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Colleges / Illinois State University

Illinois State University

Normal, IL 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate86%

Illinois State University Admissions

Illinois State University is not difficult to get into. Around 86% of applicants get into Illinois State University each year. Last year, 19,596 students applied to Illinois State University and 16,899 were admitted.

If you want to apply to Illinois State University, the deadline for Fall 2024 admissions is 4/1 and the application fee costs $50.

Students who apply to Illinois State University for fall should anticipate a decision by September 1.

Illinois State University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of Illinois State University's admissions stats.

Illinois State University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 3.6
Mean SAT Score 1110
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 48%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs 13%
Waitlist No

Illinois State University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Illinois State University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I No
Early Decision II
Early Action No
Regular Decision Yes 4 1 September 1

Applying Early to Illinois State University?


Illinois State University does not offer early decision or early action.

➡️ Explore a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Illinois State University Admissions


Is Illinois State University Difficult To Get Into?

It is not difficult to get into Illinois State University. Illinois State University evaluates applicants carefully based on multiple criteria to decide who to admit, and who to deny.

In 2022, Illinois State University accepted 86% of students, approximately 16,899 of the 19,596 students who applied.

Schools that are not difficult to get into, like Illinois State University, accept up to 95% of applicants. Most admitted students scored at most a 1010 on the SAT and a 19 on the ACT.

Transferring to Illinois State University

Transfer student admissions is not difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Illinois State University

Illinois State University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does Illinois State University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when choosing who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are they consider most important in the admissions process. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that put the most emphasis on the areas where you stand out.

Admissions Factors at Illinois State University

What does Illinois State University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Academic GPA Very Important
Application Essay Considered
Geographical Residence Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status Considered
Standardized Test Scores Considered
State Residency Considered
Talent/Ability Considered
First Generation Considered

Make sure to check with Illinois State University for more information on admission factors.

Illinois State University 2022-2023 Application Requirements

To apply to Illinois State University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check in with Illinois State University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Illinois State University?

Students admitted to Illinois State University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.6.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Illinois State University is test optional. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 48% of Illinois State University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 13% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Illinois State University?

To be competitive with other Illinois State University applicants, you should aim to score between 1020 and 1200 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Illinois State University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1200 and 25% of scored lower than 1020, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Illinois State University student is 1110.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Illinois State University students scored 600 or higher and 75% of students scored 500 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Illinois State University students scored 610 or higher, and 75% scored a 500 or higher.

To be most competitive at Illinois State University, you should strive to earn between 21 and 27 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 27 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Illinois State University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 27, and three out of four students scored lower than 27 on the ACT.

A 21 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Illinois State University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 21.

More Information on Transferring to Illinois State University

For transfer students, it is not difficult to get admitted to Illinois State University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is April 1.

Transfer students can enroll in Illinois State University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


Illinois State University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Illinois State University?

❌ Students who are admitted to Illinois State University must attend in the term they start. Deferring admissions is not encouraged. If you have a unusual circumstance, contact the admissions department.

Does Illinois State University accept transfer credits?

✅ Illinois State University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Illinois State University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Illinois State University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Illinois State University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Illinois State University?

❌ No, Illinois State University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you should strongly consider submitting them. If your scores are average or below average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Illinois State University's acceptance rate?

✅ Illinois State University's acceptance rate is 86%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Illinois State University?

❌ Illinois State University does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About Illinois State University?

Choose one of the options below to find out more about about Illinois State University:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Connect with other students, parents, and admissions professionals to learn more about about Illinois State University in the College Confidential forums

Explore other colleges in Illinois or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Illinois State University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Less Selective

86%

How hard is it to get into Illinois State University? Illinois State University is a less selective institution. The Illinois State University acceptance rate is 86%. This means that the institution accepts 86 out of every 100 applicants.

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Illinois State University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Apr 1

Transfer Applications are Due

Apr 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Illinois State University is Apr 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Illinois State University is Apr 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Illinois State University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1020 - 1200

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Math SAT Range

500 - 600

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Reading SAT Range

500 - 610

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1200 and Above

Good

1020 to 1200

Avg

1020 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Illinois State University students is 1110. Applicants with SAT scores of 1200 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Illinois State University, while applicants with SAT scores between 1020 to 1200 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1020 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Illinois State University.

Illinois State University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

3.64

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Illinois State University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.64. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

20,683

Campus Setting

Urban

Acceptance Rate

86%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$15,479

Out-of-State

$27,003

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Apr 1
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