University of Illinois c/o 2018 Applicants Forum

[HavingFun]

1L here. Went to UIUC for undergrad as well. Let me know if you guys have any questions!

I have heard that Illinois places into Chicago, but I wanted to know how strong that tie is? I know Chicago has NU/UChi/Loyola/Kent, so how competitive is Illinois? Just from what you have seen and heard i guess

[thebobs1987]

1L here. Went to UIUC for undergrad as well. Let me know if you guys have any questions!

I have heard that Illinois places into Chicago, but I wanted to know how strong that tie is? I know Chicago has NU/UChi/Loyola/Kent, so how competitive is Illinois? Just from what you have seen and heard i guess

2L here that just went through OCI. UIUC obviously doesn't place as well as UChi and NU. They are both t14 and have better employment stats especially in big law. But Illinois definitely places better than any non-t14. I'd say about 1/4 of my classmates have big law SAs lined up and most are in Chicago. Over half the alumni of Illinois are in Chicago and they're very active. I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

[KMart]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

[ShipitHolla]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

UIUC > IU, WUSTL, and ND for Chi market. I was in a similar position as you during my cycle. Had really good scholly to some higher ranked schools but knew I wanted Chi so UIUC was the clear choice.

[thebobs1987]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

[/quote]

I would actually say ND is probably equal in terms of placement in Chicago. Definitely better than WUSTL and way better than IU. The thing with ND is they almost are always more expensive than UIUC and there isn't any point in paying more to go to ND than UIUC unless you really love the Irish that much. Plus Champaign is way more fun than South Bend

ETA: But definitely apply to IU and WUSTL because they are great for negotiating scholarship increases with UIUC. Apply to ND too, but like I said they tend to be cheap with scholarships. For example after negotiations I basically got a full ride here and 60-75% at a couple top 20s. But nothing from ND

[Sheriff]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

I would actually say ND is probably equal in terms of placement in Chicago. Definitely better than WUSTL and way better than IU. The thing with ND is they almost are always more expensive than UIUC and there isn't any point in paying more to go to ND than UIUC unless you really love the Irish that much. Plus Champaign is way more fun than South Bend

ETA: But definitely apply to IU and WUSTL because they are great for negotiating scholarship increases with UIUC. Apply to ND too, but like I said they tend to be cheap with scholarships. For example after negotiations I basically got a full ride here and 60-75% at a couple top 20s. But nothing from ND[/quote]

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Wut?

ND - 15.8% placement in IL
IU - 14.6% placement in IL
WUSTL - 12.3% placement in IL

Placement in Illinois is practically entirely in Chicago from each of these schools. But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of you talking out of your ass.

If you want Chicago I would aim for UIUC, and then for whichever one of the remaining three schools is cheapest. They all place well and have large alumni bases in Chicago.

[thebobs1987]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

I would actually say ND is probably equal in terms of placement in Chicago. Definitely better than WUSTL and way better than IU. The thing with ND is they almost are always more expensive than UIUC and there isn't any point in paying more to go to ND than UIUC unless you really love the Irish that much. Plus Champaign is way more fun than South Bend

ETA: But definitely apply to IU and WUSTL because they are great for negotiating scholarship increases with UIUC. Apply to ND too, but like I said they tend to be cheap with scholarships. For example after negotiations I basically got a full ride here and 60-75% at a couple top 20s. But nothing from ND

-------------------------------------------------------------

Wut?

ND - 15.8% placement in IL
IU - 14.6% placement in IL
WUSTL - 12.3% placement in IL

Placement in Illinois is practically entirely in Chicago from each of these schools. But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of you talking out of your ass.

If you want Chicago I would aim for UIUC, and then for whichever one of the remaining three schools is cheapest. They all place well and have large alumni bases in Chicago.[/quote]

It is not about the numbers, it is about the type of job you get. That is like saying Michigan only places 9% in Chicago, DePaul must be the better option.

Do you work at a firm or even gone through OCI? Take a pill. IU doesn't place that well in big law firms in Chicago. WUSTL is behind ND. Every major firm in Chicago has ND students in their summer class unlike IU and even WUSTL. For pre-OCI receptions at some of the more prestigious firms in the city, ND and UIUC are often the only non t14 schools invited.

Also, I have friends that have graduated from all three of these other law schools. I know every major firm in Chicago goes to OCI at ND whereas they definitely don't all go to IU and some don't go to WUSTL. What do you know?

But this is all really besides the point and not for this forum. Anyways the main thing is UIUC is almost certainly going to be the best and most affordable option for non t14 schools if you want Chicago

[Sheriff]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

I'm still trying to figure out where the question above mentions a desire to work at a "prestigious firm," or any big law aspirations. Regardless, if anyone wants to do that TCR is not to attend any of the four and go T14.

You're making a lot of assumptions and your oci/reception "experience" and that of your "friends" is speculative and anecdotal, at best.

[thebobs1987]

I would highly recommend Illinois over any school in Chicago except for UC and NU.

What about compared to IU, WUSTL, or Notre Dame?

Curious as these are all potential fall-back schools I could get into with good $ but I strongly prefer the Chicago market.

I'm still trying to figure out where the question above mentions a desire to work at a "prestigious firm," or any big law aspirations. Regardless, if anyone wants to do that TCR is not to attend any of the four and go T14.

You're making a lot of assumptions and your oci/reception "experience" and that of your "friends" is speculative and anecdotal, at best.

Fair enough about the big law firms. But it is not anectodal in terms of OCI and firms. The schools all list their NLJ numbers and you can look up what firms go to each school's OCI.

[KMart]

As much contention as there is here - thank you guys. It's nice to hear. I prefer Champagne ti the other three, so it works out nicely in that regard.

Ideally I'd get Chi/NW/Michigan. We will see where the cycle goes. Thanks for all the help.

[HavingFun]

As much contention as there is here - thank you guys. It's nice to hear. I prefer Champagne ti the other three, so it works out nicely in that regard.

Ideally I'd get Chi/NW/Michigan. We will see where the cycle goes. Thanks for all the help.

On a more general note: what is Champagne like? I've been to Chicago and absolutely love it there, but never been to Champagne

[bugsy33]

As much contention as there is here - thank you guys. It's nice to hear. I prefer Champagne ti the other three, so it works out nicely in that regard.

Ideally I'd get Chi/NW/Michigan. We will see where the cycle goes. Thanks for all the help.

On a more general note: what is Champagne like? I've been to Chicago and absolutely love it there, but never been to Champagne

For starters it's in the middle of nowhere. It has all of the trappings of a great college town though. Excellent bar scene, no traffic, cheap, relatively safe ect. There are a ton of great restaurants, especially if you like asian cuisine. Urbana has its own little thing going on as well, but I haven't investigated it too much.

Champaign is nothing like Chicago, so if that's what you're looking for you'll be sorely disappointed. There's plenty to do here though. I have literally never been bored on the weekend...or the week.

[ShipitHolla]

As much contention as there is here - thank you guys. It's nice to hear. I prefer Champagne ti the other three, so it works out nicely in that regard.

Ideally I'd get Chi/NW/Michigan. We will see where the cycle goes. Thanks for all the help.

On a more general note: what is Champagne like? I've been to Chicago and absolutely love it there, but never been to Champagne

Champaign is a big college town. Tons of 19-25 year olds constantly roaming around all wearing orange and blue. VERY low cost of living. The law school is fairly isolated from campus which is pretty nice as it gives you the best of both worlds. IMO the best part about it is the nightlife. U of I has an extremely large Greek system and a ton of different bars with unique ambiances. Undergrads tend to go out on campus and grad students downtown. Everything is extremely cheap. A $10 drink in Chicago often runs $1-$2 here. If you don't enjoy drinking there are plenty of other things to do you just need put in a little effort. Champaign has some pretty solid food places, so it's often fun to get a group of students and go out to eat at one of them.

[HavingFun]

Thanks guys for the responses. Knew it wouldn't be a Chicago, but your responses are definitely promising. Just looking for a place that has Low Cost of living as well as somewhere that I can get away after studying.



A $10 drink in Chicago often runs $1-$2 here. [/quote]

Sold.

[isuperserial]

1L, checking in. Any questions, fire away.

[Wingtip88]

A $10 drink in Chicago often runs $1-$2 here.

Sold.

+1. Withdrawing all other apps.

[KamronK]

Checking in from Arizona. I'm hoping for a scholarship like many received last year, but that's doubtful with my numbers. Good luck everyone!

[isuperserial]

Checking in from Arizona. I'm hoping for a scholarship like many received last year, but that's doubtful with my numbers. Good luck everyone!

What are your numbers?

[KMart]

Thanks guys for the responses. Knew it wouldn't be a Chicago, but your responses are definitely promising. Just looking for a place that has Low Cost of living as well as somewhere that I can get away after studying.

A $10 drink in Chicago often runs $1-$2 here.

Sold.

I'm not at U of I for UG but I can say, without a doubt, it's one of the most fun college campuses around. You'll love it.

[KamronK]

Checking in from Arizona. I'm hoping for a scholarship like many received last year, but that's doubtful with my numbers. Good luck everyone!

What are your numbers?

3.3
163

[isuperserial]

Checking in from Arizona. I'm hoping for a scholarship like many received last year, but that's doubtful with my numbers. Good luck everyone!

What are your numbers?

3.3
163

If money works this coming year like it did last year, you won't have any trouble getting money. I've seen people with your numbers getting 23k to 30k almost universally. But that's all contingent on whether or not the scholarship situation remains the same. I would also apply to Iowa, Indiana, and Notre Dame. All thirsty schools who will give you money. Negotiate with all of them and then send those offers to Illinois; that's how I got a much bigger scholarship than originally offered.

[KamronK]

Thanks for the advice. I'm applying to other peer schools such as ASU, UA, UGA and SMU. Would that be helpful in negotiations or do their regional schools carry much more weight?

[isuperserial]

Thanks for the advice. I'm applying to other peer schools such as ASU, UA, UGA and SMU. Would that be helpful in negotiations or do their regional schools carry much more weight?

Regional schools will carry more weight. Every person who goes to school at Iowa or Notre Dame is one more person in a position to take a job from an Illinois grad in the future. They have more incentive to try to get you to go to Illinois over the others. Obviously I don't have data to back this up, but this is what would make sense to me.

Why do you want to go to Illinois? Your other school choices tend to indicate you want to practice in the south.

[KamronK]

I'm from Arizona (ASU, UA)
I visited and really enjoyed Georgia. I was trying to move there for two years, but the cost has held me back.
SMU is in my current region and located in an exciting city to work.
Illinois is a good school that has been offering scholarships and opens the door slightly to Chicago.

I will at least apply to Indiana and Iowa too for that then.

[isuperserial]

I'm from Arizona (ASU, UA)
I visited and really enjoyed Georgia. I was trying to move there for two years, but the cost has held me back.
SMU is in my current region and located in an exciting city to work.
Illinois is a good school that has been offering scholarships and opens the door slightly to Chicago.

I will at least apply to Indiana and Iowa too for that then.

Illinois is a great school and if you want to work in Chicago, it will absolutely open the door for you for that.

Ultimately, however, I think you should figure out where you want to work and apply based around that. If you want to work in Chicago, you should be applying to WUSTL, UIUC, Iowa, Indiana, Notre Dame, etc. If you want to work in the south, there's a very different set of schools you should be applying to, but even those are region specific.

Not saying you shouldn't apply to UIUC, but think long and hard about where you want to spend the foreseeable rest of your life.