Category: Applying to Law School

New LSAT Test Taking Limits

Breaking news…the LSAC has just announced new LSAT test taking limits. The LSAC indicates that more details will be announced soon but for now this information is not yet posted on the LSAC website.

Here are details from the bulletin we received from the LSAC:

Starting with the September 2019 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:

  • Three times in a single testing year (the testing year goes from June 1 to May 31).
  • Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools).
  • A total of seven times over a lifetime.
  • This policy is forward-looking, not retroactive. Tests taken prior to September 2019 will not count against these numerical limits.

In addition, test takers will not be permitted to retake the LSAT if they have already scored a 180 (perfect score) within the current and five past testing years, the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools. This policy will be applied retroactively.

There will be an appeals process for test takers who have special circumstances and want to request an exception to this policy.

To summarize:

—Starting in Sept 2019, LSAT maximums are: Three times within one year; five times within the current year + past five; seven total times in a lifetime.

–Those who score a 180 (or those who scored a 180 in the current or past five testing years) cannot retake.

The LSAC will be announcing more details and adding this information to their website in the weeks ahead.

What June LSAT Takers Should Know

Taking the LSAT next week? This blog is for you.

The June 2019 LSAT is just a few days away, and it’s the last paper and pencil exam, which made it extra sought after for some test takers. Here are a few things to know going into the test.

First, it’s important to acknowledge that some anxiety is normal. The LSAT is a difficult test, and it’s perfectly natural to feel some anxiety about performing well on it. Understanding all of your options can help you feel more in control of the situation.

Know that you have options as you head into the June LSAT. Let’s take a look at each.

Option 1: Withdraw from the June LSAT through June 2. You can withdraw from the June LSAT as late as the day before the test (June 2). Withdrawals are not seen by law schools–you will only lose your test registration fee. In the long run, this is a small price to pay to avoid having a low LSAT score. This might be a good option if you know you weren’t able to spend enough time on your LSAT prep this spring. This option can take the pressure off, allowing you to refocus your game plan for July or September.

  • If you’re considering July: Many test sites will be full, but registration is still open through June 4. Advice for those who make this choice: Keep in mind that this LSAT is 6 weeks away, so you’ll need to realistically assess whether that is enough time to be fully prepared. You’ll also want to make sure that you use the Digital LSAT resources here to familiarize yourself with that format, since you won’t get to choose digital or paper format for the July exam. Because you may not be able to snag a seat at a nearby test site, you may also need to make travel arrangements such as a hotel, train, or parking, and you’ll want to take care of all of those logistics ASAP.
  • If you’re considering September: You can withdraw and register for the September LSAT now (click here to do so). Advice for those who make this choice: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Once the pressure of the June LSAT is off, you will be very tempted to put your LSAT materials away all summer. DO NOT DO THIS. Use this summer wisely, and take the time you need to be fully prepared for September.

Option 2: You can cancel your LSAT score within six days after the exam. This option is more appealing to those students who have serious test anxiety or whose LSAT prep shows inconsistent results–some days you do great, others are deeply disappointing. How will you feel on test day? It’s very hard to say. Keep in mind that if test day does not go well, you have six days to cancel your score. You won’t know what score you received, which means you’ll need to retake, but there is some benefit in taking an actual LSAT to make you feel more confident the next time around. Advice to those who choose this option: Follow the LSAC instructions carefully, as you only have 6 calendar days to cancel. (Click here for instructions.) Since you know you will be retaking, get back to your LSAT study prep right away–use your summer wisely if you’re planning to retake in September.

Option 3: Keep June scores and possibly retake. Most LSAT takers will continue LSAT prep diligently, take the June LSAT, see what happens, and let this dictate whether you retake. Advice for those who choose this option: June LSAT scores are projected to be released June 27. Given that the September exam is Sept. 21, if you want to retake, you’ll need to use the rest of the summer well.  Don’t waste weeks bouncing around the idea of retaking once your score is released. You should consider under what circumstance you’ll want to retake before your score even comes out. This way you can be prepared to make a quick decision when your score is released, and you can maximize your remaining study time.

Consider all of your options and be prepared to make a decision about cancellations and retakes quickly after test day so that you can get back to prepping if you need to do so.

Overall: Keep the big picture in mind. Do your absolute best to prepare and perform on this test. But don’t get sucked into tunnel vision about the LSAT and what it means. What the LSAT does is predict first-year law school performance. The LSAT does not measure intelligence or how successful you’ll be as a lawyer. A high LSAT score doesn’t mean you’ll be the best lawyer in the courtroom, just as a low LSAT score doesn’t exclude you from becoming a very effective and successful lawyer. Keeping some perspective can be helpful.

Digital LSAT Update

So you all know that 2019 is the year the LSAT changes from a paper-and-pencil test to a digital exam administered on a tablet.  In fact, the June 2019 is the final all paper version of the LSAT. The July 2019 LSAT is the transition test – half of the registrants will be taking the paper version and half will be taking the digital version.  Registrants will not know prior to entering their test centers which LSAT version they will be given. In consideration of all this, the LSAC is allowing students to actually see their scores and then decide whether to cancel.  Note: the July 2019 LSAT is the first, last and ONLY time LSAC will permit test takers to see their results before deciding whether to cancel their scores.  If all of this news is catching you by surprise, here are links to previous blog posts explaining the changes. http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2019/01/16/digital-lsat-updates-resources-and-lsat-bootcamp/; http://publish.illinois.edu/prelawadvising/2018/12/10/consider-your-2019-lsat-options-carefully/.

Since the conversion to digital format was announced last fall, the LSAC and several commercial LSAT prep companies have been working to convert practice LSAT materials from paper to digital to help prepare test takers for this change.  You can find the FREE LSAC digital practice information and practice tests here. https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-prep/how-prepare-digital-lsat. And don’t forget about the FREE LSAT prep course offered by Khan Academy.  Go here for more information. https://www.khanacademy.org/prep/lsat

Our office has also been contacted by some of the commercial LSAT test prep companies about their efforts in this arena.  Each of those companies listed below offer some FREE LSAT prep materials, as well as their LSAT prep materials at various prices.  We encourage you to review all of this information before making any purchasing decisions.  These companies have provided the following links to allow varying degrees of access to their digital LSAT prep materials.

LSATMax: https://testmaxprep.com/lsat

LSATMax is offering a FREE sampling of their test prep courses for all students.  Click on the link above and follow the instructions on their website to learn more. LSATMax has a large inventory of LSAT prep materials, including actual previously administered LSATs, in the digital format that has been adopted by the LSAC for its upcoming digital conversion.  In addition to its comprehensive courses, beginning at $749 (with payment plans available), LSATMax also offers individual previously administered LSATs in digital format, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $9.99 per test.  So for those of you who do not want to purchase an entire class from LSATMax, you can simply purchase any or all of the the previously administered tests in the new digital format. And the latest course offering from LSATMax includes a brand new iPad.  Go here for more info:  https://testmaxprep.com/lsat/select-prep-package?utm_source=users&utm_medium=email&utm_content=lsatmaxtablet

TestMasters

TestMasters offers LSAT digital practice materials, some of which can be accessed for FREE.  For the access code, go here https://www.testmasters.net/mocklsat.  Follow the prompts to set up your account.  TestMasters is giving UIUC students free access to up to three digital practice LSATs.  After completing a digital test, students will receive a week of online access to personalized score reports, comprehensive written and video explanations for the questions on the exam and 24/7 academic support from their instructors.

Blueprint

All students can access Blueprint’s proprietary Law School Compass and other  FREE LSAT resources with a FREE MyBlueprint account. Click on this link to create a free account: https://blueprintlsat.com/lsat/free-help/free-accounts

Blueprint also offers FREE webinars to students, as well as on-campus events. Pre-Law Students can learn more and register for sessions here:
https://blueprintlsat.com/free-events

Note: PLAS does not endorse any commercial test prep companies.  However, in the interest of helping students access as much digital LSAT prep material as possible, we have posted information from the above test prep companies to ease test takers’ transition to the new digital format. We would welcome and post information from other commercial test prep companies not listed here about their digital materials.  Interested companies should email Jamie Thomas-Ward at thomas99@illinois.edu with information about your digital LSAT offerings.

End of Semester Edition – May 6, 2019

Well – finals are here and graduation is this weekend.  Congratulations and best of luck to the Class of 2019!  We would love to know your post graduation plans, whether they include law school, another grad school program or a job.  Please drop your advisor a quick email with an update!  You can also send an email to our PLAS address: ccaas-prelaw@illinois.edu.

As for you freshmen, sophomore, juniors and seniors still contemplating applying to law school – while the blog won’t be a regular weekly event, we will be beginning our “Applying to Law School” series in June.   So please keep checking back for this informative series and any LSAT updates, including an update on the digital LSAT THIS WEDNESDAY!  We will post information as we hear about it so don’t forget about the PLAS Blog, Facebook page and Twitter while you are on summer break!

Finally, one-on-one appointments with an advisor are available now until May 16.  We will be taking a short two-week break in mid-May, with advisor appointments resuming on June 3.  Please call our office at (217) 333-9669 if you would like to schedule an appointment.  Have a great summer!

Email Etiquette — “Hey” Doesn’t Cut It!

Note – we originally published a version of this blog in 2014.  Since we continue to experience and hear about email etiquette gaffes (from law school admissions deans – yikes!), we thought we would run an updated post on this topic.

Email etiquette is a critical skill whether you are communicating with law school admissions officers, potential employers, professors or your pre-law advisors! Remember: these contacts are formal and therefore VERY different from emails sent to friends or family members. A lack of professionalism and/or respect can create very negative impressions, which then likely lead to unhappy admissions or employment outcomes.  Want to avoid common email pitfalls? Read on for some practical and easy tips.

1. Salutation: DO NOT begin your email with “Hey” or “Joe”.  You should ALWAYS err on the side of being more formal: “Dear Dean Jones” or “Dear Ms. Smith.”  First names or casual openings are for friends and family only. NEVER address individuals you encounter in a professional setting by their first names until you have been invited to do so!

2. Subject Line:  Never leave this blank.  Instead write a brief but accurate description of the content of the email.  Examples: “Application Status Inquiry” or “Interview Follow Up.”

3. Organization:  Collect your thoughts (what are you trying to say?) and then organize your email into an introduction, body and closing.  The introduction states your reason for contacting the person.  The body details the information you are trying to convey.  The closing wraps up your email, including whether you will be contacting them in the future or if you would like them to contact you.

4. Proofread:  Nothing leaves a bad impression like a careless typo or typos.  Draft your email and reread it, checking it several times for any spelling or grammatical errors.

5. Manners:  Say “please,” “thank you,” and sign your emails with a courteous sign off, such as “sincerely” or “best.”  Remember: anything you put in writing is there forever.  Do you want to be remembered as the polite, interested candidate or the clueless jerk?!  And, by the way, if you receive a reply to your inquiry, always write a quick thank you for that response!

For more info on these suggestions and for other tips about composing professional emails, read “10 Professional Email Tips” by Elizabeth Hoyt, May 8, 2018, at fastweb.com.

https://www.fastweb.com/career-planning/articles/the-10-professional-email-tips

 

Mark Your Calendars – Week of April 15, 2019

Hello Pre-Law Students!  Scroll down for info on our Personal Statement Workshop, Fulbright Scholarships and more.  Also – the July LSAT will be administered exactly 3 months from today!  There are some unique aspects to the July 2019 LSAT, including the fact that you will be able to see your score BEFORE you decide whether to submit it to the law schools.  For more information about the July 2019 LSAT, click on this link.  You might also want to review our blog post “A Guide to ALL of the 2019 LSAT Options.”

PRE-LAW EVENTS

Personal Statement and Resume Workshop for Fall 2019 Applicants – NEXT Monday, April 22, 4-5pm, Room 514 IUB

Planning to apply to law school in the fall? Not sure what to write in your law school application? Applicants who plan to apply for law school this fall can get a head start by working on your personal statement and resume this summer! This workshop will cover: What the personal statement and law school resume are; how they complement each other; a plan for how to write the personal statement; tips and suggestions for how to maximize the personal statement and the resume as well as how to make them stand out. Bring your questions! For more information and to register please click on this link so that we can ensure enough seating and materials for everyone.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND INFO FOR PRE-LAW STUDENTS

NOW is the time for July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat.

Fall 2019 Course Suggestions: Still looking for some fall courses? As you know, students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. However, given an interest in law, click on the link here for some fall courses that pre-law students may find particularly helpful and interesting.

fulbright scholarship information and workshop sessions

Are you looking for an exciting way to spend a year abroad starting in the Fall of 2020? If so, it’s time to think seriously about submitting an application for a Fulbright Scholarship!  Join us for an informational session and on-campus workshops to learn more.

Informational Sessions:

Fulbright Information Session: Tuesday, April 16th, 3:30-5:00 pm, 180 Bevier Hall

Hosted by the National and International Scholarship Program with recent Fulbright grantee speakers

Can’t make the on-campus session? Please plan to attend an informational webinar (open to all, but particularly useful for Illinois alumni and students abroad):

Tuesday, April 23rd, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST

Link to attend the webinar on Tuesday, April 23rd: https://us.bbcollab.com/collab/ui/session/guest/7e732c00eb1f4a0baeada1df96a2083d

Wednesday, May 1st, 8:30-9:30 a.m. CST

Link to attend the webinar on Wednesday, May 1st:

https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/2085a821f124472baf44446a33d22579

On-Campus Fulbright Workshops – All Hosted by the National and International Scholarships Program:

Fulbright Personal Statement Workshop: Friday, April 26th, 3:30-5:00pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

English Teaching Assistant Application Workshop: Thursday, May 2nd, 11:00 am -12:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Designing a Fulbright Research Proposal Workshop: Thursday, May 2nd, 4:00-5:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Sessions are targeted to juniors, seniors, and recent alumni who wish to apply for the Fulbright Priority Deadline of June 17, 2019.

PAID SUMMER LEGAL INTERNSHIP IN CHICAGO

Elise Harmening is the Owner and Principal Attorney for Harmening Law, LLC. Elise began Harmening Law, LLC as part of the Justice Entrepreneur’s Project through the Chicago Bar Foundation.  Harmening Law, LLC is committed to providing legal services for clients who do not fit into the traditional legal services model or qualify for legal aid. Throughout her life, Elise has found a real connection with working with families and youth. She has personal experience working through the school system to advocate for accommodations and understands, intensely, what it feels like on both sides of the table. Harmening Law only deals with family and education law. Interns will be able to learn the ins and outs of family and education law. Harmening Law is offering a paid summer internship of $13 an hour for 10-30 hours a week to one intern.

Qualifications:

– Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree.
– Preferably majoring in Political Science, International Relations, Criminal Justice, Philosophy and other related fields of study
– Strong writing skills
– Ability to analyze information
– Ability to quickly learn new tasks
– Ability to do projects independently with deadlines
– Passion in law

Responsibilities:

– Filing and making copies
– Writing responses
– Organizing schedule
– Take notes for meetings
– Go to the courthouse at least once a week
– Organizing evidence
– Assist with fillings
– Assisting with client intakes

To apply, send a cover letter (include availability), resume and sample paper to
elise@harmeninglaw.com. Deadline is April 30, 2019.

career center events

Finding and Applying to Federal Government Jobs – Wednesday, April 17, 3-4pm, The Career Center, Conference Room 143

This workshop will give you tips on how to make yourself competitive for federal government opportunities as well as discuss the benefits of working for the government and how to best navigate USAJOBS.gov and other government resources.

You can find information on other upcoming Career Center Events here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events

Drop-in Career Advising:
The Career Center, 715 S. Wright, offers drop-in service Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for students with quick career-related questions.

Resume/Cover Letter/ LinkedIn Review Hours: The Career Center offers resume and cover letter reviews at various places and times throughout the week:
· Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at The Career Center, 715 S. Wright
· Monday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Ikenberry Commons
· Tuesday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Brewlab
· Wednesday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Brewlab
· Sunday 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Ikenberry Commons

SCHOLARSHIPS

American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship–Applications due May 1. The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund will award $5,000 of financial assistance annually to each scholarship recipient attending an ABA-accredited law school.  An award made to an entering first-year student may be renewable for two additional years, resulting in financial assistance totaling $15,000 during his or her time in law school. In addition to whether the applicant is a member of a racial and/or ethnic minority that has been underrepresented in the legal profession, the applicant’s financial need; personal, family, and educational background; personal statement; and participation in community service activities will be considered in selecting the recipients. For more information and to apply visit their website here.

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

Mark Your Calendars: Week of March 11

Pre-Law Campus Events:
Public Interest Lawyer Panel

514 Illini Union Bookstore Building (807 S Wright St) April 3, 2019, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Public interest lawyers serve in a variety of positions providing legal services to the community and serving in governmental roles. Interested in becoming a public interest lawyer? Join us for this panel to learn more about public interest legal careers from multiple public interest lawyers with a variety of backgrounds. From what they do to how they got their current positions and advice for pre-law students, we’ll learn about public interest lawyers and how to prepare for this fulfilling career path

Taking a Gap Year Before Law School

Gregory Hall Room 319 April 10, 20,  6:00 – 7:00 pm. Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step.  Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices

Finding & Applying to Federal Government Jobs
Wednesday, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm The Career Center Conference Room 143.

This workshop will give you tips on how to make yourself competitive for federal government opportunities as well as discuss the benefits of working for the government and how to best navigate USAJOBS.gov and other government resources.

LAw SChool Events:
The 16th Annual Illinois Latinx Law Forum: DePaul University College of Law

All Illini are invited to the Illinois Latinx Law Forum, a free event featuring law school admission panels, networking, a mock law class, and a law school fair, on March 16 from 8:30-4:30 at DePaul University College of Law. Check out their website for more details and free registration (breakfast and lunch included). This event is free to attend but advanced registration is required!

Other Opportunities and Info for Pre-Law Students:

NOW is the time for June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat. Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Summer pre-law programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

Scholarship:

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

Application Cycle: The Countdown Is On!

Well folks – with deadlines looming, this application cycle is coming to a close.  If you still haven’t filed your applications, here are some things for your “to do” list!

  1. Get your applications in ASAP! As you know, this is a rolling application process which opened in September. Now the final/priority deadlines for many schools — March 1, March 15, and April 1 — are fast approaching!
  2. It’s important to understand what’s happening on the law school’s end as you complete your side of the application. Applying at this point in the cycle means that many seats in the class are already spoken for– one school described it as very similar to playing the lottery. As a result, it is difficult to predict admission results at this point.
  3. Financial aid may also be more restricted at this point in the cycle, depending on the school. If you haven’t already done so, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid/FAFSA ASAP! Even though the federal deadline is in June, both the law schools and the individual states have varying deadlines.  Go here for more information: https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm#.
  4. Plan your VISITS to law schools if you haven’t already. Many law schools have finished their Open Houses, but you can still arrange a one-on-one visit…just call ahead to make sure that an admissions staff person can meet with you and to make sure the school isn’t closed for spring break.
  5. Are you thinking that maybe you are too late this cycle to get the kind of admissions and scholarship results you want?  Are you possibly considering taking a gap year?  Then mark your calendars for the PLAS event, “Taking a Gap Year Before Law School”, Wednesday, April 10, 6pm, Room 319 Gregory Hall.  This panel will feature current law students who took a gap year or more before law school.  They will share the pros and cons of their decisions and be available to answer your questions.  Go here for more information.

Mark Your Calendars – Week of February 25

Hello Pre-Law Students!  Don’t forget tomorrow‘s PLAS “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop!”  Also — at least two summer pre-law programs have application deadlines of THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 1.  Scroll down for info on these items as well as other opportunities!

PLAS events

Our next event, “Negotiating Scholarships Workshop” is TOMORROW, Tuesday February 26!  The event will be held at 1002 Lincoln Hall starting at  6PM.

Law school financial aid is very different from the undergrad aid process. Join us as we host Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School, and Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law.

The deans will share their expertise on law school financial aid and scholarships, including:

  • Understanding your financial aid offer;
  • How to go about requesting reconsideration of your scholarship package;
  • What elements are effective for increasing aid offers;
  • Tips and suggestions for respectful and effective collaborations with financial aid staff.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask these experts any and all law school admissions and financial aid questions. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in law school to understand the process of admission and awarding financial aid to law school applicants.

Pre-Law Club Event: UIUC Law School Student Panel

Wednesday, February 27th in Greg Hall Room 223 at 5 PM.  Join the Pre-Law Club and hear from current law students about some of their experiences applying to and attending law school. This is a great event if you are planning to apply to law school next year or if you just want to know more about what law school is really like.

other opportunities

Summer PLUS programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution Subcommittee Applications Now Open!

The University of Illinois’ Office for Student Conflict and Resolution has opened up their applications for their two subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Student applicants must be:

  1. Enrolled full-time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
  2. At least two full semesters from graduation; and
  3. In good academic standing with at least a 2.5 grade point average.

It is encouraged that students have Friday afternoon availability for the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. For more information and to apply, visit their website here.

dgs summer peer advisor – information session tomorrow, february 26, 9-10am, 514 iub!

The Division of General Studies (DGS) is seeking undergraduate student leaders, who are interested in being a positive influence on the DGS campus community, to assist with our New Student Registration program.

DGS is the starting point for the University of Illinois students who wish to explore their options before declaring a major. We also serve students in transition between colleges or majors. The DGS student body is approximately 3,000 students. The summer peer advisors will work closely with DGS
advisors and administrators to gain necessary knowledge to assist incoming freshman in planning for their first semester of college.

DGS Summer Peer Advisors will:

• Learn about the academic advising profession by being an integral part of New Student Registration.

• Collaborate with DGS academic advisors, administrators, and other campus partners

• Serve as a point person for roughly 1,700 new students

• Facilitate morning small group meetings for DGS students during New Student Registration.

• Assist new students with registration of courses for the fall semester

Candidates must be available for full day training May 13-16, 2019. Peer advisors will be responsible for working approximately 25 hours per week from May 28-July 2.

The pay for this position is $10 per hour. Required qualifications:

• Strong communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to work well with others

• Knowledge of the Course Explorer website

• Knowledge of UI Integrate Self Service

• Successfully pass a background check

• Minimum GPA of 2.0 or above

Preferred qualifications:

• Former DGS student

• Familiarity of ICT process

• Knowledge of Illinois general education requirements

• Junior or Senior class standing for Fall 2018

• Demonstrated leadership experience

• GPA of 2.5 or above

• Attend a peer advisor informational session

Application: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to Jessica Arnold, jarnold7@illinois.edu by 5pm on March 25, 2019. Applications received after 5pm will not be considered.

Informational Sessions:

Interested Candidates should attend an informational session to learn more about the program and this position. It is not required to apply but encouraged.

• February 26: 9-10am in IUB 514

• March 5: 3-4pm in IUB 514

Campus Events

Career Center

Global Careers: Germany – Friday, March 1, 2-3:30pm, Career Center Conference Room 143

Are you interested in the job market of Germany that is the most friendly to international job seekers out of the EU countries? Professionals and alumni who are working in Germany are virtually invited.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 25, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 26, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 27, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 28, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • March 1, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Career Fairs. Mark your calendars for spring career fairs, which are open to all Illinois students and present both job and internship opportunities. Find these and other fair opportunities .

  • Illini Career & Internship Fair–April 11, 1-5pm, ARC. This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation. Visit their website here.

Go to the Career Center website to find other programs!

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Your Calendar – Week of February 18

PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

Negotiating Law School Scholarships

Lincoln Hall, February 26, 2019 at 6:00 pm: Law school financial aid is very different from the undergrad aid process. Join us as we host Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School, and Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law. The deans will share their expertise on law school financial aid and scholarships, including:

  • Understanding your financial aid offer;
  • How to go about requesting reconsideration of your scholarship package;
  • What elements are effective for increasing aid offers;
  • Tips and suggestions for respectful and effective collaborations with financial aid staff
Pre-Law Club Event: UIUC Law School Student Panel

Wednesday, February 27th in Greg Hall Room 223 at 5 PM.  Join the Pre-law club and hear from current law students speak about some of their experiences applying to and attending law school. This is a great event if you are planning to apply to law school next year or if you just want to know more about what law school is really like.

Practice LSAT Opportunity

March 8, 2019 at 8:30 – 11:30 am. Pre-Law Advising Services is offering this opportunity to take a full, previously administered LSAT under timed, proctored, testlike conditions.

Please click the link to register. Registrants will be emailed additional details (including location and day of test guidelines). Seating is limited and a wait list will be kept in case of cancellations. https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/2482982

Campus Events and Opportunities

Senate Committee on Student Discipline Vacant Seats--The Senate Committee on Student Discipline and the Office for Student Conflict Resolution are now seeking to fill vacant student and faculty seats on the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct, and vacant faculty, student and staff seats on the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Applications are due on Feb. 28, 2019. For more information contact January Boten at botenja@illinois.edu. Apply at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/774201

Career Center

For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at:  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Feb. 18, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Feb. 19, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 20, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Feb. 21, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Feb. 22, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Scholarship Opportunity  ILACHE-Scholarship Application 2019

The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education is accepting applications for the ILACHE Scholarship, due March 8. Applicants must be new or continuing Latino/a students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 who will be enrolled as a full time student in Fall 2019. Click on the link above to access the application.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PAID Undergraduate Summer 2019 Internship in New York and in Washington, D.C.!

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

We are seeking interns to provide research and administrative support for staff in our New York and Washington, DC offices. Only undergraduate students may apply for this internship.

Responsibilities: Interns assist with general administrative and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, and drafting routine correspondence. In addition to administrative work, interns conduct research on a wide range of issues in both our Democracy and Justice programs; assist with legislative tracking; accompany staff to meetings on the Hill; and complete special projects for the Washington Office Director as needed.

Qualifications: Interns must have a passion for social justice and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented self-starters that are energetic and highly organized. Experience with Windows 2000/XP, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Interns must be open to evolving responsibilities.

Hours: 40 hours per week.
Pay: $15.00 per hour.
Applications due: Thursday, February 28, 2019 by 5pm!!

Duration: May – August 2019. To apply, please upload (preferably in pdf) your cover letter, resume, and a list of contact details for three references. In your cover letter, please specify the department that most interests you. No phone calls, please.

Click here to apply for the New York internship: https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/1FGSjcvlId/Summer-2019-Undergraduate-Internship-NYC

Click here to apply for the DC internship:
https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/3bdNRckypt/Summer-2019-Undergraduate-Internship-DC

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2019-2020 — Applications due March 1, 2019!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Environmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2019-2020. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor Bob Morrissey, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply, go here.  Remember: The application deadline is by 5:00pm on Friday, March 1! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here.  Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

–an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;

–breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and

–law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country.  Click here for a list of law schools that have registered for this year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 1!

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.  The program will run from early June to mid-August 2019.

To learn more about MPLS or to apply, click on this link:
https://www.law.umn.edu/admissions/minnesota-pre-law-scholars-mpls-program