THREAD: Reading applications is taking longer this year. It takes time to implement new admissions processes and to consider the additional context of the COVID-19 pandemic in students’ educational environments.

2/ This year we implemented a process for students to be considered for admission, scholarships, and honors without test scores. Many students have P/F grades in their 2nd semester of the junior year and activities & part-time jobs have been disrupted.

https://admissions.illinois.edu/Apply/Freshman/review

3/ We moved our Early Action deadline from Nov 1 to Nov 15. We also suspended our EA notification period to give us more time to see the whole pool. Over half of our applications came in during the last two days before the deadline.

4/ Students on A2C Reddit are checking their myIllini portal in the hopes that we will post decisions today. Despite our 100+ readers working really hard, we are nowhere near ready to post. Everyone will find out in mid-February.

5/ To get decisions out today, our options would have been to 1) auto deny more students based on “lower” grades (w/o considering context), or 2) defer more students to without reading their files. You worked hard, we need more time to give your efforts due consideration

6/ I know many students want to receive an admissions decision as soon as possible, but most UIUC students accept their offer of admission in March and April.

7/ Students who applied by the EA deadline will receive priority (though not exclusive) consideration for admission to our most selective programs. During a global pandemic, we could all use a little grace. We will have decisions ready for you soon.