Prospective Student FAQs
- Is the Aerospace Program more focused on the aeronautical or astronautical portion of engineering?
- Does AE have student organizations that I can be involved?
- How do I schedule a visit?
- When will I have my first Aerospace class?
- Is tutoring available in AE?
- When and what is Engineering Open House (EOH)?
- What is the minimum GPA for admission?
- What are the minimum acceptable score at UIUC for AP Credit?
- What are the placement recommendations for ACT Scores?
- What are the application deadlines and requirements for UIUC?
- What is the cost of tuition, books, housing, etc.
- How do I find out about financial aid?
- Whom can I contact in Aerospace Engineering if I have further questions?
Is the Aerospace Program more focused on the aeronautical or astronautical portion of engineering?
The AE undergraduate program emphasizes both areas, i.e., the "core courses" (fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, propulsion) are the same for all students. However, in their senior years, the students get to pick the focus of their year-long capstone design project (aircraft or spacecraft) and pick at least two elective AE courses in the discipline of their choice. Some of these courses are related to aircraft (applied aerodynamics, fundamental fluid mechanics, ...), others to spacecraft (orbital mechanics, spacecraft trajectory, ...). We also have extra-curricular activities in both areas: aircraft and spacecraft design.
Does AE have student organizations that I can be involved?
The department has a number of very active student organization:
Please visit http://www.ae.uiuc.edu/academics/studentorgs.html
How do I schedule a visit?
Register for a visit with Aerospace Engineering online at
http://www.ae.uiuc.edu/academics/prospective/schedule-visit.php
When will I have my first Aerospace class?
During your freshmen year, you may register for one of the following sections of AE 100, Introduction to Aerospace Engineering. All three sections of AE 100 are equivalent. You should therefore sign-up for the section you are interested, either in the Fall or the Spring semester.
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Section SD: Applied Spacecraft Design (Fall only).
In this section, students work in teams to design and build a 4-feet long model rocket with two "CanSats" (satellites of the size of a soda can) containing various sensors (pressure, altitude, position, digital camera, ..). Other topics involve rocket trajectory, combustion of solid propellant rockets,
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Section AD: Applied Aircraft Design (Fall only).
In this section, students fly an instrumented remote controlled aircraft to understand its flight dynamics and, in particular, its stall behavior. Then they work in teams to design and build a remote controlled glider to be flown at the end of the semester at the UIUC Armory Building.
The offering for spring will be UAV below or a repeat of SD or AD above.
Section UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The main objective of this section is to design and build the payload for a high altitude balloon to be flown about 100,000 feet. This course is offered in the spring for reasons related to the weather and wind direction.
Is tutoring available in AE?
Tutoring is available for all Aerospace students sponsored by the Department Monday through Thursday from 5:30-8:30 in 302E Talbot lab. Students may ask any question on any of their technical classes (AE, Math, Physics, Chem, TAM, CS, GE, ME).
When and what is Engineering Open House (EOH)?
Engineering Open House is held in the spring each year and is designed to spark the curiosity of the general public and students by showcasing the exciting world of science and engineering with student projects and corporate demonstrations. EOH annually attracts 20,000 visitors to the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign for this two day event. Popular exhibits include the Jerry Sanders robotic design contest for college students, the High School design contest, the Grade School Design contest, Concrete Crusher, and so many more.
What is the minimum GPA for admission?
While there is not a minimum GPA or test score required for admission, the following web site shows data from this year's admitted class http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/apply/requirements_freshman.html
What are the minimum acceptable score at UIUC for AP Credit?
See the following website that lists the AP tests, scores, and credit:
http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/academics/placement.html
What are the placement recommendations for ACT Scores?
See the following website for cutoff scores and placement recommendations:
http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/apply/requirements_freshman.html
What are the application deadlines and requirements for UIUC?
See the following website regarding application deadlines and requirements:
http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/apply/dates.html
What is the cost of tuition, books, housing, etc.
See the following website for the cost of tuition, books, housing, etc.:
http://www.oar.uiuc.edu/future/cost/index.html
How do I find out about financial aid?
Information is available at: http://www.osfa.uiuc.edu. If you have further questions, contact the UIUC Financial Aid Office at 217-333-0100.
Other links of interest:
Campus Scholarships
College Honors Awards
The information from your application is used for the freshman scholarships in Aerospace Engineering. No information is required from the student.
Whom can I contact in Aerospace Engineering if I have further questions?
Barbara Kirts
Undergraduate Affairs Coordinator
bkirts@illinois.edu
217-333-0087
