboratory science
  • Two years of one foreign language, or two years of fine arts selected primarily from art, music, theatre, and dance
  • Two years of electives, including courses in any two of the categories above (excluding English), and/or courses in vocational education and fundamentals of computing.

Grade point average and standardized test scores

In making admissions decisions, Illinois State considers your:

  • Grade point average
  • ACT/SAT scores (the writing component of the ACT/SAT is not required for admission)
  • high school transcript (grade trends and rigor of courses completed)
  • Personal Statement
  • In some cases, letters of recommendation (if requested)

Personal Statement

Freshman applicants must submit a personal statement. Your personal statement should indicate your interest in Illinois State and explain circumstances that may affect our admission decision and that are not readily apparent from academic records.

To learn more about the Personal Statement please refer to the Undergraduate Application.

Projected Freshman Application Deadlines

Priority Filing Period Application Deadline Supporting Document Deadline
Spring 2008 April 1 - July 31 November 1 November 1
Summer 2008 September 1 - November 15 March 1 April 1
Fall 2008 September 1 - November 15 March 1 April 1
Spring 2009 April 1 - July 31 November 1 November 1

Advanced Placement Program

Although not required for admission, Illinois State University accepts Advanced Placement examination scores. Students will be awarded credit or exemption as indicated on the Advanced Placement Program Score Chart. To learn more about the Advanced Placement Program, sponsored by the College Entrance Board, refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.

Advanced Placement examinations are administered at designated high school testing centers. If you have taken an Advanced Placement Exam, you should request that your scores be sent to Illinois State University, Office of the University Registrar, Campus Box 2202, Normal IL 61790-2202. Illinois State University's identification number is 1319.