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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to some of the questions asked most frequently by prospective students. If you have any additional ones, please feel free to call or email Valerie Youngen at (217) 333-0734 or -vyoungen, at uiuc.edu-

Filling out the Letter of Reference Form

Program Codes

See the Graduate College Program Code Listing (a PDF file) or simply use one of the following:

• MS on campus - 10KS0370MS
• LEEP online option - 10KS0370MSU
• MS flex time - 10KS0370MS (see below note**)
• Combined MS/K-12 Media Specialist Program - 10KS0370MS
• MS in Bioinformatics with a LIS concentration - 10KS5098MS
• Certificate of Advanced Studies (students that already have a MS in LIS) 10KS0370CAS
• Certificate of Advanced Studies (students that already have a MS in LIS) for the online LEEP option - 10KS0370CASU
• PHD program - 10KS0370PHD

If you are applying to the K–12 program to take courses online via LEEP, you need to apply for the LEEP program and put K–12 as the specialization. We do not have a separate program code for that yet.

**Flex-time-(part time students) since this is the same code as the regular MS on campus, please write the word "Flex time" in the Proposed Program line so we can still track our part time students.

Proposed Program

Use the names listed in the above program codes list: MS on campus, LEEP online, MS flex time, etc.

Field of Specialization

Most applicants do not know what area of interest they wish to pursue. This is quite normal. If you do know (e.g., academic libraries, digital libraries, etc.), then you can put it down. Feel free to leave it blank. However, if you are applying to the K–12 Media Specialization or are interested in the Media Endorsement; Bioinformatics; or Community Informatics Corps; then you should write this on the field of specialization line.

Financial Aid Preference

You can leave this blank as it does not pertain to our department. All applicants are considered for any scholarships/fellowships that we may have. Most are merit based and not financial aid need. Once admitted to the school, then you can start the process of applying for an assistantship. Details of this process will be included in your admission letter.

How many letters of reference do I need to send in?

We require letters of reference from three people, at least one of which should be from an academic professor. If you have been out of school for more than five years and are unable to get one from a former professor, you may substitute it with another professional one. With the new application, the referees can actually submit their letter electronically. However, if they wish to send in a paper copy, please mail it to: Admissions at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science.

Do I have to take the Graduate Records Exam (GRE)?

The GRE test is only required if an applicant's GPA is below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or “B” average. We calculate GPA using the applicant's last two years as an undergraduate. If the applicant has taken any graduate level work or has a higher degree, then we average that GPA with the undergraduate one. If the average is a 3.0 or above, then the GRE is not required. Also, if an applicant has a JD or a PhD degree they would be exempt from the GRE requirement.

You can find out more information on the GRE test at the Educational Testing Service Web site.

How can I check my application once it has been submitted?

You can go back into your application to see if your letters of reference have been submitted, or you can email: -lis-apply, at uiuc.edu- and ask for the status of your file.

I have a change of address, email address and have already submitted my application.

It is very important that you keep our department aware of any address or email change. That is the form of communication that is generally used by our office. Please go into your application and change this address. Also, email any changes to -lis-apply, at uiuc.edu-.

Transcripts

Transcripts should come directly from the University in a sealed envelope. For women whose last name may be different than what is listed on the transcript, please instruct the registrar's office to note the new name on the transcript.

Where do I have transcripts sent?

Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Attention: Admission Office
501 East Daniel Street
Champaign, IL 61820-6211

Declaration of Finance and Verification Form

All international applicants must submit these two forms before they can be officially admitted by the University.

Basic Skills Test

For those applicants applying to the Combined MS/K–12 Media Specialist Program, you must pass the Basic Skills test before you can be officially admitted to the K–12 program. This admission is a two-step process. You have to be admitted by the Admission Committee to the MS program. Once admitted, your file is given to the K–12 Committee for review. If they admit you then paperwork has to be sent to the Council of Teachers Education (CTE). The paperwork cannot be sent until the Basic Skills test has been passed for Illinois residents. For out-of-state residents, a petition is sent to conditionally admit you but you would be required to pass the Basic Skills test that first semester on campus.

For information on the testing dates and other valuable information see the Certification Information page on CTE's website.

General Information

The applicant's complete file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which evaluates the applicant's background, qualifications, and potential as a whole. Only complete application files will be reviewed, and no credentials will be returned to the applicant.

All application materials become the property of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and no item will be returned to the applicant.

Admitted students may defer their enrollment for a maximum of one year and admitted files will be kept for one year after date of admission. Thereafter, he/she must reapply.

GSLIS welcomes students from all backgrounds. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prohibits discrimination based on such characteristics as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or veteran status.