Katelyn
Honestly, I first started considering University of Illinois because I was a huge fan of the basketball team growing up and I wanted a chance to be a part of the Orange Krush. As I started looking at schools more seriously, I realized U of I had much more to offer. For starters, U of I is very cost-friendly, especially for in-state students. It's hard to find this great of an education for a lower price. Also, since it is a state school, it is easier to get financial assistance. I was also impressed with how highly ranked U of I was in many categories. I knew if I went to the University of Illinois, I would be getting the best there is to offer both in terms of professors and resources. I also know that my education at U of I will be attractive to future employers and the connections I build here will help me in the future.
Emily
I have to constantly be meeting new people, and with a school as big as Illinois, that was an awesome pro for me! I wanted to go to a school that was academically challenging and would always have another opportunity for me to take and Illinois fit the bill. You can never be bored here, you can always meet someone else, grow in your leadership and know that you have an awesome foundation of education and preparation for the workforce...and that is why I chose Illinois
John
I decided to go to UofI for its academic reputation and because tuition was cheaper there than the other schools I applied to. These are pretty practical reasons but UofI is a really academically strong university and I figured I'd get the best education for the best price.
Betsy
As a high school senior all I wanted was to get away from everyone in my hometown, a suburb of Chicago. I began visiting colleges with the hope of branching out and trying something new.
However, after visiting a few out-of-state schools I quickly realized how uncomfortable I felt there. My visit to the University of Illinois was much more relaxing. I knew if I came here I would fit in. Four years later I know I was right. There are so many different organizations and groups of friends who I fit in with on campus that I can't imagine going anywhere else.
Another reason why I felt so comfortable at the University of Illinois is because I am Jewish and from a very Jewish area. I knew the Jewish population here was substantial and wanted my college friends to understand my religion and anyone I dated in college to be of the same religion. The tolerance of my religion and other religions on this campus was definitely an important factor in my decision to attend this University.
Betsy
As a high school senior all I wanted was to get away from everyone in my hometown, a suburb of Chicago. I began visiting colleges with the hope of branching out and trying something new.
However, after visiting a few out-of-state schools I quickly realized how uncomfortable I felt there. My visit to the University of Illinois was much more relaxing. I knew if I came here I would fit in. Four years later I know I was right. There are so many different organizations and groups of friends who I fit in with on campus that I can't imagine going anywhere else.
Another reason why I felt so comfortable at the University of Illinois is because I am Jewish and from a very Jewish area. I knew the Jewish population here was substantial and wanted my friends to understand my religion and anyone I dated to be of the same religion. The tolerance of my religion and other religions on this campus was definitely an important factor in my decision to attend this University.
Lauren
As a senior in high school, I had no idea where I wanted to go or what I wanted to study. I visited most of the schools I applied to, but I never really got that "feeling" that everyone says they get. I didn't know where I was supposed to be. I honestly chose Illinois because it's a great school and it wasn't too far from home, but if I could do it all over again, I would still have chosen Illinois.
I visited Illinois right before I accepted my offer of admission, and I wish I had gone sooner. It's such a beautiful and lively place, people are always out, and there's always something to do. My favorite part of campus back then and now is the quad--it's a buzzing yet tranquil place and a central part of what goes on here. It felt comfortable to me.
You will spend the next 4 years of your life at college, so it's important to feel comfortable on the campus you choose. This is why it's so important to visit the campuses you're debating between so that you can get a good idea of how it will feel for you to go to class, live in your dorm, and make friends. If you're interested in Illinois, I highly suggest that you register for a visit very soon by visiting http://admissions.illinois.edu/visit/index.html.