UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

University Laboratory High School

1212 West Springfield Avenue

Urbana, IL 61801

Dear University Laboratory High School Applicants and Families:

Thank you for considering the University of Illinois Laboratory High School (Uni). This packet contains

the application form and information about how to apply.

We highly recommend attending one of our Information Meetings: Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. Uni High South Attic, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Uni High South Attic, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. Douglass Branch Library, 504 E Grove St, Champaign Jan. 11, 1:30 p.m. Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St., Urbana

Our website has additional information. Please visit http://www.uni.illinois.edu to obtain more

information about the school. Your application must be complete (see directions) and delivered to Uni by Feb. 26, 2020. Your completed application packet should include: (1) application form; (2) Two teacher recommendation forms (sent by teachers directly to Uni);

(3) Math assessment form (for Subfreshman applicants only). (4) Application fee or Application Fee Waiver Form; (5) Official school records, sent directly from current school; (5) SSAT test scores; (6) Character Skills Snapshot (follow instructions from SSAT),

(7) Parent Statement, and

(8) Data Review Release form. A checklist is provided for your convenience.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that the application is complete and received by

Uni by the deadline. No late applications or application materials will be accepted.

The deadline for applications is February 26, 2020.

If you have questions, you can consult the website (http://www.uni.illinois.edu/admissions) attend one

of the Informational Meetings listed above, or call the admissions office at 217-300-8173. Thank you again for your interest in the University of Illinois University Laboratory High School.

Admissions University of Illinois Laboratory High School

1212 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

What is Uni High?

University Laboratory High School (Uni High) is a public high school in Urbana, Illinois for about 300 students in

grades 8-12. Students are admitted via an application process to identify students with great academic potential. The

school is affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

As a public school, Uni does not charge tuition. We do have student fees, and students buy their own books, but we

offer financial assistance when needed. We are proud that no student will be unable to attend Uni because of limited

financial resources.

Some Uni facts:

There is no tuition.

Uni High is part of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

We have a small enrollment – there are 306 students total in grades 8-12 this year

We offer students the freedom and independence of an open campus.

We conduct no state testing.

We offer unique, interesting, and challenging classes.

We offer many fine arts, sports, and club experiences.

Students are here because they want to be and because they want to learn.

We do not discriminate based on race, gender, identity, disability or family income.

FAQ

Where is Uni?

We are on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, but any student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) will

be living in Illinois during the school year can apply. You don’t have to live in Champaign or Urbana.

What makes Uni different? As a laboratory school, we are exempt from state testing, so our curriculum is more flexible than in other public

schools, We have an all-honors curriculum and our teachers are experts in their fields who decide what they will teach.

This can change from year-to-year based on research, experience, student feedback, and experimentation.

Uni is a small school — 306 students this year in grades 8-12 — and our students have an open campus, which gives

them a lot of freedom. Free periods are truly free and for the most part students can leave the building during lunch and

free periods.

What are the fees?

Keep in mind that we offer financial assistance for all fees for students with financial need, and anyone can set up a

payment plan. There is a $30 initial application fee, approximately $1070-$ 1610 in student fees per year, and

books/supplies are about $500 a year.

Who should apply?

We love to see applications from passionate, creative risk-takers who have done reasonably well in school (everyone

makes mistakes.) Sixth and seventh graders can apply for next year’s 8th grade (subfreshman) class. Eighth through

tenth graders can also apply as transfer students for a limited number of openings.

Uni students are motivated students who want to learn and are open to learning and exploring in many different

ways. They will be able to handle the freedom and responsibility of an open campus, and they are flexible in their

expectations of school.

Our students are often looking for non-traditional approaches, more independence, a smaller environment and a safe

place to take risks.

We also understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, so we do accommodate 504 plans and Individual

Education Plans, and offer extra help in math and writing for students who want it.

When should I apply?

The application deadline for students applying for the Fall of 2020 is Feb. 26, 2020. The application is included in

this packet.

What classes do you have?

Check out our curriculum here (https://uni.illinois.edu/academics/), but keep in mind that it’s always changing.

What is the curriculum like?

Uni has a non-AP, all-honors curriculum. While we require a certain number of credits in traditional high school

subjects (https://uni.illinois.edu/academics/graduation_requirements.shtml), we also offer a changing array of

electives. Classes range from traditional lecture and test-based classes to completely hands-on active learning classes.

As a laboratory school, our one constant is that things change. In addition, some students may do independent study

projects or take University of Illinois classes for college credit. We do not teach AP classes or give AP exams at Uni.

For one week in February, we have Agora Days, where all regularly scheduled classes are cancelled and we put

together a schedule with a variety of classes taught by students, parents, teachers, alumni and community members.

What grades or scores do I need to get in?

There is no magic formula for admission. Because we look at the whole application, there are no “cut-off” GPAs or test

scores. You do not need straight As. Less than perfect grades or test scores will not keep a student out of Uni. If you

don’t participate in organized activities, that’s fine with us. If you do, that’s good too. If you’ve won awards - great. If

you haven’t - that’s not a problem. A committee of teachers will look at your whole application and think carefully

about if you would be a good fit for Uni High.

Our only regret is that we have limited physical space, and can only accept about 65 students each year. We typically

have many more qualified students whom we would love to accept, but we just don’t have room.

How do you make admissions decisions?

Uni always tries to build a class of incoming students that is inclusive and represents the surrounding communities. We

do not consider where you currently go to school, family relationships, or affiliation with the University of Illinois. A

faculty committee looks at all of the applications, and an average of 65 students are invited to enroll. The admissions

process is name-blind (the committee NEVER sees the applicants’ names throughout the process.) The committee will

consider the entire application - no one part is more important than any other part. So we’ll look at your essays,

previous grades, teacher recommendations, and the activities you enjoy. We try to invite students who are open to new

experiences, are excited about learning, and who are flexible and likely to enjoy both traditional and non-traditional

classes.

Please remember: Admissions decisions are final. There is no appeal process.

Do you have fine arts?

Yes! Uni’s Fine Arts programs include visual arts, theater, chorus, orchestra, madrigals, and jazz bands.

Do you have athletics?

Yes! All of our sports have a “no cut” policy, so anyone can participate in any sport, even if they have never tried it

before. Find out more about athletics here. (https://uni.illinois.edu/athletics/)

What extracurriculars are available?

Any student at Uni can propose a club to Student Council at any time. As students graduate and new students begin,

the variety of clubs changes. There are usually about 50 clubs (https://uni.illinois.edu/resources/clubs.shtml) at any

given time. We also have student government at every grade level and an elected Student-Faculty Advisory committee.

Do you offer college counseling?

Nearly all of our students are interested in eventually attending college. Our college counselor is available to work with

students and families to look at post-high-school options and help students choose the path that is right for them.

How do I find out more? Please attend one of our prospective student meetings for more information and to get answers to specific questions.

Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. Uni High South Attic, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana

Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Uni High South Attic, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana

Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. Douglass Branch Library, 504 E Grove St, Champaign

Jan. 11, 1:30 p.m., Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St., Urbana

The Admissions Process

1. Please download the application forms from the Uni website:

http://www.uni.illinois.edu/admissions/admissions_packet.shtml. Make sure you have all of the pages

and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

2. If you do not have access to a computer, you may contact Susan Layton, 217-300-8173 for assistance. She

can mail you a paper copy of the application.

3. The form can be completed by hand in black ink. This document is an editable PDF so it can also be filled out online, printed, and then mailed or hand-delivered to the Uni Main Office. Do not send electronically. Please sign any applicable signature lines by hand in black ink. Note that only text that fits in provided boxes can be seen by the reviewers. The Teacher Recommendations will need to be completed by hand.

4. For the essay section, follow the instructions, and allow students to do the application BY THEMSELVES. The application essays don’t have to be perfect. We know most applicants are 12 or 13 years old and we understand what developmentally appropriate work looks like for them. We just want to get to know them by reading what they have to say.

5. Students: PLEASE - don’t let anyone write your essays or change them for you. We’d like the chance to get to know YOU - not your parents, guardians, siblings, or teachers. You don’t have to try to impress us with an essay filled with big words and deep, grown-up thoughts. We’re more interested in who you are and how you’ll fit in at Uni. Just do your best work.

6. Use the release form in the admission packet so the applicant’s current school can send official school records to Uni. Records must be released directly by the school to Uni. We will not accept any school records provided by an applicant.

7. Ask two teachers to complete the recommendation forms. You may ask one teacher from the previous year and one teacher from the current year; or two teachers from the current year. Recommendations must be from classroom teachers. Provide stamped, addressed envelopes for the teachers to return the forms directly to Uni.

8. NEW: If you are applying for the subfreshman year, ask your current math teacher to complete the math assessment. If your math teacher is also completing a regular recommendation, they should complete both forms. Provide a stamped, addressed envelope for the teacher to return the form directly to Uni.

9. The application due date is Feb. 26, 2020. The forms must arrive by that date.

10. If you can’t afford the application fee, please complete and submit the fee waiver form with your application. It is included in this packet.

11. The completed application may be delivered to Uni High in person, or may be mailed to University Laboratory High School, ATTN: Admissions Committee, 1212 W. Springfield Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801.

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)

This is our last year using the SSAT at Uni, and we plan to de-emphasize it in this year’s process. We recommend

taking the SSAT only one time.

The SSAT is an exam we have used to help predict your ability to do the work at Uni. It includes sections of math,

reading, verbal and writing skills. There is no minimum score to be accepted, and the test is not the most important part

of the application.

Applicants for the subfreshman year class must take the middle level of the SSAT. Applicants for grades 9-11 must

take the upper level of the SSAT. You can sign up for the test at SSAT.org. We will also have fee waiver applications

at our information meetings, and can help you if you can’t afford to take the test. You can also call 217-300-8173 for

information on fee waivers.

We also ask that you complete the Character Skills Snapshot that is offered at no extra cost when you sign up for the

SSAT. It provides us a bit more information about the applicant (beyond grades and test scores) and helps us identify

students who are a good match for Uni.

When registering for the SSAT, make sure you request that your scores be sent to University Laboratory High School

(code number 7820.) We will not accept unofficial scores from applicants.

Admission Deadlines

2020-21 Informational Meetings Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. Uni High South Attic, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana

Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Uni High South Attic, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana

Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. Douglass Branch Library, 504 E Grove St, Champaign

Jan. 11, 1:30 p.m., Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St., Urbana

SSAT Tests Dates

Sign-up link:

http://www.ssat.org

Nov. 16, 2019

Dec. 14, 2019

Feb. 8, 2020

Application Deadline Feb. 26, 2020

Admission Decisions Mailed to

Students

Subfreshmen: April 17, 2020

High School: April 24, 2020

Acceptance Decisions Must Be

Returned to Uni

Subfreshmen: May 4, 2020

High School: May 7, 2020

It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that the application is complete and received by the University of

Illinois Laboratory High School by the deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Susan Layton

stlayton@illinois.edu 217-300-8173

It is the policy of the University of Illinois not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of

race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, unfavorable

discharge from the military, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era and to comply with all federal

and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. This

nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in the University programs and

activities. Complaints of invidious discrimination prohibited by University policy are to be resolved within existing

University procedures.

For additional information or assistance on equal opportunity and access policies, as well as other University policies or

information on federal and state civil right laws, please contact: Heidi Johnson, Director, Office of Diversity, Equity,

and Access, Police Training Institute, 1004 South Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820, johnso19@illinois.edu, (217)

333-0885.

Application for Admission

Please return to:

Admissions Committee

University of Illinois Laboratory High School

1212 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

SUBFRESHMAN Application Deadline: February 26, 2020

HIGH SCHOOL (9-11) Application Deadline: February 26, 2020

If using paper application, please print and use black ink.

Full Name of Applicant: _________________________ ________________________ _________________

Last First Middle

Home Address: _____________________________________ __________________ ____ __________

Street City State Zipcode

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Information:

Parent/Guardian 1 Name: __________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian 1 Email Address:

Parent/Guardian 1 Contact Numbers: Home Phone #: _________________ Cell Phone #: ________________

Parent’s/Guardian 1 Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 Name: __________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 Email Address:

Parent/Guardian 2 Contact Numbers: Home Phone #: _________________ Cell Phone #: ________________

Parent’s/Guardian 2 Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Applicant’s Signature: ______________________________________________________________________

All answers must reflect the student’s independent work

Student File Information (This page is not given to the Admissions Committee.)

It is the policy of the University of Illinois not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race,

color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from

the military, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era and to comply with all federal and state

nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy

applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in the University programs and activities. Complaints of invidious

discrimination prohibited by University policy are to be resolved within existing University procedures.

For additional information or assistance on equal opportunity and access policies, as well as other University policies or

information on federal and state civil service rights laws, please contact: Heidi Johnson, Director, Office of Diversity, Equity,

and Access, 1004 South Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820, 217-333-0885

The University of Illinois Laboratory High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,

disability, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin in the administration of our

admission policies.

Gender: _____________________ Birthdate: _____________________

Current School and District: _________________________________________ Current Grade: ________

City and State where you live: ______________________________ ________________________

Race/Ethnic Designation (if you identify with more than one, please indicate):

□ Black, Non-Hispanic □ Alaskan Native □ Asian □ Hispanic

□ American Indian □ White, Non-Hispanic □ Pacific Islander

Is English your native language? Yes No

Have either of your parents or any of your guardians graduated from college? Yes No

How many times have you taken the SSAT? ____________

Applicant Profile – Please use black ink to complete. No attachments are allowed.

Please carefully follow directions.

Uni views students’ unique life experiences as assets that contribute to the school culture and academic

discussions. Uni aims to maintain a reasonable balance of girls and boys in the subfreshman class. Uni

strives to build a class of incoming students that is inclusive and representative of the surrounding

communities.

Information collected from responses to the following questions assist our efforts in meeting our goal of

inclusivity. Responses to the following questions are OPTIONAL.

Please answer TWO of the following three essay prompts. Use only the space provided inside each box. Only use black

ink or fill in the editable PDF in 10 point Times New Roman. Check off the prompts you are addressing. Please

carefully follow all directions. The committee will consider your ability to follow directions.

1. Imagine something you would like to invent. Explain what your invention is and why you picked it. OR

Imagine you are going to write a book. What would it be about? Explain something about the plot and

characters.

2. If a school did not give grades, how would that change how you felt about school and learning?

3. Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult partner. How did you navigate

through the process?

Out of the following two questions, please choose only ONE of the questions to answer. Use only the space provided

inside each box. ONLY use black ink or fill in the editable PDF in 10 point Times New Roman. Check off the prompt

you are addressing. Please carefully follow all directions. The committee will consider your ability to follow

directions

A. What one thing about yourself are you most proud of, and what one thing would you change?

B. If you could imagine the perfect high school, what would it be like?

Please tell us about three activities you enjoy. These can be school-related, regularly scheduled, or just

things you enjoy doing in your free time. Please list only your top three and use only the space

provided. Do not add additional activities or change the size/format of the available space.

Activity # of Years

Involved

Why and how do you participate in this activity? If offered admission,

will you continue this

activity?

As the applicant, I wrote all essays on this application by myself with no help from anyone else.

Signed: _____________________________________________________________________

Applicant’s Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Instructions:

On the next page, please respond to the question provided. Please do not include weblinks.

Please print and sign your name to indicate the author of this statement.

______________________________________ _______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature

______________________________________ Date

Please return to: Admissions Committee

University of Illinois Laboratory High School 1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-2870

Admissions Parent Statement

Please return before February 26, 2020, for SUBFRESHMAN or HIGH SCHOOL admission consideration.

To The Parent:

University of Illinois Laboratory High School seeks to gather information about your student from as many perspectives as possible. We recognize that a structured application form provides us with a consistent means of information gathering across all applicants, however, there may be other information about your student that we may find helpful that is not represented in the structured application form. This parent statement gives you, the parent, an opportunity to share information about your student that you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee when considering your student’s potential success at Uni High. We appreciate your assistance in our admissions process.

Important: Please do not use the student applicant’s name in any of your comments. Please use only the space provided. Do not add pages. You may write your comments in black ink or type your comments in 10 pt Times Roman font.

Choose one of the following prompts:

What is your favorite memory of your child from the past two years?

Tell us about a challenge your child has faced.

Student Applicant’s Name (Print Clearly): ______________________________________________________

Student’s name will not be seen by the committee.

Applicant’s Name: _______________________________________ Applicant’s Current Grade: _______

To The Applicant:

Please provide your teacher with a stamped, addressed envelope to the Admissions Committee at the address

above. All pages of the Admission Recommendation Form must be completed and sent to Uni High.

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), you

have the right to review your educational records if you enroll at University Laboratory High School. If you

choose to do so, you may waive your right of access to this specific recommendation. Your decision to waive or

not to waive your right of access will have no bearing on the handling of your application by the Admissions

Committee. Please check the appropriate response and sign your name below:

____ I waive ____ I do NOT waive my right of access to this recommendation.

______________________________________ _______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Student Applicant’s Signature

______________________________________

Date

Admissions

Recommendation Form Please return to:

Admissions Committee

University of Illinois Laboratory High

School 1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

Please return before February 26, 2020 for SUBFRESHMAN or HIGH SCHOOL admission consideration.

To The Recommender:

University of Illinois Laboratory High School serves as an educational laboratory for research, development,

and dissemination of innovative curricula and approaches to teaching and learning. In determining the

eligibility of applicants for a rigorous academic program with experimentation, we consider not only whether

the student is highly able academically, but also whether she/he consistently demonstrates a high degree of task

commitment and/or motivation, creativity, and leadership. We also seek to increase the availability of this

advanced educational opportunity to groups of students traditionally underrepresented in programs for the

academically talented. We appreciate your assistance in our admissions process.

Academic Teacher Recommendation

To ensure fairness, the University of Illinois Laboratory High School will consider only information provided on this form.

Also, as the applicant is anonymous to the Admissions Committee, we appreciate your most candid and thoughtful responses.

Please do not refer to the student by name when completing the recommendation form. Written comments are particularly

useful in the selection process. This recommendation will remain confidential and will not become part of the student’s

permanent record. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure the letter is received by Uni High by the published deadline.

NO SUPPLEMENTAL SHEETS MAY BE ATTACHED TO THIS FORM. PLEASE USE ONLY THESE SHEETS.

Name of Recommender: School:

Position: Recommender’s Signature:

Date: How long have you known the applicant?

What course and when did you teach the student?

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE STUDENT APPLICANT’S NAME IN ANY OF YOUR COMMENTS.

Please circle a number for each quality listed below to indicate your rating of this student, where 10 equals

“Excellent” and 1 equals “Below Average”. A rating of 0 indicates that you have “No Basis for Comment.”

Academic Potential 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Critical and Abstract Thinking 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Quality/Competency of Daily

Preparation

Ability to work independently

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Organization 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Creativity 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Honesty/Integrity 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Student Applicant’s Name (Print Clearly): ______________________________________________________

Student’s name will not be seen by the committee.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT USE THE STUDENT APPLICANT’S NAME IN ANY OF YOUR

COMMENTS. DO NOT WRITE BEYOND THIS SIDE OF THIS SINGLE PAGE

What are this student’s strengths?

In what specific area(s) does this student still have room for growth? Has the student progressed in this area

during their time in your class?

Do you think this student demonstrated his/her full potential in your class? Why or why not?

To what degree would you recommend this student to University Laboratory High School?

_____ Highly Recommend *Explain reservations

_____ Recommend

_____ Recommend with Reservations*

_____ Don’t Recommend

Student Applicant’s Name (Print Clearly): ______________________________________________________

Student’s name will not be seen by the committee.

Applicant’s Name: _______________________________________ Applicant’s Current Grade: _______

To The Applicant:

Please provide your teacher with a stamped, addressed envelope to the Admissions Committee at the address

above. All pages of the Admission Recommendation Form must be completed and sent to Uni High.

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), you

have the right to review your educational records if you enroll at University Laboratory High School. If you

choose to do so, you may waive your right of access to this specific recommendation. Your decision to waive or

not to waive your right of access will have no bearing on the handling of your application by the Admissions

Committee. Please check the appropriate response and sign your name below:

____ I waive ____ I do NOT waive my right of access to this recommendation.

______________________________________ _______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Student Applicant’s Signature

______________________________________

Date

Admissions

Recommendation Form Please return to:

Admissions Committee

University of Illinois Laboratory High

School 1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

Please return before February 26, 2020 for SUBFRESHMAN or HIGH SCHOOL admission consideration.

To The Recommender:

University of Illinois Laboratory High School serves as an educational laboratory for research, development,

and dissemination of innovative curricula and approaches to teaching and learning. In determining the

eligibility of applicants for a rigorous academic program with experimentation, we consider not only whether

the student is highly able academically, but also whether she/he consistently demonstrates a high degree of task

commitment and/or motivation, creativity, and leadership. We also seek to increase the availability of this

advanced educational opportunity to groups of students traditionally underrepresented in programs for the

academically talented. We appreciate your assistance in our admissions process.

Academic Teacher Recommendation

To ensure fairness, the University of Illinois Laboratory High School will consider only information provided on this form.

Also, as the applicant is anonymous to the Admissions Committee, we appreciate your most candid and thoughtful responses.

Please do not refer to the student by name when completing the recommendation form. Written comments are particularly

useful in the selection process. This recommendation will remain confidential and will not become part of the student’s

permanent record. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure the letter is received by Uni High by the published deadline.

NO SUPPLEMENTAL SHEETS MAY BE ATTACHED TO THIS FORM. PLEASE USE ONLY THESE SHEETS.

Name of Recommender: School:

Position: Recommender’s Signature:

Date: How long have you known the applicant?

What course and when did you teach the student?

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE STUDENT APPLICANT’S NAME IN ANY OF YOUR COMMENTS.

Please circle a number for each quality listed below to indicate your rating of this student, where 10 equals

“Excellent” and 1 equals “Below Average”. A rating of 0 indicates that you have “No Basis for Comment.”

Academic Potential 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Critical and Abstract Thinking 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Quality/Competency of Daily

Preparation

Ability to work independently

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Organization 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Creativity 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Honesty/Integrity 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Student Applicant’s Name (Print Clearly): ______________________________________________________

Student’s name will not be seen by the committee.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT USE THE STUDENT APPLICANT’S NAME IN ANY OF YOUR

COMMENTS. DO NOT WRITE BEYOND THIS SIDE OF THIS SINGLE PAGE

What are this student’s strengths?

In what specific area(s) does this student still have room for growth? Has the student progressed in this area

during their time in your class?

Do you think this student demonstrated his/her full potential in your class? Why or why not?

To what degree would you recommend this student to University Laboratory High School?

_____ Highly Recommend *Explain reservations

_____ Recommend

_____ Recommend with Reservations*

_____ Don’t Recommend

Student Applicant’s Name (Print Clearly): ______________________________________________________

Student’s name will not be seen by the committee.

Applicant’s Name: _______________________________________ Applicant’s Current Grade: _______

To The Applicant:

Please provide your teacher with a stamped, addressed envelope to the Admissions Committee at the address above. All pages of the Admission Recommendation Form must be completed and sent to Uni High.

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment), you have the right to review your educational records if you enroll at University Laboratory High School. If you choose to do so, you may waive your right of access to this specific recommendation. Your decision to waive or not to waive your right of access will have no bearing on the handling of your application by the Admissions Committee. Please check the appropriate response and sign your name below:

____ I waive ____ I do NOT waive my right of access to this recommendation.

______________________________________ _______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Student Applicant’s Signature

______________________________________ Date

Please return to: Admissions Committee

University of Illinois Laboratory High School 1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-2870

Teacher Recommendation: Math Supplement

Please return before February 26, 2020 for SUBFRESHMAN or HIGH SCHOOL admission consideration.This form is not required for High School applicants.

To The Recommender:

We are looking for students at or above a 7th grade level in math. Students who successfully complete math courses addressing Illinois Learning Standards/Common Core State Standards through grade 7 would be well-positioned for success at Uni. Applicants for Uni’s subfreshman class are enrolled in a variety of schools with a variety of curricula, and their math skills vary widely. Please help us determine this student’s placement in math.

To ensure fairness, the University of Illinois Laboratory High School will consider only information provided on this form. Also, as the applicant is anonymous to the Admissions Committee, we appreciate your most candid and thoughtful responses. This recommendation will remain confidential and will not become part of the student’s permanent record. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure the letter is received by Uni High by the published deadline.

NO SUPPLEMENTAL SHEETS MAY BE ATTACHED TO THIS FORM. PLEASE USE ONLY THESE SHEETS.

Name of Recommender: _________________________

School: __________________________________________

Position: Recommender’s Signature:

Date: How long have you known the applicant?

What course and when did you teach the student?

1. How does the math curriculum in this student’s course compare with common core or Illinois LearningStandards for the student’s grade level? Please choose one:

� Course is equivalent to one or more years below the student’s current grade level (a 7th grade student enrolled in a 6th grade math class, for example).

� Course is equivalent to the student’s current grade level. � Course is one year above the student’s current grade level. � Course is two or more years above the student’s current grade level.

2. How is the student’s performance in their current math class? Select all that apply:o Student memorizes well.o Student is able to apply concepts in unusual settings.o Student is fluent in working with fractions.o Student is fluent in working with decimals and percents.o Student’s demonstrated understanding is at a higher level than grades or test scores might

indicate.o Student pays attention to details.o Student struggles to keep up with the class.o Student is clearly near the top of the class in performance.o Student is not a top performer, but is doing well enough in the class.o Student seeks extra credit.o Student seeks additional challenges.o Student is better at explaining verbally than in writing.o Student is confident with modeling (and/or word problems).o Student self-advocates.o Student asks questions indicative of deeper thought.

3. For students achieving above grade level, what is the student’s readiness for next year? Please choose 1:� The student is ready for a high school mathematics course. � The student is not yet ready for a high school mathematics course. � I can’t predict the student’s success with high school mathematics.

Math Teacher Recommendation

Authorization For

Release Of School

Records

University of Illinois Laboratory High

School

1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

NOTE TO THE APPLICANT’S FAMILY:

Please sign this form and submit it directly to your child’s current school. The school should send the

records directly to Uni. The Admissions Committee will not consider any records provided by the applicant

or the applicant’s family.

GRADE REPORT RELEASE

For ______________________________________ Print Name of Student

I consent to the release of my child’s academic records to University of Illinois Laboratory High School.

_________________________________________ __________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

NOTE TO THE SCHOOL REGISTRAR:

The above named student is applying for admission to University of Illinois Laboratory High School. After

the first semester (second quarter) of current year is completed, please submit grade reports for them from

the previous year and the first semester (first and second quarters) of current year. If the applicant is

a high school student seeking to transfer to Uni, please also submit their class schedule for the current year

to:

Admissions Committee

University of Illinois Laboratory High School

1212 West Springfield Avenue

Urbana, IL 61801

Please note that these records need to arrive at University of Illinois Laboratory High School no later than

February 26, 2020 for SUBFRESHMAN or HIGH SCHOOL (9-11) admission. For your convenience,

you are welcome to send these records electronically to Susan Layton at stlayton@illinois.edu. Please send

the records as soon as possible after receiving the release form. If you need to hold the records and mail as

a batch, please discuss with Susan Layton ahead of time. Thank you for your assistance.

Admissions

Application Fee

Invoice

University of Illinois Laboratory High School

1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

A nonrefundable application fee of $30.00 is required for each application. Please complete this form and make

your check payable to University of Illinois. Submit the form and application fee to:

University of Illinois Laboratory High School

ATTN: Admissions

1212 W. Springfield Avenue

Urbana, IL 61801

Date: ____________________________

Student Applicant Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Applying for Grade: ________________

Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) Names: ____________________________________________________________

Check #: __________________

Fee waivers are available for those who meet eligibility guidelines. Please see the Application Fee Waiver

form for further information.

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received: ________________________________________________________

Amount: _____________________________________________________________

Received By: __________________________________________________________

Date Forwarded to Business Office: ________________________________________

Application Fee Waiver

University of Illinois Laboratory High School

1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

Note: Do not complete this form unless you are applying for an application fee waiver.

Applicant Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Eligibility for fee waivers are based on federal income guidelines. Your annual income must not exceed the

“annual income for reduced lunch” for your household size to be eligible for a fee waiver.

Please complete the following information to apply for a waiver of the $30 application processing fee. Attach

waiver to Uni Application for Admission.

Total Household Size: ___________________________ Yearly Income: $___________________________

TANF/Food Stamp # (if applicable): ____________________________________________________________

The United States Department of Agriculture has issued the following income guidelines for the period of

July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

Household SizeAnnual Income for

Reduced Lunch

1 $23,107.00

2 $31,284.00

3 $39,461.00

4 $47,638.00

5 $55,815.00

6 $63,992.00

7 $72,169.00

8 $80,346.00

For each additional family member, add

$8,177 yearly

Level for Reduced Lunch Fee Waiver

Income Eligibility Guidelines

Effective July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020

Data Review Release

University of Illinois Laboratory High School

1212 W. Springfield Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 333-2870

Applicant Name (Please Print): ________________________________________________________________

Uni High is interested in making admissions more efficient and equitable. We would like to

use your students’ application packet as part of a programmatic review of our admissions

processes and programs. Your applicant’s name and any identifying information (e.g.

address) will not be included as part of this review.

Yes, I agree. No, I do not agree.

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________________

Application Checklist--What is considered a complete application to Uni?

(Please keep this sheet for your records.)

Dear Applicant,

Only complete applications, received prior to the appropriate deadline, are reviewed and considered for

admission to Uni. We have provided this checklist for you because we want to assist you in making sure

that all required application documents are on file at Uni by the stated Application Deadline.

The application deadline (for both subfreshmen and grades 9-11) is February 26, 2020

The following materials must be on file by the deadline for the application to be considered:

______ Application for Admission

______ Application Fee (or Application Fee Waiver)

______ School records (prior year and 1st and 2nd quarter of the current school year) – sent

directly from your current school

______ Two (2) teacher recommendations: One from the previous year and one from the

current year; or two recommendations from the current year. At least one

recommendation must be from academic teachers: social studies, English,

mathematics, foreign language, or science. The completed waiver form must be sent to

Uni with the recommendations.

______ For Sub-Freshman Applicants -- One (1) Math Supplement form -- the completed waiver

form must be sent to Uni with the recommendations.

______ SSAT scores from one date: If you take multiple tests, please include a note with the

application to indicate the month and year of the test that you want the committee to

consider. Follow the instructions to have these sent directly to Uni High.

______ Completed Character Skills Snapshot (follow the instructions on the SSAT website –

direct SSAT to send these to Uni High.

______ Completed Parent Statement

______ Completed Data Review Release

Thank you!