I Am Ready

The program took place during the Spring 2023. There was a combination of in-person and virtual sessions throughout the program, including both large and small group sessions. 

• In-person sessions took place at the University of Illinois College of Law.
• Virtual large group sessions took place on Fridays. 
• Virtual small group sessions will be arranged based on group member schedules.

For a full list of the 2023 program dates please click here.

Please check back for information regarding the 2024 schedule.

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.

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. 

Below is an example of additional eligibility requirements used for the 2023 cohort:

• 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 a series of modules, including large and small group sessions hosted both 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 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 currently funded through a grant provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).  Students enrolled at institutions other than the University of Illinois at 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.