Welcome Parents

Choosing the right college is an important decision for your child and we appreciate your support in helping them navigate the process. We hope you find this information helpful as you explore everything UIC has to offer.

If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to about the admission process, please contact us. We are here to make this process enjoyable and meaningful for your child as they take one step closer to becoming a member of the UIC family.

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Parent FAQs

How does my student receive financial aid?

All students wishing to receive financial aid are required to 1) submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to UIC and 2) must have their correct social security number on file.

FAFSA recommends that students and their parents prepare and submit the form as soon as possible after January 1st. UIC’s priority deadline for completing the FAFSA is March 1st.

The social security number should be on file with UIC in order for Financial Aid to connect the FAFSA information to the student account. If the social security number was not entered on the application or was entered incorrectly, please contact the Office of Admissions at (312) 996-4350 for further instructions.

When is a high school transcript considered "official"?

In order for UIC to accept a high school transcript, it needs to come directly from your child’s high school. The transcript may be mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the high school or submitted through a secure transcript service such as Docufide or E-Script. UIC will accept a hand-delivered transcript at the Office of Admissions only if it is in an unopened envelope that was clearly sealed by the high school.

When are ACT/SAT scores considered "official"?

UIC encourages students to submit ACT/SAT test scores electronically directly from the testing agency. The UIC code for the ACT is 1155. The UIC code for the SAT is 1851. Test scores presented on official high school transcripts may also be accepted.

What factors do you consider in making admissions decisions?

UIC takes a holistic approach when reviewing each application, because we feel that selecting students requires a careful and individualized review of each applicant’s credentials. Consideration is given to high school GPA and the strength of the high school schedule, ACT scores, class rank, personal statement, and any other documents that are provided. If a student chooses to submit recommendation letters, a list of extracurricular activities, or any other supporting documents they will also be considered during the review process.

What can my student do to strengthen their application?

UIC looks for well-rounded students who possess a strong high school transcript which includes A and B grades in college preparatory courses. Taking advantage of Honors and Advance Placement courses is also recommended, as well as involvement in extracurricular activities.

Does UIC consider legacies?

No, parents or siblings that have graduated from or currently attend UIC will not impact the review process.

When will my student receive an admissions decision?

The admissions committee carefully reviews each application individually. Due to the holistic review approach, this process does take some time to complete. A majority of the decisions will be issued between the January 15th application deadline and the end of March, because applications are reviewed based on the strength of the applicant pool as a whole. This is not a hard deadline, however, and if your child has not received a decision by the end of March you can contact the Admissions Office at (312) 996-4350 for further details regarding a decision time frame.

What can be done if my student was denied?

Denied First Year applicants have three options:

  • Applicants may appeal an unfavorable decision if they have compelling new information that was not considered during the initial review. The applicant must complete the form located here and upload all supporting documentation. Appeals are considered through April 15 for Fall semester and December 1 for Spring semester. For decisions issued after those dates, an appeal must be received within two weeks of the decision letter. 
  • Transfer to UIC at a later term. If your child is considering other universities or community colleges, it is possible to apply as a transfer student to UIC. The transfer admissions process requires a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours completed at the time of application and a minimum of 36 transferable credit hours completed by the time the applicant would transfer into UIC. See full transfer admissions requirements.
  • As long as your child does not attend another college or university, they may reapply for the following fall term. First year applicants are not considered for the spring term. Any student who attends another college or university is considered a transfer applicant and would not be eligible to reapply as a First Year student.