Precollege Programs

PROGRAMS FOR FRESHMEN

The University offers fall semester freshmen the opportunity to complete required testing in the spring and to become acquainted with the campus, and then to receive academic advising and complete registration during a summer two-day period prior to the beginning of the fall semester. These opportunities are explained fully in the booklet Get Ready, which is sent to all accepted applicants.

Freshmen entering in the fall semester who do not participate in the placement testing and summer orientation/registration programs must complete their required testing, academic advising, and class scheduling during the week immediately preceding the start of classes. Thus, participation in the precollege sessions is strongly urged to ensure a smooth transition to the University environment.

Freshmen entering the University during the spring semester must complete required testing, academic advising, and registration during the week immediately preceding the start of classes.

Placement Testing

Placement tests are designed to help determine the levels at which students are best prepared to begin University study in particular subject areas. Scores of these tests are used for initial placement purposes only and are not recorded on student official academic records. The requirements for placement testing vary by college and curriculum, and the Get Ready booklet provides full details on the tests.

During March, April, and May, beginning freshmen come to either the Urbana-Champaign campus or to the University of Illinois at Chicago campus to participate in a one-day program of required testing. The tests taken during this day are the Rhetoric Essay Test, and placement tests in mathematics, chemistry, and foreign languages. These tests must be taken by admitted students if they had these subjects in high school, but have not received college credit for them.

Students who live outside of Illinois and more than 250 miles from Champaign-Urbana have the option of completing placement testing on the first day of the orientation/registration program.

An admitted freshman who fails to complete all required testing during the spring will be assessed a $25 late fee (amount subject to change) to take the tests immediately preceding the start of summer orientation if (1) the freshman is a resident of Illinois and/or lives less than 250 miles from Champaign-Urbana (2) the Notice of Admission to the University is dated prior to May 1.

Academic Advising and Orientation/REGISTRATION

A student who has completed the testing required by his or her college may participate in the two-day orientation/registration program conducted at the Urbana-Champaign campus during June and July. During that period, the student has an opportunity to learn about the expectations of professors and the level of academic standards at the University, as well as the chance to interact with other entering students and currently enrolled University students. Additionally, the new student is able to receive his or her student identification card and to become acquainted with the physical arrangement of the campus, housing facilities, and many other facets of campus life. If interested, the student also has the opportunity to audition for band and receive information on joining choral groups during new student week.

The student's stay culminates in a meeting with an academic adviser who provides information about academic opportunities and requirements and assists the student in selecting a schedule of courses for the fall semester.

A program charge includes one night's accommodations, three meals, and program events. The program charge is waived for any student who received an admission application fee waiver based on extreme financial hardship.

PROGRAMS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

New transfer students have the opportunity to register for the fall semester during a special one-day program held during the summer. At that time, the student meets with an academic adviser to discuss the transfer of credit for all previous college course work, to learn his or her status in terms of progress toward a degree from the University, and to select classes for the fall. The student also has the opportunity to meet in a small group with currently enrolled University students, to interact with other entering students, and to receive his or her student identification card. Each transfer student receives details of the advance enrollment program in the Get Ready booklet mailed with the Notice of Admission.

Transfer students entering the University during the spring semester must complete academic advising and registration during the week immediately preceding the start of classes.

PROGRAM FOR PARENTS

Parents of beginning freshmen are cordially invited and encouraged to accompany their sons and daughters to the campus for the summer program and to participate in a Parent Orientation Program. Through a variety of information sessions, parents will have the opportunity to meet and speak with campus administrators, faculty, students, and members of the Mothers and Dads Associations. A program charge includes one night's accommodations, three meals, and program events. Parents likewise may take advantage of the opportunity to tour the campus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Questions concerning the precollege programs should be referred to:

Precollege Coordinator
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
901 West Illinois Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-6427

 

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