* Your high school GPA: A strong GPA is crucial.
* Course rigor: Taking challenging courses (AP, IB, Honors) demonstrates your academic preparedness.
* Extracurricular activities: Showing involvement and leadership in activities outside of academics is important.
* Essays/Personal Statement: This allows you to showcase your personality and goals.
* Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers and counselors speak to your character and abilities.
* Major: Some majors are more competitive than others.
That being said, UIUC is a highly selective university. To be competitive, you should aim for a composite ACT score above 30. However, even with a score above 30, admission isn't guaranteed. Scores in the mid-30s significantly improve your chances, especially for competitive majors like engineering or business.
It's best to check UIUC's official website for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements and average ACT scores of admitted students. They often publish this data, which can provide a more realistic expectation. Keep in mind that these are averages; some students are admitted with lower scores, while others with higher scores may be denied.