What Students Say?
Likes
- UIUC has excellent research faculty and ample opportunities for someone to get the taste of academic research while keeping up to date with industry requirements.
Dislikes
- Weather can be a bit poor especially during the winter season. The campus is a bit out of nowhere, so not a great place for people looking for a busy city life.
I had to submit SOP and 3 LORs along with my CV. I highlighted my academic background and work experience in the SOP. University ranking, fully funded program and a good research group My overall experience at UIUC was excellent. I joined for a masters program and decided to continue with the PhD. I had an excellent advisor and research group. I learned a lot and made good connections. The overall campus life has something for everyone.
Course Curriculum
Course carriculum is well designed and gave plenty of opportunity to learn solving real world problems.
Exams
GRE 327 (don'tremember the breakup), TOEFL 108, GPA 9.6. I needed a speaking score of 24 to be eligible for a TA position. Not for the admission, but I had an interview for my research group where a senior PhD student asked about my research interests and described the work that the lab does.
Placement
Very good. UIUC is among the top ranked universities and the recruiters know that. Most of the students in the program get placed either in indistry or academia.
Internship
I interned at Lennox International and Brunswick Corporation in thermal engineering related roles.
Fees
Don't know. I had full tuition waiver.
Scholarship
I got the tuition waiver and assistantship stipend of around 2500$ per month.
Faculty
Faculty are excellent and among the most qualified across the world. Despite that, they are very approachable and eager to engage with the students.
Campus Life
Campus life is happening. Library and research facilities are top class.
Hostel
I shared an apartment mostly with two other people. Didn't have to share the room. Average cost of living was very low. I paid less than 400-500 for rent and utilities.
