Mark Your Calendars – Week of November 26

Welcome back students!  We hope you had a very relaxing break.  Scroll down for information about the last PLAS event of the semester, law school admissions webinars and more.

PLAS Event

Perfecting Your Personal Statement and Resume for Law School TOMORROW – Tuesday, November 27, 4-5pm, 514 Illini Bookstore Building

This workshop will discuss how to draft a personal statement and resume for a law school application. We will cover:

  • Ideas for personal statement topics
  • How to get started writing it
  • What to include and exclude
  • Length, structure, and formatting details
  • Law school resume tips
  • How to have the resume and personal statement coordinate; and
  • A 5 step plan for writing the personal statement and resume.

We still have room for workshop participants on a first come, first served basis. So if this is something in which you have an interest, please come by!

Career Center Events

Click here to visit the Career Center’s website for more information or to register for these sessions.

International Student Career Meetup – Nov. 29, 4-5:30pm, TCC Interview Suite 213, 616 East Green Street

Join us for an informal gathering where international students can talk with alumni, recruiters, or current international students who have successful job search stories. Information on invited speakers will be posted on Handshake. Open to all international students. Due to limited space, registration through Handshake is required.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Nov. 26 , 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Nov. 27, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Nov. 28, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Nov 29, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Nov. 30, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Social Justice Education Paraprofessionals – Applications Due December 12

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 12th for 2018-2019 Social Justice Education Paraprofessionals! Complete your application here.

The Social Justice Educator Paraprofessional Program is a 3-semester peer education program powered by students for students. The Social Justice Education Paraprofessional Program is designed to promote diversity and student leadership by providing intensive training for students in areas of knowledge, awareness, and skills related to issues of diversity and social justice. Through this program, paraprofessionals serve as a campus leaders in social justice by developing and facilitating educational programs for the campus. Social Justice Education Paraprofessionals receive 11 advanced credit hours in Psychology. For more information, click on this link.

NYU Law Admissions Office – Online Information Sessions

These presentations will be a special broadcast of a live information session with an admissions representative. Participants will have an opportunity to submit questions about NYU’s curriculum, student life, and the admissions process via the online chat tool. The Online Information Sessions will be held at the following times (all times are Eastern Time):

  • Wednesday, December 5 at 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 10 at 12:00 pm

Please register for one of the Online Information Sessions. Registrants will receive access instructions the day before the online session. If you have any questions, please let us know at law.moreinfo@nyu.edu.

Harvard and Yale Law School Online Webinars

Harvard and Yale Law School would like to invite to you to participate in their Online Information Sessions. Participants will have an opportunity to submit questions about the universities curriculum, student life, and the admissions process. Follow the link to register for these events.

Harvard: https://hls.harvard.edu/dept/jdadmissions/connect-with-admissions-online-events/

Yale: https://law.yale.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/recruiting-schedule

Scholarships–Now is a great time to apply!

DUE DEC. 8–University of Illinois Latina/Latino Alumni Association Scholarship. Open to Latina/Latino undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign during the 2018-2019 academic school year. In honor of our ten year anniversary and thanks to a generous donor, IllinoisLLAA is able to grant two $5,000 scholarships to either an undergraduate or graduate student, one of which is reserved for an undocumented student. Click here to apply.

DUE DEC.31–Health and Wellness $2,000 Scholarship. Available to students enrolled at an accredited college or university. You must have at least a 3.4 GPA and submit an essay of 800-1000 words, promoting a practical approach to healthy lifestyle during college years and how these habits can be sustained over a lifetime. Additionally, you must demonstrate detailed knowledge of health and wellness and discuss why healthy living is a lifetime endeavor. Click here to apply.  

DUE JAN. 19–Virginia M. Wagner Educational Award. Open to female students in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin who are attending college/university in pursuit of a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. Click here to apply.

DUE MARCH 19–Create-a-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship. Open to currently enrolled high school and college students in the United States. To enter, you must design a holiday, get well, or birthday greeting card and submit your work to be judged. Your photo, art, or graphics submitted must be your own original work and you must be at least 14 years of age to be eligible for this award. Click here for more details.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Campus Deadline: TODAY, November 26, 2018

The Goldwater is for juniors or exceptional sophomores who are current U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or resident aliens. The Goldwater awards one- or two-year $7,500 awards to students who demonstrate strong evidence of contributing to the technological advances of the U.S. Applicants should be committed to pursuing a Ph.D in the research fields of mathematics, sciences, or engineering. Go here for more information.

Interested in other scholarships? PLAS has collected information on over 150 scholarships–for both undergrads and incoming law students–on our Scholarships Spreadsheet over on our Pre-Law Compass page. It’s a wide variety of scholarships based on everything from being left-handed to making a video to tweeting, and deadlines vary, so check it out!

What to do over Fall Break

Fall Break is here — now what?

Aside from relaxing, eating, and watching football (and maybe getting ready for finals?!), what else could/should you be doing?

If You Are Currently Applying to Law School

  1. If you are done with the LSAT, then finish your applications!  If you have everything you need to apply then there is no reason to procrastinate. This is a rolling admissions process — file your applications ASAP!
  2. If you are waiting on Letters of Recommendation, gently remind your recommenders  that you want to submit your applications ASAP but cannot do so until LSAC/CAS receives all required letters of recommendation. Ask them when they can complete your recommendation.
  3. If you are taking the January LSAT — keep studying!  A strong LSAT score helps both with admissions and scholarships! Set some goals for how many practice LSATs you can take over break and stick to it.
  4. Attend an Open House or schedule a visit with law schools. (If you’re scheduling a visit, make sure the school is open and staffed during Thanksgiving week!) Scroll down to see Open House listings here. Before your visit, check out this piece on how to make a good impression on a law school dean
  5. Check deadlines for Early Decision!  While many schools list November 15 as their early decision deadline, several others allow early decision applications until December 1 or even Dec. 15.  Not sure about early decision? Click here for a PLAS blog post on the pros and cons of applying early decision.
  6. Complete your FAFSA.
  7. Did you know that you can already apply for scholarships sponsored by non-university sources? Take a look at the scholarship spreadsheet with over 150 options over on our Compass page–these have a variety of due dates and many are due by the end of the calendar year, so now is a great time to apply!

If You Are Not Yet Applying to Law School

  1. Study for finals and write those papers!  Your GPA is a very important part of the law school admissions and scholarship process!
  2. LSAT Prep. In general, we advise those planning to apply to law school next fall to take the June or July 2019 LSAT (unless study abroad prevents you from doing so). You should plan to spend approximately 4-6 months studying for the LSAT–so now is the time to prepare for that process. As you plan your schedule for Spring 2019, consider not overloading on courses since the time necessary for effective preparation equates to the time invested in a rigorous 3 credit class. Remember: the LSAT is NOT like the ACT or the SAT.  It does not test what you know.  Rather, it tests how you think.  It is important to determine how you plan to study for the LSAT (on your own, through a commercial prep company, etc.), and decide where you want to take the LSAT. To begin your research, go to the LSAC’s website for info on the LSAT, how to register and select a test site, and how to be successful on the test.
  3. Apply for Internships — Have you thought about what you will be doing next summer?  Are you looking into internships? Internships can be a great way to build transferrable skills or learn more about the practice of law.  Do you need some suggestions on how and where to find an internship?  Check out this Internship Plan from our blog.  And remember: the PLAS Annual Internship Newsletter will be out and published on Compass before winter break!
  4. Network and conduct informational interviews. A great way to start building your professional network and get to know various legal practice areas is to meet with lawyers! Do you or your parents know any lawyers? Are any of your friends’ parents lawyers? You can also use the alumni association directory to identify Illinois alumni who are lawyers. Ask a lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an opportunity for you to buy him/her coffee and ask about their professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview. 
  5. Complete your FAFSA
  6. Apply for scholarships! We’ve included lots of scholarships for continuing undergraduate students. Take a look at the scholarship spreadsheet with over 170 options over on our Pre-Law Compass page–these have a variety of due dates and many are due by the end of the calendar year, so now is a great time to apply! Here are a few great scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Find these and over 160 more on our Scholarship Spreadsheet!
    1.  Ai Engstrom National Scholarship application is due December 1. 
    2. Bankruptcy Law Center Scholarship Contest application is due December 20.
    3. The Levin Firm Scholarship application is due February 19.

Have a great break!

Mark Your Calendars – Week of November 5

Even though we have passed the midpoint of the semester, there is still a lot going on.  Scroll down for info on law school admissions webinars by Harvard, NYU and Yale, a PAID internship opportunity, Pre-Law 101, law school open houses, the Udall Scholarship Program and more!

PLAS Events

Pre-Law 101 – NEXT Tuesday, November 13, 4-5pm, 514 IUB

This workshop is designed for incoming students who are new to pre-law or are interested in learning more about it. We will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois, course selection, majors, and extracurriculars, building a pre-law resume, and what law schools are really looking for. We will outline a four year plan to maximize your undergraduate experiences in order to make a great law school candidate. We’ll also take any questions about law school and legal careers.  This is the last Pre-Law 101 session for the fall semester.  Incoming students should attend a Pre-Law 101 prior to setting up an individual pre-law advising appointment. Registration will be open until November 12 or until the session is full.  Go here to register.

Upcoming PLAS Event — Perfecting Your Personal Statement and Resume for Law School Tuesday, November 27, 4-5pm, 514 Illini Bookstore Building

This workshop will discuss how to draft a personal statement and resume for a law school application. We will cover:

  • Ideas for personal statement topics
  • How to get started writing it
  • What to include and exclude
  • Length, structure, and formatting details
  • Law school resume tips
  • How to have the resume and personal statement coordinate; and
  • A 5 step plan for writing the personal statement and resume.

Please RSVP by November 19 by clicking on this link. Workshops with 3 or fewer registrants may be cancelled and converted to individual appointments. 

Campus and Off-Campus Events

Access Lex Institute Webinar: Financing Your Legal Education THIS  Wednesday, November 7 at 3:00 p.m. ET

In this session, Access Lex will discuss the costs of pursuing a legal education, describe the financial aid application process, review the available financing options and identify ways students can be financially prepared to achieve their goals.

Midwest VIRTUAL Law Fair NEXT Wednesday, November 14! Were you unable to attend our Law School Fair? Over 25 Midwest law schools will be available to chat online with you about the admissions process, their schools, scholarships, journals, etc. This event is FREE and participants don’t need to travel! Click here for more information and to register. 

Career Center EventsClick here to visit the Career Center’s website for more information or to register for these sessions.

  • Global Careers: Peace Corps General Information Meeting — Nov. 7, 5-6pm,  TCC Room 143
  • Making Your Major Decision — Nov. 8, 4-5pm, TCC Conference Room
  • Career In Consulting: Pizza and Professionals Panel Discussion Lunch Series — Nov. 9, 12-1pm, TCC Interview Suite Room 213
  • Global Careers: The United Arab Emirates — Nov. 9, 4-5:30pm, TCC Interview Suite Room 213
  • Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews
    • Nov. 5 , 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
    • Nov. 6, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Nov. 7, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Nov 8, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Nov. 9, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Nov. 11, 5-7:30pm, Ikenberry Commons

Social Justice Education Paraprofessionals – Applications Due December 12

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 12th for 2018-2019 Social Justice Education Paraprofessionals! Complete your application here

The Social Justice Educator Paraprofessional Program is a 3-semester peer education program powered by students for students. The Social Justice Education Paraprofessional Program is designed to promote diversity and student leadership by providing intensive training for students in areas of knowledge, awareness, and skills related to issues of diversity and social justice. Through this program, paraprofessionals serve as a campus leaders in social justice by developing and facilitating educational programs for the campus. Social Justice Education Paraprofessionals receive 11 advanced credit hours in Psychology. For more information, click on this link.

Law School Admissions Events

NYU Law Admissions Office – Online Information Sessions

These presentations will be a special broadcast of a live information session with an admissions representative. Participants will have an opportunity to submit questions about NYU’s curriculum, student life, and the admissions process via the online chat tool. The Online Information Sessions will be held at the following times (all times are Eastern Time):

  • Thursday, November 15 at 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 5 at 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 10 at 12:00 pm

Please register for one of the Online Information Sessions. Registrants will receive access instructions the day before the online session. If you have any questions, please let us know at law.moreinfo@nyu.edu.

Harvard and Yale Law School Online Webinars

Harvard and Yale Law School would like to invite to you to participate in their Online Information Sessions. Participants will have an opportunity to submit questions about the universities curriculum, student life, and the admissions process. Follow the link to register for these events.

Harvard: https://hls.harvard.edu/dept/jdadmissions/connect-with-admissions-online-events/

Yale: https://law.yale.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/recruiting-schedule

Law School Open Houses

Some fall law school open house opportunities have already passed.  Make sure you check the websites of your selected schools for these very helpful events.

  • University of Chicago: Monday, November 19 (NOTE: That’s during Fall Break!), from 1-5pm.  Click here for more details.
  • Chicago-Kent: THIS Saturday, November 10, 9:00am-12:30pm. Click here for more details.
  • DePaul University: THIS Saturday, November 10 – 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Click here for more details. 
  • University of Illinois: You can schedule a visit, attend a class, and meet with faculty, students, and senior administrators to discover all that Illinois Law has to offer. If you are on campus, now is a great time to visit! Click here for more details.
  • John Marshall: JMLS had their final Fall 2018 Open House this past Saturday, November 3. For information on scheduling a campus visit, click here.
  • Loyola-Chicago: Information Sessions: Monday, November 19 (Note: That’s during Fall Break!) at 11:15 am; or Friday, November 30 at 12:15 pm. Click here fore more details.
  • Northern Illinois University: NIU Law offers Information Sessions at both their DeKalb location (12:00 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and in the Chicago Loop (on Tuesdays at 11:00 am). Click here for more details.
  • Northwestern University: Virtual tour available. In addition, student guided tours are offered Mondays and Fridays at 12:00 pm. In addition, class visits can be scheduled while classes are in session. Click here for more details.
  • Southern Illinois University: Visits can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Click here to schedule a visit. There are opportunities to sit in on classes throughout the fall.

For more information about upcoming Open House Days and how to prepare for these visits, go here to our blog post from October 3.

Internships

NCSA PAID Internship – SPIN Open House: THIS Wednesday, November 7, 3-5pm, NCSA Atrium

Are you an Illinois undergraduate looking for your next internship experience?
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) is looking for highly motivated, creative students to work on hands-on research projects with guidance from NCSA staff and faculty affiliates. The center will offer a limited number of paid SPIN (Students Pushing INnovation) internships during the the Summer 2019 session. The SPIN projects are open to students in any major and any year of study; international students can apply.
Want to learn more? Come to our SPIN Open House! You’ll get to meet our NCSA staff and faculty affiliates and learn more about the different projects you could be a part of. Refreshments will be provided.

For more info contact spin@illinois.edu or visit spin.ncsa.illinois.edu.

Scholarships

Udall Scholarship Information Sessions: THIS Thursday, November 8 and Friday, November 9

Are you a passionate environmentalist? Do you want to devote your career to addressing environmental concerns?

The University of Illinois seeks to nominate sophomores and juniors for the prestigious Udall Scholarship. The Udall awards $7,000 to sophomores or juniors who are taking action to address environmental concerns and are committed to a career related to the environment.

Please note that there are special awards also for Native American students interested in tribal policy or health care (no need to be related to the environment).

Students must be US citizens, US nationals, or US permanent residents. A successful applicant will have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate leadership and a commitment to service. The University of Illinois may nominate up to six students for the Udall Scholarship. The campus deadline is February 7, 2019 to be considered.

If you are interested in applying, please plan to attend our Udall informational events:  

Udall Scholarship Information Session

Thursday, November 8th, 3:30-4:30 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

Udall Scholarship Writing Workshop

Friday, November 9th, 3:00-4:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore

For more information, contact the scholarships office at topscholars@illinois.edu or visit our website at www.topscholars.illinois.edu 

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Campus Deadline: November 26, 2018

The Goldwater is for juniors or exceptional sophomores who are current U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or resident aliens. The Goldwater awards one- or two-year $7,500 awards to students who demonstrate strong evidence of contributing to the technological advances of the U.S. Applicants should be committed to pursuing a Ph.D in the research fields of mathematics, sciences, or engineering. Go here for more information.

Interested in other scholarships? PLAS has collected information on over 200 scholarships–for both undergrads and incoming law students–on our Scholarships Spreadsheet over on our Pre-Law Compass page. It’s a wide variety of scholarships based on everything from being left-handed to making a video to tweeting, and deadlines vary, so check it out!

Mark Your Calendars – Week of October 15, 2018

PLAS Events

GRE v. LSAT for Law School Admissions: TODAY, October 15, 4-5pm, 1002 Lincoln Hall

A hot topic in legal education is the recent decision by several law schools to accept a GRE or LSAT score. What should prospective law students know about the GRE versus the LSAT? Join us as Ms. Jennifer Kott, Director of Admissions at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, shares details about how her office uses the GRE in the law school admission process. This session will cover:

  • Why the GRE is now being accepted by law schools
  • How the GRE differs from the LSAT
  • How law school admissions staff evaluate GRE scores versus LSAT scores
  • Advice on how to decide which exam to take; and
  • Communicating with law school admissions offices.

Click here for more information on the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law.

Build Your Law School Application Plan: Part of the Applying to Law School Webinar Series – THIS FRIDAY, October 19, 2-3pm

This is part of our Applying to Law School webinar series for Illinois students and alumni.

During this webinar, we will discuss:

  • How to create a law school application strategy
  • Building a list of realistic and dream law schools
  • Assessing your priorities in a legal education
  • Research strategies for finding law schools that are a good fit
  • Budgeting for the application process
  • Creating an effective timeline to maximize admission and scholarship results

Bring your questions!

Register for this webinar by TOMORROW, October 16. Webinar link and handouts will be sent to registrants before the session.

Pre-Law 101 – Next Monday, October 22, 4-5pm, 514 IUB

This workshop is designed for incoming students who are new to pre-law or are interested in learning more about it. We will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois, course selection, majors, and extracurriculars, building a pre-law resume, and what law schools are really looking for. We will outline a four year plan to maximize your undergraduate experiences in order to make a great law school candidate. We’ll also take any questions about law school and legal careers. Click here to register for this event.

Each Pre-Law 101 session is the same, so pick the one that best suits your schedule. Incoming students should attend a Pre-Law 101 prior to setting up an individual pre-law advising appointment. Registration will be open until October 19 or until the session is full.  Go here to register.

 

Upcoming: Midwest VIRTUAL Law Fair on November 14! Were you unable to attend our Law School Fair? Over 25 Midwest law schools will be available to chat online with you about the admissions process, their schools, scholarships, journals, etc. This event is FREE and participants don’t need to travel! Click here for more information and to register. 

Career Center EventsClick here to visit the Career Center’s website for more information or to register for these sessions.

  • Finding and Applying to Federal Government Jobs — Oct. 15, 4-5pm TCC Room 143
  • Graduate and Professional School Fair — Oct. 17, 11am-4pm, Illini Union A, B, C and Pine Lounge
  • International Career Festival — Oct. 20, 1-5:30pm, SDRP, 2nd Floor
  • Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews
    • Oct.15 , 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
    • Oct. 16, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Oct. 17, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Oct. 18, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Oct. 19, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Oct. 21, 5-7:30pm, Ikenberry Commons

Law School Open Houses

Some fall law school open house opportunities, including one this past weekend at Chicago-Kent, have already passed.  Make sure you check the websites of your selected schools for these very helpful events.

  • University of Chicago: Monday, October 29, from 1-5pm or Monday, November 19 (NOTE: That’s during Fall Break!), from 1-5pm.  Click here for more details.
  • Chicago-Kent: Saturday, November 10, 9:00am-12:30pm. Click here for more details.
  • DePaul University: Saturday, November 10 – 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Click here for more details. 
  • University of Illinois: You can schedule a visit, attend a class, and meet with faculty, students, and senior administrators to discover all that Illinois Law has to offer. If you are on campus, now is a great time to visit! Click here for more details.
  • John Marshall: Open House Saturday, November 3, 9am-12pm. Click here for more details.
  • Loyola-Chicago: Information Sessions are offered TODAY Monday, October 15 at 11:15 am; Monday, November 19 (Note: That’s during Fall Break!) at 11:15 am; or Friday, November 30 at 12:15 pm. Click here fore more details.
  • Northern Illinois University: NIU Law offers Information Sessions at both their DeKalb location (12:00 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and in the Chicago Loop (on Tuesdays at 11:00 am). Click here for more details.
  • Northwestern University: Virtual tour available. In addition, student guided tours are offered Mondays and Fridays at 12:00 pm. In addition, class visits can be scheduled while classes are in session. Click here for more details.
  • Southern Illinois University: Visits can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Click here to schedule a visit. There are opportunities to sit in on classes throughout the fall.

For more information about upcoming Open House Days and how to prepare for these visits, go here to our blog post from October 3.

Scholarships and Other Campus Opportunities

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Campus Deadline: November 26, 2018

The Goldwater is for juniors or exceptional sophomores who are current U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or resident aliens. The Goldwater awards one- or two-year $7,500 awards to students who demonstrate strong evidence of contributing to the technological advances of the U.S. Applicants should be committed to pursuing a Ph.D in the research fields of mathematics, sciences, or engineering.

Goldwater Information Session: Oct. 18, 3:30-4:30pm, 514 IUB

Goldwater Scholarship Workshop: Oct. 19, 3:00-4:00pm, 514 IUB

Interested in other scholarships? PLAS has collected information on over 200 scholarships–for both undergrads and incoming law students–on our Scholarships Spreadsheet over on our Pre-Law Compass page. It’s a wide variety of scholarships based on everything from being left-handed to making a video to tweeting, and deadlines vary, so check it out!

The Social Justice Educators Paraprofessional Program – Final Info Session is Thursday, October 18, 6:30-7:30pm Gregory Hall Room 205
Do you want to…Serve as a peer leader on campus?Expand your knowledge about social identities and inclusivity?Design fun and engaging educational opportunities for your peers?Develop public speaking and interpersonal communication skills?If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the leadership opportunity for you! Become a social justice educator paraprofessional! For more information on how to apply, visit https://go.illinois.edu/SJEPapplication or attend the final information session: Gregory Hall Room 205 October 18th 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Mark Your Calendars – Law Fair Edition!

THE LAW SCHOOL FAIR IS THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 10:00AM – 2:00PM AT THE ARC! SCROLL DOWN FOR LOTS OF INFORMATION AND TIPS!

Law School Admission Panel – Tuesday, September 25, 7pm, 1002 Lincoln Hall

Join us for this panel as we hear from experts in law school admissions. What happens after you submit an application? What do they really look for in a candidate? What do they love and hate to see in a personal statement? What can applicants expect during an interview? How can applicants build effective relationships with admissions staff? Get all of your questions answered from this panel of admissions professionals with a vast array of experience. Panelists include admissions deans and professionals from the following law schools:

  • Columbia Law School
  • Indiana University–Maurer School of Law
  • Northern Illinois University College of Law
  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • University of Wisconsin Law School

No registration necessary. Bring your questions!

The Law School Fair is THIS Wednesday, September 26, 10am-2pm at the ARC, 201 E. Peabody. We are looking forward to seeing many of you there!

Join us as over 100 law schools visit campus to meet with prospective students. Gather information about law schools, talk with admissions professionals about their schools, collect some fun freebies and law school application fee waivers. This event is FREE and open to the public. Dress is business casual. For more information, including a list of law schools attending the fair, visit our website. You can also scroll down for some tips and suggestions to get the most out of this opportunity. See you at the fair! No registration is required.

Emory Law Interviews – Wednesday, September 26, 3-5pm – After the Law School Fair

Emory Law will be conducting individual interviews on Wednesday, September 26th from 3:00 to 5:00pm. These are not formal interviews, but an opportunity for you to learn more about the programs offered at Emory Law, to discuss the law school admissions process in general, and to get all of your questions answered.  If you would like to schedule an appointment, sign up for a time slot here: Emory Law Sign Up. Please be sure to bring a copy of your resume during your time slot. Click here to learn more about Emory Law. 

Four Things to Do Before the Law School Fair

Here are a few things to do before to get the most of out of the Law School Fair.

  1. Look at the Schools’ Websites and Do Some Background Research
    1. Have specific questions for the admissions representatives that are coming to campus. Most basic questions can be answered by simply looking at the website (GPAs, LSAT scores, where their graduates work, professors, etc).
    2. Example questions to ask: where do students typically work after their first year summer? What is the school environment like? Are there study groups or other academic resources available? What do students do in their free time? How many students are involved in clubs and activities? What is the most popular class at the law school?
  2. Have an Elevator Pitch Ready
    1. What’s an elevator pitch? It is a 30 second introductory speech about yourself.
    2. The elevator pitch should start out by telling the representative your name, your hometown, your major, when you are applying to law school, and why you are interested in that specific law school. The law schools want to get to know you, so you should tell them a little about yourself.
    3. Don’t read off the speech, consider it the beginning of a conversation.
  3. Get Your Outfit Ready
    1. Dress is business causal for the event.
    2. Men – A dress shirt, dress pants, and a tie are appropriate. No suit coat is needed.
    3. Women – A dress shirt, blouse, or sweater, and dress pants or a skirt are appropriate.
  4. Things to Bring With to the Event
    1. A list of schools you want to talk to and why you are interested in those law schools.
    2. A notebook and pencil. If you are impressed with a school or want to remember a specific detail about a conversation, it is best to write it down right away.
    3. No need to bring a resume – most law schools will not accept resumes at this event.

Opportunities at the College of Law

Volunteer/Mock Jurors Needed!

The Fundamentals of Trial Advocacy Course students at the UIUC College of Law will be doing their openings October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10.  The College of Law needs volunteers to serve as mock jurors for this class.  This is a great opportunity for pre-law students to observe a law school class and learn something about our trial system.  Opening statements would begin at 6pm so all participants are asked to arrive no later than 5:45pm. Volunteers can expect each session to last approximately 2.5 hours. Refreshments/snacks will be served to participants. Interested mock jurors should contact Thanin Stewart, UIUC College of Law, Visiting Law Associate at tostewa2@illinois.edu.

Campus Events

Career Center EventsClick here to visit the Career Center’s website for more information or to register for these sessions.

  • Finding an Internship–Sept. 25, 5-6 pm, TCC Conference Room
  • Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews
    • Sept. 24, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
    • Sept. 25, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Sept 26, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Sept. 27, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Making Your Major Decision–Sept. 25, 5-6 pm, SDRP 2005
  • Global Careers: Japan — Sept. 28, 4-5:30pm, TCC Interview Suite, Room 213, 616 East Green Street

Scholarships

THE ILLINOIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS: Application Deadline October 13!

Diverse and welcoming, The Illinois Club draws its membership from all areas of the University as well as the surrounding community. Since 1915, The Illinois Club has provided financial support to worthy undergraduate students. This year, we will be giving out the following scholarships:

  • Make-A-Difference Awards of $3,000
  • A Global Focus Award of $3,000
  • A Humanities Award of $3,000
  • Isabelle Purnell Education Awards of $3,000 • The Judith Life Ikenberry Fine Arts Award of $5,500

General Eligibility: You must be an undergraduate, have earned at least 60 credit hours by the beginning of the Spring 2019 semester, and graduate no earlier than December 2019 to apply. A minimum GPA of 2.75 at both the time of application and winning of award is also required.

For more information about the individual awards, go to http://go.illinois.edu/TICScholarship.

Interested in more scholarships? PLAS has collected information on over 200 scholarships–for both undergrads and incoming law students–on our Scholarships Spreadsheet over on our Pre-Law Compass page. It’s a wide variety of scholarships based on everything from being left-handed to making a video to tweeting, and deadlines vary, so check it out!

Internships

David F. Prindable Undergraduate PAID Internship at the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH): Communications and Undergraduate Outreach: Applications DUE THIS Friday, September 28!

Undergraduate majors in humanities disciplines are invited to apply for a paid internship in communications and undergraduate outreach at the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH), the campus humanities hub. The successful candidate will assist IPRH with its communications strategy, particularly its email communications and social-media presence, in addition to serving as a IPRH’s undergraduate liaison and chief strategist on undergraduate engagement. This position is funded thanks to a generous gift from David F. Prindable.

To be considered for this internship, candidates must possess strong writing and communications skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and an investigative mind. A broad interest in the humanities is preferred.

 

 

 

 

All About Law School Interviews

Here’s everything you need to know about law school interviews–what they are, how to prepare for them, and what to expect. Note: Registration is already open for many law school interviews!

What is the purpose of the interview? In addition to admission, law schools might use the interview to screen candidates for scholarships, research opportunities, or special programs such as law school ambassadors. It is definitely worth an applicant’s time and effort to take the interview seriously.

Know what kind of interviews your law schools offer

  • Research your law schools’ websites to see whether and what format of interview is offered. We posted a list of known interview types by school over on our Compass page.
  • First come, first served interviews–Some law schools like Northwestern offer interview slots to all applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. (To schedule an interview visit their interview calendar here. Hurry, because they will fill fast. Note that IF you are applying Early Decision then you must interview and it must be complete by the ED deadline.)
  • Group interviews–Some schools like Georgetown will offer group interviews in selected cities. Visit their website here for details and to register.
  • By invitation only–some law schools like University of Chicago choose to interview applicants after applications are submitted and by invitation only.
  • Recorded interviews. Some law schools are now offering applicants the opportunity to record an interview. Usually this is how it works: You are given a prompt, and then 2-3 minutes to think about that prompt. Then the webcam records you for a few minutes while you give your answer to the prompt.
    • TIP: Make sure that you look professional and are in a quiet place without interruptions. Also, take a picture with your webcam before the interview so that you can see what’s behind you…you may be surprised to see that pile of laundry or unmade bed in the background.

Preparing for the interview

  • Do your research. You should expect them to ask you “Why this law school?” and they will want to hear specific answers. Take a careful look at the school’s website, employment data, and social media.
    • Do be prepared with specific talking points about the school that interest you: A particular journal, clinic, moot court, externship, or certificate program is a good example.
    • Avoid general platitudes like “you have a national reputation” or “you’re the best ranked school I can get into.” They want to see that your interest goes beyond their ranking.
  • Carefully review your resume and be prepared to discuss anything on it.
  • Many schools will also ask something like “What are your career goals?” or “Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?,” or even “Why do you want to be a lawyer?” and you should be prepared to discuss your career interests.
  • Decide how you will address the inevitable “What are your strengths and weaknesses” question.
  • Behavioral interviewing. This mode of interviewing will ask you to “Tell me about a time when…” For example, you’ll be asked to tell about a time when you resolved a conflict, managed a team project, made a mistake, or made a big decision.
  • Practice. Sign up for a mock interview with Career Services, or have a lawyer/professor/trusted person sit down with you and ask you mock questions. Think carefully about what you want to say, and how you can best convey it.

At the interview

  • Make eye contact, introduce yourself, and shake hands. (You would be surprised how many people skip this. Seriously.)
  • DO NOT BE LATE under any circumstances. The biggest sign of disrespect to lawyers is wasting their time. Allow yourself plenty of time for parking/traffic/restroom. If you absolutely cannot avoid being late, call the office to let them know.
  • Dress up. This is not a business-casual situation; business formal is best.
  • Engage in small talk. How’s the weather, what a lovely office/view, how is your semester going, etc., is not only socially necessary but also gives the interviewer an idea of how good you are at making people feel comfortable talking with you–a critical skill to be a successful lawyer. This might even be part of the interview itself.
  • Bring questions for the interviewer.  Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them. Use the opportunity. Some examples might include:
    • What are the most important qualities in a Law School X student?
    • How would you describe the student body/atmosphere here?
    • What challenges do you see current law students facing?
    • What’s the best advice you have for an aspiring law student?
  • Thank the interviewer for their time. Reiterate your interest.

After the interview

  • Follow up with an email thanking the interviewer for their time.
  • Include something specific that you learned or enjoyed about the interview. Examples:
    • Thank you for your advice about _______________; I found that very insightful.
    • It was so interesting to hear your perspective on the unique qualities of this school.
    • I appreciate your candid advice for prospective law students.
  • Take the opportunity–again–to reiterate your interest in the school.

Top 6 Ways to Get Law School Application Fee Waivers

Law school applications are now open, which means that application season has officially begun! Those of you who are applying to law school now are finding out how expensive law school applications can be. Each school has an application fee and each school must receive a Law School Report ($45 each), which adds up fast.

Here are our Top 6 tips for getting application fee waivers.

  1. Apply for an LSAC fee waiver. The best fee waiver is directly through the Law School Admission Council. This fee waiver will waive the fees for two LSAT exams, your Credential Assembly Service fee, and four Law School Reports. In addition, most law schools will waive your application fee too if you received an LSAC fee waiver. You can apply for an LSAC fee waiver and find out more information here.
  2. Attend the Law Fair. If you are not eligible for an LSAC waiver, there are other ways to reduce your costs. First, come to the Law Fair on Wednesday,September 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). Over 100 law schools will be sending representatives to talk with interested students about their programs and their application process. Many schools at the fair will be giving out fee waivers! (Tip: Make sure you sign in at the law school tables. Many schools will email you a fee waiver afterward.) Click here for more details about the Law Fair, like which law schools are attending.
  3. Register for the Candidate Referral Service (CRS) in your LSAC account. This is basically a survey that asks you lots of questions about yourself–your background, interests, grades, etc.–and then “matches” you with law schools that are looking for students like you. Many law schools use the CRS to offer fee waivers, so it is worth your time to complete the CRS survey here.
  4. Directly inquire with your preferred law schools. Send a polite email to their admissions office asking whether they have a fee waiver program, and how you can apply. Some schools will simply respond with a waiver; other schools will have certain parameters (like GPA or financial need) to meet before waiving your fee. Take 10 minutes to craft a friendly form email and send it to all of the schools you’re applying to–it’s an easy way to collect a few fee waivers. It’s well worth your time.
  5. Attend law school visit or open house days. Sometimes when a school sees that you’ve made the effort to visit, they will reward you with a fee waiver.
  6. Join the Pre-Law Facebook Group. Sometimes law schools send our office fee waivers, and we always post them to our FB group on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to join!

Mark Your Calendars – Week of September 10

September is a big month for pre-law students–scroll through to see why.

Pre-Law Events

Our Fall Event Calendar is posted! Here’s a preview of what’s coming up.

Pre-Law 101 – TODAY, Monday, September 10, 4-5pm 514 IUB

This workshop is designed for incoming students who are new to pre-law or are interested in learning more about it.

We will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois, course selection, majors, and extracurriculars, building a pre-law resume, and what law schools are really looking for. We will outline a four year plan to maximize your undergraduate experiences in order to make a great law school candidate. We’ll also take any questions about law school and legal careers.

Each Pre-Law 101 session is the same, so pick the one that best suits your schedule. Incoming freshmen should attend a Pre-Law 101 prior to setting up an individual pre-law advising appointment. Registration is closed by we have a few empty spots available on a first come, first served basis.

Letter of Recommendation Webinar – THIS Friday, September 14, 2-3pm

This is part of our Applying to Law School webinar series for Illinois students and alumni. During this webinar, we will discuss:

  • How many letters of recommendation law school applications require
  • Who to ask for recommendations
  • How to approach your request
  • Timelines for getting recommendations
  • How to input your recommenders in your Credential Assembly Service account

Bring your questions! Register for this webinar by September 13 at this link. Webinar link and handouts will be sent to registrants before the session.

Perfecting Your Personal Statement and Resume for Law School–Tuesday, Sept.17, 4-5pm, 514 IUB

The personal statement is one of the most difficult yet powerful elements of the law school application. Join us for this workshop, which will cover what the personal statement is, how to prepare for writing it, and some tips and suggestions for making it reflect an applicant’s strengths. We will also discuss how the personal statement and resume can complement each other to create a stronger law school application. Each session is the same, so select the one that best suits your schedule. Register here for this session.

Law School Admissions Panel–Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7:00 pm in 1002 Lincoln Hall. Are you wondering what law school admissions professionals really look for in an applicant? How do they weigh LSAT scores, grades, or work experience? What gets their attention–and what would make them deny someone? Join us for this expert law school admissions panel to discover this and more. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. This is a must-see event for anyone considering applying to law school!

Panelists include admissions deans and professionals from the following schools:

  • Columbia Law School
  • Indiana University–Maurer School of Law
  • Northern Illinois University College of Law
  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • University of Wisconsin Law School

Law School Fair–Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10:00 am-2:00 pm at the ARC (201 E. Peabody Drive) It’s the biggest pre-law event of the year as 110 law schools visit campus to meet all who are interested in applying to law school. Learn about law schools, scholarships, and the application process while meeting the people who will be reading your law school applications. Application fee waivers and other freebies will be available. Stop by or stay the whole time! This event is free and open to the public. For more information click here to visit our website. No registration required.

Campus Events

ILLINOIS-IN-WASHINGTON – Information Session Tuesday, September 11, 5-6pm, David Kinley Hall, Room 106

Illinois in Washington (IIW) is an academic internship program open to all U of I undergraduates. Participants live and intern in Washington, DC, while taking U of I classes.  IIW offers an exceptional opportunity to gain rewarding work experience while enjoying the political, intellectual, and cultural experiences than only the nation’s capital can offer.  Student internships have included positions with members of Congress, think tanks, consulting groups, social justice organizations, and government agencies.  Come and join us for an unforgettable semester in one of the most exciting cities in the world.  Our information session will provide a brief overview of the program.  The application deadline for the Spring 2019 term is October 1st.  Application instructions are available at http://www.washington.illinois.edu/apply/information/.

Career Center EventsClick here to visit the Career Center’s website for more information or to register for these sessions.

  • CC-I Information Session, Sept. 10, 4:00 pm, Interview Suite Room 213. The actual deadline for the CC-I application is September 11. 
  • Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Review
    • Sept. 10, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
    • Sept. 11, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Sept 12, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Sept. 13, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Sept. 14, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
    • Sept. 16, 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Creating Your Powerful Cover Letter
    • Sept. 12, 4-5pm, TCC Conference Room
  • Creating Your Powerful Resume
    • Sept. 12, 5-6 pm
  • Translating Your Study Abroad Experience
    • Sept. 11, 5-6pm, Lincoln 1024
    • Sept. 12, 5-6pm, Lincoln 1024
  • Career Fair Prep
    • Sept. 13, 4:00 pm

Pre-Law Honors Society: The Order of Prospective Lawyers

If you have a cumulative GPA of a 3.30/4.00, and have completed 30 hours of campus credit prior to initiation (Sophomore status) you are eligible to apply for membership in the Pre-Law Honors Society.  Click on the link below to access the application and the instructions for how to apply.  Applications are due THIS FRIDAY, September 14, by Midnight! All questions should be directed to prelawhonorssociety@gmail.com.

plhs_application_fall_2018_2019

THE ILLINOIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS: Application Deadline October 13!

Diverse and welcoming, The Illinois Club draws its membership from all areas of the University as well as the surrounding community. Since 1915, The Illinois Club has provided financial support to worthy undergraduate students. This year, we will be giving out the following scholarships:

  • Make-A-Difference Awards of $3,000
  • A Global Focus Award of $3,000
  • A Humanities Award of $3,000
  • Isabelle Purnell Education Awards of $3,000 • The Judith Life Ikenberry Fine Arts Award of $5,500

General Eligibility: You must be an undergraduate, have earned at least 60 credit hours by the beginning of the Spring 2019 semester, and graduate no earlier than December 2019 to apply. A minimum GPA of 2.75 at both the time of application and winning of award is also required.

For more information about the individual awards, go to http://go.illinois.edu/TICScholarship.

Interested in more scholarships? PLAS has collected information on over 200 scholarships–for both undergrads and incoming law students–on our Scholarships Spreadsheet over on our Pre-Law Compass page. It’s a wide variety of scholarships based on everything from being left-handed to making a video to tweeting, and deadlines vary, so check it out!

Internships

David F. Prindable Undergraduate PAID Internship at the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH): Communications and Undergraduate Outreach: Applications DUE Friday, September 28!

Undergraduate majors in humanities disciplines are invited to apply for a paid internship in communications and undergraduate outreach at the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities (IPRH), the campus humanities hub. The successful candidate will assist IPRH with its communications strategy, particularly its email communications and social-media presence, in addition to serving as a IPRH’s undergraduate liaison and chief strategist on undergraduate engagement. This position is funded thanks to a generous gift from David F. Prindable.

To be considered for this internship, candidates must possess strong writing and communications skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and an investigative mind. A broad interest in the humanities is preferred.

The position commences October 15, 2018 and ends May 15, 2019. The Prindable intern will work approximately two to three hours per week, for 24 weeks, at the rate of $15.75 per hour (up to $1,000 per year). There is flexibility regarding the hours to be worked.

To apply, please email a one-page letter of interest, a resume, and a list of three references (academic or non-academic, so long as they can speak to your skills and work ethic; at least one referee should be able to comment on your writing skills) to iprh@illinois.edu by September 28 with “Prindable Internship” in the subject line. Letters may be addressed and questions directed to IPRH Deputy Director, Nancy Castro (ncastro@illinois.edu).

The Office of Undergraduate Research is Hiring a PAID Graphic Design Intern

Graphic Design Intern: The Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research is seeking a motivated and experienced undergraduate student to assist with creating innovative and visually impactful graphics for the office. The graphic design intern will be expected to work from 5 – 10 hours per week (workstation and required software will be provided). This is a PAID internship at $12/hour. Federal Work Study designation is required.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Assist with layout, design, and production of flyers, digital/web graphics, office brochures, and other print/digital resources, consistent with current office branding.
  • Assist with converting digital assets to web-ready formats.
  • Assist with other projects as needed.

For a full description of the position, including the required experiences and qualifications and information on how to apply, please visit: http://go.illinois.edu/OURintern

 

Interested in other internships? It’s NOT too early to start looking for spring/summer internships today! We post internships on our blog and our Facebook page. Check out this blog post for a plan on how to start finding spring and summer internships this fall.

Pre-Law Resources

Now is a great time to check out–or join–all of our pre-law resources! Click the links to explore. You can also search this blog for posts about the LSAT, law school applications, resumes, internships, and more!

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Compass page

September LSAT Takers – Day of Test Info and Reminders

The September LSAT is next week! Of course you have been studying diligently and are ready for what is coming on the LSAT. But don’t forget — the LSAC has a list of rules and procedures to follow for the day of the test.  Here are a few reminders and tips to help test day go smoothly.

What must you bring? To be eligible to take the LSAT, you will be required to have with you at the test center the printout of your admission ticket that includes the photo that you uploaded through your LSAC online account. Admission tickets that do not display the required uploaded photo will not be accepted on test day. You must also bring a valid, government issued photo ID and 3-4 sharpened sharpened No. 2 or HB wooden pencils with good erasers. Remember that mechanical pencils are prohibited.

What can’t you bring? The LSAC has a list of LSAT test day prohibited items that includes cellphones, backpacks/handbags, digital watches, fitness tracking devices, headphones, hats, sunglasses, and many others.  NOTE: LSAC has adopted a no-tolerance policy with regard to the use or possession of electronic devices (including cell phones) during the administration of the LSAT.   Consequently, test takers discovered in possession of (or using) any electronic device, will be issued a Violation of Law School Admission Test Center Regulations form and will be dismissed from the test. Such violations will be grounds for score cancellation, and you may be subject to an LSAC investigation. This policy will be enforced from the time test takers arrive at the test center until they leave at the conclusion of the test—including the break. Remember to review the LSAC’s Day of Test reminders to avoid making a critical mistake! http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/day-of-test.

Test day tips and reminders
In addition to LSAC’s rules, here are some tips and reminders to help your test day go smoothly!

  1. Get several nights of good sleep. It’s normal to be anxious the night before, and having a few good nights of sleep before test day will help.
  2. Eat breakfast and bring a snack and drink even if you don’t think you’ll need it. The test is long, and your brain will want that fuel.
  3. Make sure you print out your test ticket, locate your government ID, get some non-mechanical pencils, and pack your plastic bag of allowed test items the night before.
  4. Scope out the location before test day. Drive there or take your public transportation route if you can. This way you will know where to find parking or you can estimate how long it will take to walk from a train station.
  5. Figure out what you’ll do with your backpack, handbag, and your cell phone because you cannot bring these items in with you.
  6. Dress comfortably, and in layers. Your test site may be warm or cold, and you want to limit distractions as much as possible. (Note that test takers are not allowed to wear hoods, except as religious apparel.)
  7. ARRIVE EARLY. Give yourself plenty of time to check in, use the restroom, and get settled before the test begins. Test sites do not allow late arrivals.
  8. Expect some distractions…no test site will be perfectly silent. Practice bringing your attention back to your exam after each distraction. (Law school exams and the bar exam contain plenty of distractions too, so this will be a constant.)

For more info on LSAT options, including cancelling your score after the LSAT or retaking, check out this post from earlier this summer.

Welcome Back Pre-Law Students – Fall of 2018

Welcome Class of 2022 and Welcome Back Pre-Law Students!

Hello students!  Our first blog post of the 2018-2019 school year features an overview of many of the events happening on campus in the next week. We have also included a brief update on Pre-Law Advising Services (PLAS), including information about our FREE practice LSAT being offered on Friday, October 5, as well as our first Pre-Law 101 Workshop set for Monday, September 10, 4-5pm.  Scroll down for more on that.  We will resume our regular blogging schedule next week.  Our postings will include updates on PLAS programs, campus events, internships and information on a variety of pre-law topics and items of interest so keep checking in!!

Upcoming Campus Events

Welcome Days/Welcome Week 2018 — August 25 – September 1, 2018

Quad Day: Sunday, August 26

The fall semester kicks off this weekend with Quad Day, Sunday, August 26, Noon-4pm! Come out for a day of learning about any and every Registered Student Organization on the Illinois campus. Campus offices and local organizations will also be lining the Main Quad for you to get a taste of how diverse the university is and what it has to offer. The Illini Union vendors will be there, along with the Rec Room, so you can see what we are all about! Special performances by the Marching Illini and other RSOs will take place. With over 600 RSOs present, you are bound to find something you are interested in. Remember — law schools like to see applicants who are both good students and who are involved in their community.

And speaking of RSOs… Are you interested in joining the soon to be launched Pre-Law Club?  Keep checking the blog for information about the planned September organizational meeting!

For more info about Quad Day and other Welcome Week Events, check out the Illini Union webpage: https://union.illinois.edu/see-and-do/events/welcomeweek

 

Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations

Wake Up Call – Saturday, August 25, 4–6 pm
Foellinger Auditorium
Sponsored by the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center

Women’s Resources Center Open House | Aug 27, 2018   4:30 – 6:30 pm  

Check out the Women’s Resources Center and meet the staff while playing games and sipping “mocktails”! Join us in celebrating the beginning of a new year. The Women’s Resources Center is located at 616 E Green St, Suite 202 in Champaign. The front door is located next to the McDonalds on Green St. The office is on the second floor.

Any questions or requests for accommodation can be sent to Sylwia Dutka at dutka2@illinois.edu

Paleta Social – Monday August 27th, 5:30–8:30pm
La Casa Cultural Latina, 1203 W. Nevada St., Urbana

After the first day of classes, La Casa holds a social for new students to come and meet other new and returning students, while returning students can catch up with fellow classmates, all while enjoying a paleta/ice cream. It is also an introduction of La Casa to new students in an informal manner.

LGBT Resource Center Welcome Back Event – Tuesday August 28th, 4:00–6:00pm
Illini Union 314

Celebrate the start of a new year with food, music, and opportunities to meet LGBT Resource Center staff, LGBT RSOs, campus partners, and more! Come find out how to get involved with and stay connected to LGBTQ life at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign! All students, staff, faculty, and community members including partners are invited.

Asiantation – Tuesday, September 4, 3–8 pm
SDRP Multipurpose Rooms
301 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign

Feminism Al Fresco – Tuesday, September 4, 4–6 pm
Engineering Hall Patio
next to Bardeen Quad
Sponsored by the Women’s Resources Center

Asian American Cultural Center and International Education Open House —Thursday, September 6, 3:30–6:30 pm
1210 W. Nevada St., Urbana

Native American House and American Indian Studies Open House – Thursday, September 6, 4–7 pm
1206 W. Nevada St., Urbana

For more information on these and other OIIR happenings, go here for the full OIIR calendar of events.https://oiir.illinois.edu/events. To access the UIUC calendar for campus-wide events and holidays, go here: https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/7 For information about add/drop deadlines for classes and other information, check out the calendar for the Office of the Registrar here: http://illinois.edu/calendar/list/4175.

Other Campus Events and Opportunities

Illinois Trial Team — Info Nights August 30 and 31, 6pm and 7pm, College of Law, Room A, 504 E Pennsylvania Ave, Champaign

Are you thinking about law school? Want to learn about the judicial system or improve your public speaking skills? Then this might be the opportunity for you!

The Illinois Trial Team represents the University of Illinois in intercollegiate mock trial tournaments which span the country — competing at schools like Yale, Duke, UMichigan, and many more. Through preparing and competing in these tournaments, you will build your knowledge of the law, trial advocacy, and general presentation skills. As a member of the team, you will be a part of a tight-knit, highly motivated group of pre-law students. The team provides various pre-law opportunities to its members, such as internships, campus visits, and LSAT resources.

We highly recommend that prospective members attend one of our information sessions. If you are unable to attend, please e-mail  illinoistrialteam.vpe@gmail.com as soon as possible. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please see the following google form: https://goo.gl/forms/MWVMsSdH7ZMq8qu12

Information Sessions will be held at the College of Law Room A at the following times:

6:00 p.m. August 30th

7:00 p.m. August 30th

6:00 p.m. August 31st

7:00 p.m. August 31st

Career Center

The Career Center offers a variety of programs to help you identify career paths through workshops, career fairs and individual meetings. They will have a table at Quad Day, Sunday, August 26 from 12-4pm, as well as an Open House on Quad Day from 1-3pm at their office at 715 S. Wright Street.  The Career Center schedule resumes next week.  Here are some of their upcoming events:

Resume, Cover Letter and LinkedIn Reviews: August 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31

2:00-4:30pm, Career Center Resource Center, 715 S. Wright Street

CC-I Info Sessions – Monday, August 27, 4-5pm; Tuesday August 28, 4-5pm; Tuesday, September 4, 4-5pm; Monday, September 10, 4-5pm.

If you want to join the Career Certificate – International Students(CC-I) program, it is mandatory to attend one of the four CC-I information sessions. CC-I is the signature program of the Career Center for international undergraduate and masters students who want to be more competitive in the internship/full-time job market. The actual deadline for the CC-I application is September 11. CC-I runs for 9 weeks.

All CC-I info sessions will be held at the Career Center Interview Suite, 616 E. Green Street, Room 213

Illinois Part-time Job Fair 2018 – Tuesday, September 4, 10am-2pm, Illini Union Room B

Looking for a part-time job on campus or in the Champaign-Urbana community? This is the event for you! The Illinois Part-Time Job Fair is open to all students on campus seeking opportunities to make some extra money while completing their academics. Opportunities at this fair are paid positions. Check out the event in Handshake to view a full list of employers attending!

To learn more about the Career Center’s schedule of events, go here: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events

Luce Scholars Program — Information Sessions August 30 and 31

The National and International Scholarships Program (NISP) is offering a two-day informational event about the Luce Scholars Program.  The Luce is a one-year internship in East or Southeast-Asia, and designed specifically for students who do not have much prior experience in that region.  Starting August 30th, NISP will offer an informational overview session, featuring an informal discussion with previous Luce Scholars. On August 31st, NISP will host a workshop designed to help students begin to craft their personal statement.

All events will be held in 514 IUB. The dates and times are as follows.

August 30th, 3:30-4:30pm – Informational session and discussion with a former Luce Scholar.

August 31st 3:00-4:00pm – Workshop on how to craft a Luce personal statement.

More information about the Luce can be found here: http://www.topscholars.illinois.edu/luce.

For more information about other NISP events and scholarship deadlines, go here: https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/1826

PLAS Updates for Fall 2018

1. What’s going on at PLAS? All of our events are listed in our Event Calendar here: http://illinois.edu/calendar/list/2508.  You may also look at the right side of this page for info on events coming up in the next few weeks, which include a FREE practice LSAT on Friday, October 5! Note that some of our workshops have limited seating, like the Pre-Law 101 sessions, the first of which is set for Monday, September 10, and the practice LSAT, so you’ll want to register for those in advance. Note: registration for the FREE Practice LSAT will open on Tuesday, September 4.  We will add a few programs as the semester progresses.  Be sure to check our blog September 3  for an overview of the semester’s events!

2. Attend a Pre-Law 101 Workshop. If you are a new pre-law student you’ll definitely want to attend a Pre-Law 101 Workshop, which will answer most of your questions about what it means to be pre-law and how you can maximize your opportunities as an undergrad. Note: the first Pre-Law 101 session is set for Monday, September 10. These sessions are all listed in our Event Calendar and you can register there.

3. How do we keep in touch? Blog, Facebook group, Twitter, email
The best way to keep up with pre-law news is to read this blog and join our Facebook group or follow us on Twitter (@UIUC Pre-Law). We send occasional emails but we don’t want to clog your inbox…so instead, we update this blog, Twitter and our Facebook page at least once a week.

4. Making an appointment….is easy. Call 333-9669. Except please, if you’re sick, stay home in your jammies! You can call us at the appointment time if you really need to talk. Otherwise, please reschedule.

Save the date for the Law School Fair! On Sept. 26 from 10 am – 2 pm at the ARC  Over 100 law school reps will be here to meet YOU! Click here for more details, including a list of who’s coming.