Category: Other

Mark Your Calendars – January 11/14, 2019

Welcome back to spring semester! LOTS of excellent opportunities are coming up, including the Illini Union Winter Week of Welcome, campus events honoring MLK Day, Pre-Law 101, Illinois in Washington, information on paid internships, an internship with a local law firm, a summer pre-law program and scholarships.  And as we already posted, the LSAC has opened up the registrations for both the June and July 2019 LSATs. Go here for more information or to begin the registration process: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines-score-release-dates.  This is a long blog post full of good information so scroll all the way to the end!

Pre-Law Advising Services Workshops and Programs

We have updated our Spring Semester calendar of events! Our schedule begins in two weeks with Pre-Law 101. Check out other upcoming events on our website here.

Pre-Law 101 — Wednesday, January 30, 4:00pm, 514 IUB

Are you new to pre-law at Illinois? Then this event is a great opportunity for you! This workshop will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois; what law schools are really looking for; what pre-law students can do to maximize their undergraduate years; how to build a strong pre-law resume; what resources are available to assist pre-law students at Illinois. For more details and to register, click here.

Upcoming Campus Events

UIUC is hosting many events to celebrate the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., including the 34th Annual Dr. MLK, Jr. Service of Celebration at Krannert on Sunday, January 20, starting at 5:00pm. Click on the following link to find out more. http://www.diversity.illinois.edu/mlk/calendar.html.

The Illini Union is hosting the Winter Week of Welcome featuring all kinds of fun events this week and next week.  Check out the list here, and mark your calendars for the RSO Involvement Fair on Wednesday, January 23, 11:00am-3:00pm, Illini Union Rooms A, B, C, Courtyard Café, and South Lounge!

Illinois in Washington Information Session – Thursday, January 17, 5-6pm, David Kinley Hall, Room 119

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 that only the nation’s capital can offer.  Student internships have included positions with members of Congress, think tanks, social justice organizations, and government agencies.  Join us for an unforgettable semester in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Apply for Summer Semester 2019 by February 1, 2019, at http://washington.illinois.edu/

Career Center

For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at:  https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events.  Now is a great time to update your resume, plan your job search or summer internship, and get to know their office and resources.

Ilinois Leadership Center will host several upcoming I-Programs. For more information and to register, visit their website here.

  • Rolls Royce Innovation: Saturday, January 19
  • Intersect: Saturday, January 26
  • Petrullo Insight: Saturday, February 2

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 2019 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set for Thursday, April 18.

Deadline for submitting an application to the URS is Friday, February 1, 2019, at 11:59 pm. The application can be found here. 

The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 14-20), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, as well as corporate partners and sponsors, to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. Students are encouraged to apply even if titles or abstracts have not yet been finalized – they can be edited.  Just make sure the application is successfully submitted by February 1!

For more information on Undergraduate Research Week, the URS, and OUR programs, please visit our website at: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/

Questions may be addressed to ugresearch@illinois.edu; please put “URS Application” in the subject line.

The Office of Undergraduate Research announces its Spring 2019 calendar for the Getting Started in Research Workshop!

PLEASE NOTE – These workshops fill up quickly, so if you are interested, sign up now!

During the workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide students to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. Students will leave the workshop with (1) a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, (2) increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and (3) a list of faculty mentors to contact. For more information and to register, go here.

The first three workshops will be held during the next two weeks:

Value of Undergrad Research Workshop, January 18, 2019

Date/Time: Friday, January 18, from 3:00-4:30pm 
Location: Lincoln Hall Room 1065
Registration is available at:https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/5552337?referrer=https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6175?eventId=33328415

Getting Started in Research Workshop, January 22, 2019
Date/Time: Tuesday January 22, 2019 from 3:00-4:30pm 
Location: English Building, Room 160
Registration is available at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/10880?referrer=https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6175?eventId=33328020

Getting Started in Research Workshop, January 24, 2019
Date/Time:  Thursday January 24, 2019 from 3:00 – 4:30pm
Location: Mechanical Engineering Building, Room 218
Registration is available at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/3523231?referrer=https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6175?eventId=33328022

Study Abroad

The Institute for Field Education offers semester-long study abroad programs in France and Belgium for students with advanced French language skills that feature internship and research opportunities tailored to student interests.  Students earn resident Illinois credit in this program, arranged through LAS Global Studies.

The 18-week academic semester includes

– An intense five weeks of preparatory courses covering political history, sociology and cultural foundations of French or Belgian society to prepare students for working in-country

– A week for travel and rest before starting the internship

– A three-month full-time internship related to each student’s studies and goals.

– Guided field research on a topic important to the student’s host organization.

– A weekly seminar on the key moments in European history for understanding European integration.

More information and the application can be found here:

https://app.studyabroad.illinois.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=10127

Questions? Interested students may contact Timothy Wedig, Ph.D., Associate Directory, LAS Global Studies, at: twedig@illinois.edu.

Internship and Scholarship Opportunities

We hope you have been utilizing our 20 page Internship Newsletter over on our Pre-Law Compass page that we posted in December! (Click here for instructions on how to access our Compass page.) It’s got lots of job and internship listings for spring, summer and long-term opportunities from Champaign to D.C. and beyond.  In addition, you should regularly check Handshake via the Career Center’s website to see if summer internships have been posted.

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. Envrionmental 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.

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 Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com  

Scholarships

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes – Info Session Tuesday, January 15, 3:30-4:30pm, Room 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

Attention Freshmen and Sophomores! Do you want to study in the United Kingdom this summer for free? The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes offer nine programs for 2019:

  • Interested in global leadership? Join the Future Leaders of a Global Age summer institute at the University of Westminster in London.
  • Interested in the environment? Study climate change issues at the University of Exeter.
  • Interested in social justice or education policy? Explore these in the post-conflict setting of Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Interested in the performing arts? Practice combat and swordplay, movement, dance and design at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
  • Interested in arts as activism?  Consider how social policy, philosophy and the arts have been combined to promote social change at the University of Bristol.
  • Interested in technology and design? Explore Scotland’s creative and technological industries through study at the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art.
  • Interested in media?  Explore film and media culture in the UK at the University of Birmingham
  • Interested in British or Irish studies?  Explore British culture at the University of Sussex or Irish studies at the Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Interested in international politics? Study identity and nationhood at the Aberystwyth University in Wales.

The Summer Institutes cover the majority of the participant costs (round-trip airfare from the US to the UK, tuition and fees at the university, room and board, and social programs).  Students must be US citizen freshmen or sophomores with a GPA of 3.7 or above.

More information about the institutes and their application can be found at: http://www.fulbright.org.uk/going-to-the-uk/uk-summer-institutes

Our info session will tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of attending a Fulbright UK Summer Institute and how to be a competitive applicant. We’ll also hear from previous Illinois recipients.  Don’t forget – the info session is Tuesday, January 15, 3:30-4:30pm, Room 514 IUB.

Upcoming Law School Events–OPEN TO ALL PRE-LAW STUDENTS

Penn State Law – Online Info Session: Wednesday, January 16, 11am-Noon CST

This online information session will provide information about Penn State Law and its J.D. program.  The format of the session will be a presentation followed by an opportunity to chat online with the Director of Admissions, Julian Morales. Click here to register!

Diversity Law Day – Indiana University Maurer School of Law – February 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Diversity Law Day is dedicated to the idea that the legal profession must reflect the expanding diversity of our society. Joining efforts with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), we hope that this day will encourage student from underrepresented and underserved communities to discover career opportunities in law. This day is particularly tailored towards high school juniors and seniors, as well college freshman and sophomores.

Diversity Law Day is free to attend, but registration is required for planning purposes. To attend, simply complete the registration form at www.law.indiana.edu/diversity-day

Contact Kendra Abercrombie at klabercr@indiana.edu or 812-855-2704 if you have any questions.

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 participated in last 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. MPLS is an approved DiscoverLaw.org event.

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

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

As we first mentioned in several of our fall blog posts, many law schools host open houses for prospective applicants and all law schools strongly encourage students to visit their campuses.  Note: spring semester is a time when many law schools will host events specifically for admitted students. Make sure you check the law school websites to see what types of events the schools in which you have an interest are offering.   Listed below are upcoming events for four Illinois law schools.

Chicago Kent Law School Open House, Saturday, February 2, 9:00am-2:00pm.  For more information or to register, go here. 

DePaul University College of Law Open House, Saturday, January 26, 10:00am. For more information and to register, go here.

John Marshall Law School Open House, Saturday, February 2, 9:00am-Noon, or Tuesday, February 5, 5:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register, go here.

Northern Illinois University College of Law Open House, Saturday, January 19, 10:00am-1:00pm. For more information or to register, go here.

 

 

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How to decide which LSAT to take

First, take a look at our previous post here, which carefully considers the details of each 2019 LSAT.

How can you determine which LSAT is right for you? Here are key questions to ask yourself.

When do you want to apply to law school? If you want to enter law school in 2020, then you will want to apply in the fall of 2019. Law schools use rolling admission–that means that the application opens in September and they will admit people until the class is full or until the hard deadline of April. Applying early–as a general rule, by Thanksgiving–is greatly beneficial both for admission and scholarships. So IF you plan to apply to law school to enter in 2020, ideally you should plan to be finished with the LSAT completely by Thanksgiving or (preferably) earlier. Find a list of all LSATs through April of 2020 here.

If you don’t plan to enter law school until 2021 or later, you have a lot more flexibility in which LSAT you choose because you have another year (at least) of LSAT options. In that case, you can choose which LSAT suits your schedule. Sometimes people wish to be done with the LSAT before entering the working world post-graduation.

Do you want to provide time for an LSAT retake? About half of Illini LSAT takers retake the exam. It makes many test takers less anxious to know that they have time for a backup rather than “one shot” at the exam. It is wise to build in time for an LSAT retake, even if you end up not needing it. Take a look at this blog post for advice about which 2019 exams offer adequate retake options.

Which LSAT will interfere less with school? OR, if you are a working professional: Which LSAT will interfere less with your professional obligations/work flow?  Whichever LSAT you choose, the general recommendation is to prep for about 4-6 months. Ideally you would choose an LSAT with the least amount of interference with your other obligations.

For 2019 takers only:

How important is it to you to take the paper version of this test? Some people are very anxious about taking the “known quantity” paper LSAT versus the new digital format. (Others feel just fine about the digital version and the new format does not stress them out given that the content of the test will remain the same.) If you decide that the paper format is important to you, then the March and June tests are your last options. Many people who were planning on taking the LSAT later in 2019 figure that they may as well move it up to summer in order to take a known format rather than an unknown (digital) one.

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Just got your LSAT score? Pre-Law appointments are available!

With November LSAT scores arriving this weekend, now is a great time to come in and see a Pre-Law Advisor! Appointments ARE available for both the week of Dec. 10 and the week of Dec. 17th. We will be here through December 21. We encourage you to come in early so that we can discuss your options and next steps.

The office will close Dec. 24 through Jan. 1, reopening on Jan. 2. If you’re not on campus, you can still schedule a phone or Skype appointment (either before Dec 21 or after Jan 2). All appointments can be made by calling 217-333-9669.

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Mark Your Calendars – Week of December 3

Although PLAS programming is finished for the semester, there are some campus workshops, scholarships and internships of note, as well as some law school admissions webinars.  And…our annual PLAS Internship Newsletter will be posted on our Compass page this WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5!! Finally, in case you missed the big announcement last week, registration for the June and July 2019 LSAT administrations will open on December 12!  Click here to read last week’s LSAT blog post for more important information about these administrations and scroll down to learn more about upcoming campus events!

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

  • Global Careers: Peace Corps General Information Meeting — Dec. 3, 6-7pm,  TCC Room 143
  • Making the Most of Your Summer,  Dec. 5, 4-5pm, TCC Room 143
  • Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews
    • Dec. 3 , 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
    • Dec. 4, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Dec. 5, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
    • Dec. 6, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Dec. 7, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
    • Dec. 9, 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):

  • 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

Internships

Coming soon: The Pre-Law Internship Newsletter will be posted THIS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 over on our Compass page!

Scholarships–Now is a great time to apply!

National and International Scholarships Program: Fulbright UK Summer Institutes – Info Session December 7, 4-5pm, 514 IUB

Freshmen and Sophomores,

Do you want to study in the United Kingdom this summer for free? The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes offer nine programs for 2019:

  • Interested in global leadership? Join the Future Leaders of a Global Age summer institute at the University of Westminster in London.
  • Interested in the environment? Study climate change issues at the University of Exeter.
  • Interested in social justice or education policy? Explore these in the post-conflict setting of Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Interested in the performing arts? Practice combat and swordplay, movement, dance and design at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
  • Interested in arts as activism?  Consider how social policy, philosophy and the arts have been combined to promote social change at the University of Bristol.
  • Interested in technology and design? Explore Scotland’s creative and technological industries through study at the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art.
  • Interested in media?  Explore film and media culture in the UK at the University of Birmingham
  • Interested in British or Irish studies?  Explore British culture at the University of Sussex or Irish studies at the Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Interested in international politics? Study identity and nationhood at the Aberystwyth University in Wales.

The Summer Institutes cover the majority of the participant costs (round-trip airfare from the US to the UK, tuition and fees at the university, room and board, and social programs).  Students must be US citizen freshmen or sophomores with a GPA of 3.7 or above.

More information about the institutes and their application can be found at: http://www.fulbright.org.uk/going-to-the-uk/uk-summer-institutes

Our info session will tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of attending a Fulbright UK Summer Institute and how to be a competitive applicant. We’ll also hear from previous Illinois recipients.

UK Summer Fulbright Information Session: Friday, December 7th, 3:00-4:00 pm, 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

DUE THIS SATURDAY, 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 FEB. 15 — Fred S. Bailey Scholarship for Cause Driven Leaders

The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. University of Illinois – Urbana campus undergraduate students in all programs are eligible to apply. Applications due February 15.  For more information or to apply online, visit: www.universityymca.org/bailey Contact: Kasey Umland, Director, Bailey Scholarship Program, University YMCA 217.337.1514; baily@universityymca.org.

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.

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!

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Over 150 Scholarship Opportunities for Undergrad and Incoming Law Students!

Whether you’re heading off to law school this fall or staying here to continue your pre-law education, you’ll want to see this: scholarships! Could you use an additional $500, $1,000, or even $40,000 towards your undergrad or legal education? Then take a look at this resource. We have compiled over 150 scholarships available for BOTH incoming law students and pre-law undergraduates. Head over to our Compass page to find the full listings–but hurry, because some have upcoming deadlines! The full spreadsheet with 150+ scholarships is the very first item posted on our Compass page.

All UIUC students can access our Compass page. Here’s how:

  • If you are an Illinois student who is designated pre-law: All students who are designated pre-law already have access to our Compass page. Log in to Compass and under “My Courses” look for OPEN LEARNING: Pre-Law Advising Services.
  • If you are an Illinois student who is not designated pre-law: Click here for instructions on how to add yourself to our Compass page.
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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!

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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!

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Outside of Illinois Law School Open House/Visits

If you haven’t already, NOW is the time to plan your law school visits! We’ve already posted about Illinois law school visits here, but what about law schools outside of Illinois? Here is a roundup of Open House days or visit opportunities at law schools located outside of Illinois that are popular with Illini.

(Outside of Illinois) Big 10 Law Schools

Indiana University Maurer School of Law (click here to RSVP)

  • Admissions Information Session–Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-3 pm
  • Virtual Admissions Information Session–Nov. 29, 6-7 pm EASTERN (5-6 pm Central)
  • Individual visits can also be scheduled if you can’t attend these sessions

University of Iowa College of Law (click here)

  • Iowa Law Open House–Feb. 16, 2019 (register here)
  • Individual tours and class visits, along with self-guided tours, available

University of Michigan Law School offers individual visits here

  • Tours, classes, and appointments with an admissions counselor on most weekdays between 8 and 5; if you want to visit a class, however, we recommend avoiding Fridays because few classes are available.

Michigan State University Law School

University of Minnesota Law School 

Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

Penn State Law 

University of Wisconsin Law (click here)

Other (Outside Illinois) Law Schools Popular with Illini Applicants

Boston University Law School (click here)

  • BU Law Open House–Saturday, December 1, 9:15-11:00 am.
  • Offers class visits with a posted schedule of available classes online
  • Webinars upcoming:
    • Admissions Counselor Office Hours with a Current Student–Nov. 28 at 3:00 pm Eastern
    • Financial Aid and Admissions Office Hours–Dec. 10 at 5:30 pm Eastern

Emory Law (click here)

  • Offers information sessions every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 am during the fall semester
  • Classroom observations have ended for fall but will be available again during spring semester
  • A campus virtual tour is also available here

Georgetown Law (click here)

  • JD Information Sessions and Guided Tours offered Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 17
  • Self-guided tours and class visits (sitting in on a law school class) are offered for those who cannot make the sessions

George Washington Law (click here)

  • Student-led tours and class visits offered through Nov. 14. Contact the school to arrange visits after that date.

Notre Dame Law School (click here)

  • Offers class observations, admission sessions, and tours for prospective students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

UCLA  Law

  • Tours are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and class visits are available by appointment. Click here to schedule.
  • UCLA Law Liveguide (online sessions with current students) recordings on a variety of topics are available to watch here

Vanderbilt Law School 

Washington University Law School (click here)

  • Open Houses will be held Feb. 1 and March 1
  • Details on scheduling individual visits, along with sample visitor schedules, can be arranged online
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November LSAT Takers: Top 5 Things to Do!

The November LSAT is less than 2 weeks away!  Here is a list of tips and reminders for those of you gearing up for the test and working on your law school applications.

  1. Review the LSAC’s Day of Test Reminders!  Don’t forget – the LSAC has a list of requirements governing test day!  Make sure you review the LSAC’s rules for test takers and check out a previous blog post for tips and advice, too!  Once the test is over you will have 2-3 weeks before your score will post.  If you feel things went well and have no plans to cancel your score and retake the LSAT, then use the time after you take the LSAT to…
  2. Finish your personal statement!
  3. Finish any addenda or optional essays!
  4. Check your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) account and make sure your letters of recommendation and transcripts are all in!
  5. Finish each of your law school applications so that the only thing left to do once your LSAT score is posted is to hit submit!

Remember: this is a rolling admissions process, so the earlier you complete and submit your applications, the better!

 

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