Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · 19,057 undergrads

Admit rate: 88.1% (20,884 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 990–1210 (ACT 21–27)
Undergraduates: 19,057 (0.8% international)
Average net price: $19,398 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 65% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Priority: Nov. 1, 2026
Rolling: April 1

Essays

Academic personal statement (500)

If you would like to submit a personal statement, your submission should be approximately 500 words in length and address the contributions you are prepared to make to our community, both academically and otherwise. Specifically, your statement should: Identify any circumstances that affected your high school academic performance, if applicable. Make clear your commitment to academic success in college, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses and your plans to utilize available resources. Articulate your readiness to engage productively in our campus community outside the classroom.

Editor's notes

Your GPA carries this application. The CDS rates it very important and lists activities, recommendations and interviews as not considered, so report your GPA and courses accurately.
Aim for Nov. 1. It's the priority date for scholarships and for competitive majors, even though the application stays open until April 1.

Illinois State University

Deadlines

Essays

Academic personal statement (500)

Editor's notes

Sources