Admission Requirements
Our commitment to individual attention reaches
beyond the classroom into the admissions
process. Your application will be reviewed carefully by
a university professional.
Of the freshmen admitted for
the 2009-2010 academic year,
half earned ACT composite
scores of 23 to 27. A quarter of
the admitted students scored 28 or above, and another quarter
scored between 18 and 22. The average high school grade point average was
3.49 on a 4.0 scale.
Highest admission priority will be granted to students with the strongest academic records. Your admission is not determined by the major you choose on your application.
In making admission decisions, Illinois State considers the following:
- High school transcript (including grade trends and rigor of courses completed)
- Grade point average
- ACT/SAT scores
- Academic personal statement that is approximately 500 words and addresses the following:
- State why you feel Illinois State University is a good fit for your educational goals.
- Identify and explain your academic strengths and weaknesses.
- Explain any circumstances which affected your high school academic performance, if applicable.
Applicants must also show successful completion of the following:
You are encouraged to pursue a rigorous and challenging college preparatory program.
- English – 4 years
- Mathematics – 3 years (algebra, geometry, algebra II - trigonometry or higher)
- Natural science – 2 years with laboratories
- Social Science – 2 years
- Foreign language – 2 years of one language OR Fine arts – 2 years of fine arts
- Electives – 2 years
Deficiencies are not allowed in any subject area.
In addition to applying online for admission, beginning freshman must submit these required documents:
- Application fee or verification of a fee waiver
- High school transcript showing minimum of 6 semesters completed
- ACT or SAT score sent from the testing agency
- ACT code: 1042
- SAT code: 1319
- Academic personal statement
- GED scores (if non-high school graduate)
- Minimum score of 410 on each of the five tests
- Average battery score of 450
