CAMPUS LIFE :University of Illinois

The course curriculum at UIUC for the MSIM program is a good balance between theoretical concepts and practical application.

The coursework is a mix of both, with classes designed to provide a strong foundation in information management theory while also offering plenty of project building courses.

I found the curriculum challenging but manageable, especially with a disciplined approach.

Application Status for Each College:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): Admitted
New York University (NYU): Admitted
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Rejected
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Waitlisted
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): Rejected
University of Southern California (USC): Shortlisted (Admitted)
Confirmed Admissions:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
New York University (NYU)
University of Southern California (USC)
Colleges with Rejection:
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

I was rejected, probably because of the high number of applications and low acceptance rate to those universities. My limited work experience and SOP also might have contributed the rejects

UIUC has a great reputation for Information management along with a flexible curriculum that allowed me to choose courses that would suit my career goals. Many of my seniors from UIUC are currently working in high paying jobs.

I submitted my SOP, 3 LORs ,my TOEFL score and my resume during the application process along with their application form. Does not require giving the GRE test. minimum 100 on toefl
Biggest challenge was tailoring my resume and SOP for the specific college. The overall experience was quite good and easy

I applied for the Fall 2024 intake.
I submitted my complete application at the end of November. This included all required components such as transcripts,TOEFL scores, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
March 14, 2024: Acceptance Notification

I received the acceptance letter via email.
The entire process from submission to acceptance took roughly four months

The faculty at UIUC is one of the most significant strengths of the program. With a faculty-to-student ratio of roughly 1:20, there is opportunity for individual interaction, which enhances the learning experience.

The teaching methodologies are modern and dynamic, focusing on both lectures and interactive case studies. Faculty members ensure that the concepts are not only theoretically sound but are also presented in the context of their real-world applications.

Many classes involve team projects that simulate industry scenarios, ensuring that we develop both technical and interpersonal skills. This combination of theory and practice has certainly helped in preparing me for a career in information management.

Here are plenty of on-campus part-time opportunities at UIUC. Many students, especially international ones, look for Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), or Departmental Assistant (DA) positions. These roles are quite competitive, with about 20-30% of students securing them, depending on the program and department. The pay range for these positions varies from $15 to $20 per hour and sometimes comes with tuition waivers.

On-campus jobs include working in the library, dining services, student centers, or administrative offices. The usual hourly wage for these roles is between $13 to $15. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during regular semesters. Finding on-campus part-time work can be moderately challenging, as demand is high, but persistence and networking can help.

Off-campus part-time jobs for international students are limited, due to visa restrictions. However, some students find opportunities related to their field, like internships, after their first academic year. Most Indian students prefer on-campus jobs for convenience, and many take up roles in dining halls or as TAs. The typical process for applying to part-time jobs involves searching for openings on the university's online job portal, preparing resumes, and attending interviews. Networking with professors and senior students also helps in securing positions.

Post-graduation, job opportunities are abundant, with most students securing employment within six months of graduation. Around 85-90% of the graduating batch finds a job within this timeframe. The average salary range for graduates from the MSIM program is between $75,000 to $100,000 annually.

Students usually find jobs through campus recruitment, internships, networking, or online job portals like LinkedIn and Handshake. Internships during the program often lead to full-time roles. Campus career fairs and networking events are also valuable for making connections with recruiters.

In the previous batch, many have found placements in companies like Amazon, Deloitte, PwC, Microsoft, and Accenture, with roles in data analysis, project management, and information systems consulting. These major companies often visit campus and look for graduates with strong analytical and technical skills.

Found accommodation online, there are several real estate agents website to search from to get a good house here in Urbana Champaign

Monthly rent is 500$. including wifi and electricity cap of 110

Biggest challenge was to trust the condition of the house and signing the lease without looking at it in person.

To future students: Look for accommodations as soon as you get your acceptance

My house is 11 mins walk from my campus. Most Indians stay here

Toefl or Ielts or duo lingo are required for international students.

According to the program website, the GRE was optional and not required, so I decided not to send my GRE scores. The decision to make GRE scores optional made the process more flexible and accessible for me.required docs include: Statement of Purpose (SOP), 3 letters of recommendation, Résumé/CV, Transcripts:

No interview

yearly fees: $27,530
fees are charged per semester
Monthly expenses: 750 dollars

Full breakdown
Tuit Lib Info Sciences $263.00
Tuition Grad Non Resident $6,476.00
Tuition Graduate $7,026.00
UIUC Student Insurance $1,051.00
UIUC Health Service Fee $251.00
Library/Information Tech Fee $244.00
UIUC Transportation $68.00
UIUC Service Fee $337.00
International Student Fee $76.00
Student Initiated Fees - Grad $73.00
UIUC General Fee $313.00
Acad Facility Maint Fund Assmt $360.00

The iSchool offers a small number of recruitment scholarships distributed among incoming MS in Library and Information Science (online and on-campus) and MS in Information Management programs (online and on-campus) during their first semester.

I have not received this scholarship, but it is approximately 6000 dollars reduced on the tuition fees.