Admissions: Uni facts (FAQ)

Where is University of Illinois Laboratory High School?

The school is located on the University of Illinois campus at the corner of Springfield and Mathews in Urbana. We have an additional building, Kenney Gym, that we use for Physical Education and additional classroom space. Kenney is near the corner of Springfield and Wright Streets.

Is Uni a public or private school?

Uni High is a selective admissions public high school with grades 8-12. We are affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.).

How many students are enrolled at Uni?

Uni enrolls about 335 students in grades 8-12. Students are admitted via an application process, and any student who is/will be a legal resident of Illinois by the first day of school can apply. The typical point of entry is applying during 7th grade for the 8th grade year, but we do accept transfer students in grades 9-12 on a space-available basis.

How is Uni connected to the University of Illinois?

Uni High is a unit of the Provost’s Office at the university. We receive funding and other resources from the university to support our mission. Because of our relationship with the university, our students can take university classes at no cost during their junior and senior years (with approval) and our faculty and staff collaborate with departments and faculty across campus.

What are the costs to attend Uni?

As a public school, Uni does not charge tuition. We do have student fees of approximately $850 per year, and students buy their own books. Fee waivers are available, with eligibility based on family income and household size. We are proud that no student will be unable to attend Uni because of limited financial resources.

When students enroll at Uni High, families can request a fee waiver by completing a fee waiver worksheet during registration. Students who qualify for a full or partial fee waiver will receive free or reduced school fees and free textbooks and are eligible to receive free daily school lunch, free admission to field trips, instrument loans, MTD bus passes, and other resources.

Uni does rely on voluntary parent donations as part of our funding model, but ability to donate is not considered during the admissions process.

Do I have to live in Champaign or Urbana to attend Uni?

No! We can accept any student who is an Illinois resident, but you should live close enough to get to school every day. We do not have boarding options, nor do we provide transportation.

What is the workload like at Uni?

First and foremost, attendance is very important. With the exception of illnesses, students should plan to be in school each day from 8:30-3:15, and until 3:45 on Mondays. Our block schedule allows time to work on assignments and projects during school hours, and teachers may assign no more than 30 minutes of homework per night per class. Homework may include daily and long-term assignments. No homework will be assigned during longer breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break.)

What is the daily schedule?

Uni follows a block schedule, with all eight periods meeting for 40 minutes on Monday, even-numbered periods meeting for 87 minutes two days a week and odd-numbered periods meeting for 87 minutes on the other two days.

School starts at 8:30 a.m. each day and goes until 3:15 or 3:45 p.m., depending on the day.

What clubs and activities are available?

Uni has many clubs, sports and activities throughout the year. Please visit our Student Life section for details. Any student can propose a club to the Student Council (as long as the club does not already exist), so our approximately 50 clubs and activities change each year. Some continue for decades, and some for only one year — it all depends on what students want.

Do you offer AP classes?

Our honors without AP curriculum focuses on in-depth learning, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Can you accommodate students with 504 plans and IEPs?

We do not provide IEP services but do have a 504 Plan process in place.

How can I find out more about Uni?

We do not have enough staff to provide individual meetings and tours, but beginning in October of each year, you will be able to sign up for informational meetings that will be held either in-person or online. The meetings are held from November-January. For information about prospective family meetings, visit the admissions news and events page.

Do children of U. of I. faculty get preference?

No. Each application is holistically considered on its merits. The admissions committee does not see names or parents’ places of employment.

What is required for the application?

Currently the application requires student essays, two letters of recommendation, a math supplement form for 8th grade applicants, and transcripts from the current and previous school years.

Applicants can also submit the following additional information if they choose: a parent/guardian statement and/or a creative work.

The application typically becomes available in early January with a deadline at the end of February. No extra academic preparation or studying is needed to complete the application.

How are admissions decisions made?

A committee of Uni teachers reads each application and seeks to understand the applicant’s learning, extra curriculars, and interests. Each committee member reads every application and all identifying information is redacted. 

During the holistic, name-blind review, no one part of the application counts more than others. Transcripts, student essays, and letters of recommendation are weighed equally.

What percent of applicants are admitted to Uni?

Acceptance rates depend on when you apply and how many other people are applying. Most students enter in 8th grade, but there are a few transfer openings each year for grades 9-12. The acceptance for the 8th grade year is about 25%. Transfer acceptances are based on the number of available openings.