Foster Success.

Welcome to Chicago's public research university. 

We promise to help cultivate your potential and reach your goals. But before we get to that, let's set you up for success. 

Checklist and timeline

Both the checklist and the timeline can help guide you through the pathway to enrollment here at UIC. 

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Secure your spot

ID and portal access

  • required

Immediately

Start by setting up your NetID to access the my.uic.edu portal and other enrollment functions.

ACTIVATE ACCOUNT

Accept your offer

  • required

Any time after you are admitted, but no later than the ITE deadline

You have until December 1 (spring term) or June 1* (fall term) to accept your offer of admission. Submit your Intent to Enroll at the my.uic.edu portal. UIC does not have an enrollment fee or deposit.

ACCEPT OFFER

*Unless otherwise indicated by your program (i.e. Nursing) or on your admission letter.

Please note, if a deadline falls on a weekend, you will have until the following Monday to complete the task.

Before Orientation

New students must complete all of the following steps to register for orientation.


Placement exams

  • required

After you submit your Intent to Enroll

Depending on your program and on the courses you have already taken, you may be prompted to take placement exams. Completing these tests will guide your course selection for your first semester. Navigate to the UIC Connect tab in the my.uic.edu portal. 

PLACEMENT EXAMS

 

Online Orientation

  • required

As soon as possible

Completing the online orientation modules allows you to sign up for New Student Advising and register for the in-person orientation. You’ll receive an invite to your UIC email when they are available.

MORE INFORMATION

Spring online orientation modules will be available starting in October.
Fall online orientation modules will be available starting in March and should be completed before June 30 (or as soon as possible).

New Student Advising and Registration

  • required

Once you've completed online orientation

Once you've completed online orientation, you'll be able to set up an appointment to meet with an advisor to register for classes. Availability and format varies by college. 

SIGN UP

*note, this step is not required for readmission students

New Student Orientation

  • required

After completing placement exams, online orientation, and advising

You’ll select a date to attend in-person orientation where you will learn more about the UIC community.

REGISTRATION

Orientation for students starting in Spring will be available starting in November.
Orientation for students starting in Fall will be available starting in April.

*note, this step is not required for readmission students

Living arrangements

Learn about commuting

  • optional

Anytime

UIC considers anyone who does not live in university housing a commuter. The Commuter Student Resource Center can help you make the most of your commuting experience.

COMMUTER INFORMATION

Living on campus

  • optional

As soon as possible

Placement for housing is first come, first served. If you are considering living on campus, you should apply early to maximize your chances for your preferred residence.

HOUSING

Paying for College

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • optional

As soon as possible

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for need-based federal and state grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.

FAFSA FORM

UIC's FAFSA code is 001776.

Tuition & payment options

  • optional

As soon as possible

Tuition is assessed during the month that you will begin at UIC (August for fall term, January for spring term). You can review payment options and set up optional payment plans as soon as you accept your offer of admission. 

PAYMENT PLANS

Wrapping things up

Send us final transcripts and test scores

  • required

After admission, before classes begin

If you were enrolled in school when you applied, you will need to send UIC your final transcripts once you complete the term. Additionally, if you have AP/IB scores that may result in college credit, you must submit your formal scores to UIC for review. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I see which classes transferred over to UIC?

 Your options to view and discuss how your coursework transfer varies, depending on how far along you are in the process. Here is an idea of what you can expect. 

  • UIC's Transfer Assistance Center staff members will notify you by email when your UIC DARS (Degree Audit Report System) audit is available. This will occur before the Intent to Enroll deadline for your term.  After you have received this notification, you are welcome to make an appointment with the Transfer Assistance Center to discuss your audit. 
     
  • Before Transfer Orientation, your UIC academic advisor will review your DARS audit and provide you with advice and recommendations regarding the registration and selection of UIC courses for your first semester at UIC. This is also an opportunity to discuss any discrepancies or to provide additional documentation for review. 

Why is the cost of attendance on my financial aid award letter different than tuition and fees?

The cost of attendance is a term used by the federal government to capture all costs associated with attending a university. The amount is a total of both billable fees (costs that are charged by the university, like tuition and fees), and costs that a student is expected to incur like transportation, living expenses, books and others. It is used primarily for the calculation of your financial aid.

How do I receive an award letter?

You should add UIC to your list of schools on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After you are admitted, the Office of Financial Aid will receive a student’s Student Aid Report (SAR) and begin packaging an award letter. Once it is processed, your award letter will be available in the my.uic.edu portal. 

Can I apply to the Honors College?

If you did not apply to the Honors College, there may still be an opportunity to apply prior to the start of the semester. Transfer students admitted for the spring semester can apply through the Honors College website until December 1. Transfer students admitted for the fall semester can apply online through July 1. The strongest transfer candidates to the Honors College typically have completed 24 semester hours and have earned at least a 3.4 GPA. Candidates should also plan to be enrolled at UIC for at least three semesters. 

Current UIC students may also be considered for Honors College under the same guidelines.

I didn't receive my admission packet in the mail. Can you help?

No need to worry! All the necessary information to begin at UIC is available on this website. Additionally: 

  • A copy of your admission letter is available in the my.uic.edu portal. 

I forgot to apply to the Honors College on my application, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply to the Honors College even after you've been admitted to UIC! If you applied to UIC without indicating your interest in the Honors College, please visit the Honors College website for requirements and a link to a secondary Honors College application. View the Deadlines page for the latest Honors College priority and final deadlines.

Can I defer my admission to a future term?

Admitted students may request a deferral to a future term by submitting a request through the application appeals and petitions form, accessible at the bottom of the application status portal. Deferral of admission decisions are typically approved only in cases of military and medical reasons. All other requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and if we are unable to defer the admission, we will create a new application for you, waive the application fee, and you will undergo the review process for the future term. Please keep in mind that if you attend another institution before enrolling at UIC in the deferred term, transcripts will be required and may affect your admission if your grades have significantly changed.