I Am Ready

The program will take place during the Spring 2023 semester on designated dates between February 12 and April 15.  There will be a combination of in-person and virtual sessions throughout the program, including both large and small group sessions. 

• In-person sessions will take place from approximately 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at the University of Illinois College of Law.
• Virtual large group sessions will take place on Fridays from 2:00 - 4:30 pm. 
• Virtual small group sessions will be arranged based on group member schedules.

For a full list of program dates please click here.

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.

This program is intended for individuals planning to participate in the 2023 -2024 law application cycle, with a anticipate start to law school during the Fall 2024 semester.   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. 

Eligible applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• Be a current undergraduate student with anticipated graduation dates of December 2023, May 2024, or August 2024.
• Be a current undergraduate student intending to apply to law school during the 2023-2024 application cycle.
• Be enrolled at one of the following undergraduate institutions:
  • The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
  • Eastern Illinois University,
  • Illinois State University,
  • Illinois Wesleyan University, or
  • Millikin University.

As mentioned above, the program will consist of eight modules, including large and small group sessions.  The first two large group sessions are in-person and focus primarily on LSAT preparation and will be held at the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign, Illinois.  The curriculum continues virtually with large and small group sessions focusing on foundations for learning the law, 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 4-5 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.

Session 8 will see the participants returning to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a capstone all-day, in-person experience.

There is no cost to participate in this program!  The I Am Ready program is funded through a grant provide by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).  Students enrolled at Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Millikin University 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.