Eastern Illinois University Admissions: Everything You Need to Know Frequently Asked Questions Additional Resources
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a public university in Charleston, Illinois. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, EIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including business, education, health sciences, and liberal arts.
Admissions Overview
EIU has a rolling admissions policy, which means that applications are reviewed as they are received. The university considers factors such as your high school transcript, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities when making admission decisions.
For the fall 2023 semester, EIU received over 10,000 applications and admitted 7,500 students. The average GPA of admitted students was 3.4, and the average ACT score was 23.
How to Apply
To apply to EIU, you will need to submit the following materials:
- Completed application
- Official high school transcript
- Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
- Personal statement
You can apply to EIU online or by mail. The application fee is $30.
Admission Factors
EIU considers the following factors when making admission decisions:
- High School Transcript: Your high school transcript is the most important factor in the admission process. EIU looks at your grades in core academic subjects, such as English, math, science, and social studies.
- Standardized Test Scores: EIU requires all applicants to submit standardized test scores. The university accepts the ACT or SAT.
- Extracurricular Activities: EIU considers your extracurricular activities when making admission decisions. This includes your involvement in clubs, sports, and other activities.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are optional, but they can help you stand out from other applicants. EIU recommends that you submit letters from teachers, counselors, or other adults who can speak to your academic and personal qualities.
- Personal Statement: Your personal statement is an opportunity to tell EIU about yourself and why you want to attend the university. This is your chance to highlight your strengths and show the university what you can contribute to the campus community.
Deadlines and Fees
The deadlines for submitting your application to EIU are as follows:
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: December 1
The application fee is $30.
Financial Aid
EIU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college. This includes scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
To apply for financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Tips for Applying
Here are some tips for applying to EIU:
- Start early. The earlier you start the application process, the more time you will have to gather your materials and write your essays.
- Get good grades. Your high school transcript is the most important factor in the admission process. Make sure you are getting good grades in your core academic subjects.
- Take standardized tests. EIU requires all applicants to submit standardized test scores. The ACT or SAT is accepted.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities show EIU that you are a well-rounded individual. Get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities that you enjoy.
- Write a strong personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to tell EIU about yourself and why you want to attend the university. Make sure your statement is well-written and error-free.
- Apply for financial aid. EIU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college. Apply for financial aid as early as possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying to EIU:
- Waiting until the last minute to apply. The earlier you start the application process, the more time you will have to gather your materials and write your essays.
- Not submitting all of the required materials. EIU requires all applicants to submit the following materials: completed application, official high school transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation (optional), and personal statement. Make sure you submit all of the required materials by the deadline.
- Not getting good grades. Your high school transcript is the most important factor in the admission process. Make sure you are getting good grades in your core academic subjects.
- Not taking standardized tests. EIU requires all applicants to submit standardized test scores. The ACT or SAT is accepted. Make sure you take the ACT or SAT and submit your scores by the deadline.
- Not getting involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities show EIU that you are a well-rounded individual. Get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities that you enjoy.
- Writing a weak personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to tell EIU about yourself and why you want to attend the university. Make sure your statement is well-written and error-free.
- Not applying for financial aid. EIU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college. Apply for financial aid as early as possible.
Conclusion
Eastern Illinois University is a great school with a lot to offer students. The university has a strong academic reputation, a beautiful campus, and a vibrant student life. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding college experience, EIU is a great option.
What is the acceptance rate at EIU?
The acceptance rate at EIU is about 75%.
What is the average GPA of admitted students?
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.4.
What is the average ACT score of admitted students?
The average ACT score of admitted students is 23.
What is the deadline to apply to EIU?
The deadline to apply to EIU is August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.
How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
