Our application process for next fall is complete.
Decisions for incoming 8th graders will be shared with families by the end of April.
Decisions for incoming transfers will be shared by the end of May.
Welcome to Uni!University Laboratory High School (Uni High) is a public high school affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We enroll about 300 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. More about Uni We are located on the University of Illinois campus at the corner of Springfield and Mathews in Urbana. |
Some things you should know about UniUni is a small, public high school with an application-based admissions process. Most students enter in 8th grade, but there are a few transfer openings each year. We’re proud of our curriculum! Other Uni facts There is no tuition and we have income-based fee-waivers for all fees. |
CurriculumUni has a non-AP, all-honors curriculum. While we require a certain number of credits in traditional high school subjects, 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. More about classes As a laboratory school, we are exempt from state testing, so our curriculum is flexible. 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. |
Foreign LanguagesWe offer classes in French, German, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish. Uni students are required to complete two years of a foreign language. Please click and read the details about how students are assigned to language classes. Due to our small enrollment and small class sizes, students are not guaranteed enrollment into their first choice language. |
ExtracurricularsUni has a wide range of extracurriculars, athletics and fine arts opportunities, and students can propose their own clubs at any time. More on extracurriculars Fine arts: Uni’s Fine Arts programs include visual arts, theater, chorus, orchestra, madrigals, and jazz bands. About 70% of Uni students participate in the arts. |
Who should apply to Uni?We love to see applications from passionate, creative risk-takers who have done reasonably well in school (everyone makes mistakes.) More about who can apply 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. |
Prospective family meetingsIf you’d like to find out more about Uni, we recommend signing up for one of our online prospective family meetings. Sign-up links will be available 1 week prior to the meeting. Sign up for a prospective family meeting Our prospective family meetings will be held on Zoom this year, and a link to register will be available one week prior to each meeting. |
Admissions decisionsUni always tries to build a class of incoming students that is inclusive and represents the surrounding communities. We do not consider home school districts, family relationships, or affiliation with the University of Illinois. The admissions process is name-blind (the committee NEVER sees the applicants’ names throughout the process). More on admissions decisions There is no magic formula for admission. We look at the whole application. |
Transfer studentsThe primary entry point for University of Illinois Laboratory High School is 8th grade. Applicants for grades 9-11 are accepted on a space-available basis. We do not accept new students for 12th grade. |
Home-schooled applicantsApplicants who have been homeschooled are welcome to apply to Uni. The general guidelines for 8th grade (subfreshman) and transfer (9-11) applications should all be followed; homeschooled applicants will complete the same application. |
There is no required standardized test. Admissions decisions will be based on the application (which will be online), letters of recommendation, a timed writing sample, and transcripts from last year and this year.
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FeesThere is a $35 application fee, and waivers are available. Please contact unihigh-admissions@illinois.edu if you need assistance with the application fee.
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Nondiscrimination NoticeThe commitment of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms. The university does not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, disability, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, arrest record status, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a protected veteran and complies with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Director of the Office for Access & Equity Please refer to the University of Illinois System website for the most up-to-date statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct. |