ADMISSIONS

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University Laboratory High School, "Uni," is a public high school committed to excellence and innovation in education.  Unlike most public high schools, Uni has a competitive admissions process and invites all academically talented students to apply for admission.  Uni provides a balanced educational program that enhances the intellectual, creative, social, and physical development of academically talented and motivated students.

According to its mission statement, Uni is a catalyst for educational innovation.  For example, a Uni faculty member initiated the New Math.  Uni seeks to spark the creative fervor and high aspirations of its students and to inspire them to excellence.  The faculty at Uni challenge students through traditional and experimental strategies to ignite their potential for active, responsible involvement in the adult world.

As a public school, Uni does not charge tuition.  The Illinois State Board of Education provides the greatest portion of funds to operate the school.  Because Uni serves students from the state of Illinois, it is not part of a school district and receives no local property tax dollars.  As a result, Uni seeks support from other sources.  The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign of which Uni is a unit provides some salary support, utilities, building maintenance and other services.  Donations from private sources ensure that the experiences of today's students rival those of our remarkable graduates.  This year Uni will raise $500,000 in private, voluntary donations from current use and endowment funds. University Laboratory High School is one of the great public high schools in the United States.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT UNI HIGH

STEPS IN THE ADMISSION PROCESS (click here to view a .pdf file of Admission Process)

1.  Pick up the Admissions Packet at Uni or download them form the web page at:  www.uni.uiuc.edu.

2.  Apply for the SSAT tests.  These tests may be taken more than one time.  There are fee waivers available.  Let Uni know in writing (letter or email) which set of scores (date test was taken) that you want to be considered by the Admissions Committee.  If you do not notify us, Uni will use the last test score.

3.  We advise that you select the persons who will write recommendations and give them the form several weeks before they are due at Uni.  Ask the teacher/person if he/she can give a positive, strong recommendation.  Try to obtain two recommendations from different areas/teachers who  have seen the student on a regular basis once a day within the past two years.  Home schooled students should read the Questions and Answers for Home Schools on the web page.

4.  Begin the application process.  Write and rewrite the answers. Build a picture of words for each question.  Use the space given in the application.  Have an adult proof your answers.  Adults should make sure the student is writing  the application answers.  If the handwriting is not legible, type and then cut and paste the answers  on the application.

Questions?  Call Sue Kovacs, 333-2870 or write Sue Kovacs

The admissions information for the University of Illinois Laboratory High School can be downloaded below.  These forms will be accepted as official admissions applications and are the same forms that would be mailed to you.

English Version

Versiόn Española  
Official Admissions Forms Downloadable with Acrobat Reader: Spanish Admission Files can be opened using Microsoft Word:
2008-09  Admission Brochure Spanish Version Admission Brochure
2008-09   Application for Admission Spanish Version Aplicación para Admisión
2008-09  Recommendation Form Spanish Version Recommendation Form
2008-09   Transcript Release Form Spanish Version Transcript Release Form
Home School FAQ Spanish Version Questions and Answers
Wait List FAQ

SSAT DATES: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9
SSAT Dates for Late Admission: March 8, April 12

Informational Meetings: Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Jan. 17
Informational Meeting for Late Admission: Feb. 12

To obtain an information packet through the mail, please contact: 

    Barb Aschenbrenner, Main Office   
    University Laboratory High School
    1212 W. Springfield Avenue
    Urbana, IL 61801
    (217) 333-2870 / baschenb@uni.uiuc.edu 
    Subject line: Admissions

For more information on the SSAT visit the SSAT website.