https://www.reddit.com/r/UIUC/comments/1igtjsi/what_should_i_do/
created by SpiritedInterest8621 on 03/02/2025 at 16:48 UTC
0 upvotes, 2 top-level comments (showing 2)
I recently received a deferral from here, and I'm feeling uncertain about what steps to take next. I would really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to handle this situation. Should I focus on strengthening my application, and if so, how? Is it a good idea to reach out to the admissions office or send additional materials? Any tips on how to stay positive and proactive during this waiting period would be really helpful.
Comment by Professional-Pain- at 03/02/2025 at 17:05 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
TLDR: UIUC values a holistic student that will contribute to the university culture and fit into the vibes of the school. If your application is too heavy on stats, but your essay is unoriginal, or you don’t actually know why you wanna go here except ranking, they will see through that. WRITE WITH EMOTION, GET IT EDITED BY YOUR TEACHERS, YOIR FRIENDS, YOUR DOG. MAKE IT SO GOOD YOU PERSONALLY WANT TO SHOW IT OFF TO EVERYONE. IF YOU’RE APPEALING, TELL THEM EXACTLY WHY YOU LOVE UIUC, NOT ABOUT WHY YOURE BETTER THAN THE REST
I’ve been seeing soo many posts like this and i want to address anyone who’s in a similar position. While I understand your pain, I think we all know it boils down to a numbers game. Maybe your application is the strongest it could’ve been (saw people with 4.0 gpas rejected), or you did stuff that makes you stand out (someone had like thousands of dollars in book sales), but ultimately they’re looking for a good fit culturally and financially. I personally applied to UIUC not expecting to get in at all. My GPA was okay-ish and my extracurriculars were semi-related to my major at best. But my essay slapped. I’m not joking, I got into 7 schools with varying acceptance rates whereas my boyfriend with better stats than me did not. I believe it was solely because of my writing. Everyone who is reading this and wanting to apply, wanting to appeal, or wanting to transfer: your writing is what will make you stand out. it’s the only thing you have control over on the moment and it’s where you can show your situation, your dreams, and your personality. I personally wrote my essay about all the times i failed in life. It needs to showcase your values, your learning experiences,
TLDR: imo UIUC values a holistic student that will contribute to the university culture and fit into the vibes of the school. If your application is too heavy on stats, but your essay is unoriginal, or you don’t actually know why you wanna go here except ranking, they will see through that. WRITE WITH EMOTION, GET IT EDITED BY YOUR TEACHERS, YOIR FRIENDS, YOUR DOG. MAKE IT SO GOOD YOU PERSONALLY WANT TO SHOW IT OFF TO EVERYONE. IF UR APPEALING, TELL THEM EXACTLY WHY YOU LOVE UIUC, NOT ABOUT WHY YOURE BETTER THAN THE REST
Comment by Ve0city at 03/02/2025 at 17:55 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Honestly you can’t do anything but hope, as UIUC doesn’t take supplementary information of letters of continued interests. Good luck in RD!