The I Am Ready: Law School Admission Readiness Program is a joint effort between the University of Illinois Pre-Law Advising Services Office and the University of Illinois College of Law Office of Admissions & Financial Aid. This program is designed to support central Illinois pre-law students through a diverse curriculum of topics and resources aimed to enhance participant success in the law admissions process and first year of law school.
The program offers a combination of virtual and in-person programming in a series of program modules. Each program module consists of a large and small group session and will include topics ranging from LSAT preparation, application drafting, networking, and wellness. In addition, each program participant will be supported in developing an individual application plan and goals. The 2023 Inaugural I Am Ready program was funded through a grant provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
“IAR has outlined the [application] process in such an effective manner, making it clear and informative. I have learned a lot of information in regards to financial aid, practicing self-care, selecting law schools, drafting a personal statement, drafting a resume, and more. I would tell a future participant to put their best efforts into the program because the information you learn is very valuable and it is the best time to ask all your questions about the process. I just want to thank the program leaders for this wonderful opportunity because I did not expect to get so much support and reassurance of the whole law school admissions process. It has definitely made it easier, and I feel a lot more prepared!”
Spring 2024 Participant
Eligibility
The I Am Ready program is designed to support diverse pre-law students in central Illinois who belong to populations traditionally underrepresented within the legal profession. The program aims to support students from many different diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to race, national origin, gender identity, first-generation, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomics. We strongly encourage students of diverse perspectives and backgrounds to apply.
In addition, the I Am Ready program is made available to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and other designated institutions in central Illinois each year. The IAR program is designed for students who anticipate application to law school in the most immediate upcoming application cycle.
Eligibility Requirements for the Spring 2025 Cohort:
- Be a current undergraduate student with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025, August 2025, December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026,
- Be a current undergraduate student intending to apply to law school during the 2025-2026 application cycle for a fall 2026 law school start, and
- Be enrolled at one of the following undergraduate institutions:
- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- The University of Illinois at Springfield
- Eastern Illinois University
- Illinois State University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Millikin University.
Information Session
Please watch the recording of the October 15, 2024 Information Session to learn about program eligibility, hear from past participants, and hear answers to questions posed by participants.
How to Apply
The application process consists of the completion of an online application, including the submission of a current resume. Students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Applications for the Spring 2025 Cohort are now closed.
FAQs
When will the program take place?
The Spring 2025 program will meet on Fridays** through a combination of in-person* and virtual sessions, including both large and small group sessions. Please see details below.
- Virtual large and small group sessions will take place on Fridays from 2:30 – 4:30 pm.
- *There will be three In-person sessions dates which will take place Fridays at the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign, IL.
- **There will be three specially arranged programming dates on January 28, January 29, and February 15.
| Welcome Meeting | TBA | TBA | Virtual |
| Module 1 | Friday, January 24 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| Module 2 – LSAT Jumpstart Workshop Series | January 28 & 29** | 6:00 – 8:00 pm | Virtual |
| Practice LSAT | January 30 – February 5 | Arranged | Virtual |
| Module 3 | Friday, January 31 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| Module 4 | Friday, February 7 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| Module 5 | Friday, February 14* | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm | In-person |
| Module 6 | Saturday, February 15** | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Virtual |
| Module 7 | Friday, February 21 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| Module 8 | Friday, February 28 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| Module 9 | Friday, March 7* | 12:00 – 4:30 pm | In-person |
| Module 10 | Friday, March 14 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| No Sessions/Meetings | Friday, March 21 | – | – |
| Module 11 | Friday, March 28 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Virtual |
| Module 12 – Capstone Day | Friday, April 4* | 9:00 am – 1:30 pm | In-person |
**Designated sessions will be held outside of the normal Friday meeting day.
Weeks with no meetings will provide time for the completion of individual projects and exercises.
What are the benefits of the program?
The I Am Ready Program ultimately aims to support the success of pre-law students in the law admissions process. Through this program, participants will have unique access to law admissions and law school experts, as well as members of the legal profession. Participants in this program will be provided with unique resources and support in the following areas:
- LSAT Preparation
- Law Admission Process
- Application Drafting, including resumes and personal statements
- Networking
- Legal Education and First-Year Success
- Financing Law School
- Professionalism & Wellness
Each participant in this program will also work directly with small group leaders to develop their unique law admission goals and strategies and receive direct feedback on elements of their law applications. Small group leaders will be comprised of law admission experts.
Finally, through participation in this program participants will cultivate a group of peers to serve as a unique source of support through the law admissions process and beyond.
Who is eligible?
The I Am Ready program is made available to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign campus and other designated institutions in central Illinois each year. The IAR program is designed for students who anticipate application to law school in the most immediate upcoming application cycle. This program also aims to support student applicants belonging to group(s) currently underrepresented in law school and the legal profession. The program aims to support students from diverse backgrounds, including race, national origin, gender identity, first-generation, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomics.
Eligibility Requirements for the Spring 2025 Cohort:
- Be a current undergraduate student with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025, August 2025, December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026,
- Be a current undergraduate student intending to apply to law school during the 2025-2026 application cycle for a fall 2026 law school start, and
- Be enrolled at one of the following undergraduate institutions:
- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- The University of Illinois at Springfield
- Eastern Illinois University
- Illinois State University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Millikin University.
How will the program be structured?
As mentioned above, the program will consist of a series of modules, including large and small group sessions hosted in person and virtually, in-person sessions will be held at the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign, Illinois. The curriculum will be offered through large and small group sessions focusing on foundations for learning the law, LSAT preparation, goal setting, personal/professional/academic development, wellness, self-care, understanding the law application process, networking, and more.
A hallmark of the program is the inclusion of small group sessions following each large group session. Each small group will consist of 4-6 participants led by program staff. The small group leader will facilitate discussion and reflection on the corresponding large group session and oversee program assignments. It also provides an opportunity for participants to form bonds and network with each other.
To end the program, participants will return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a capstone all-day, in-person experience.
What does the program cost?
There is no cost to participate in this program! Students enrolled at institutions other than the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will receive travel stipends for the cost of travel to Champaign, IL for the in-person session dates. Food and beverages will be provided on all in-person program dates.
The Spring 2023 cohort of the I Am Ready program was funded through a grant provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).