I received the link for the Gies Honors/Scholarship Application and did not realize there was both a written and interview portion! I am nervous for the interview and was wondering if anyone who has already completed it could share what it was like or if past students had any tips? Are there any questions I should prepare for? Thank you!
I have the same question… have anyone done interview?
Can you only apply for Gies Honors then if you applied and were accepted early action? It does state on general website that all applicants will be considered. My son has just recently applied regular decision so I’m wondering if its too late for him to be considered for honors?
I think the most merit scholarships leave room for RD applicants as well. So they should be considered later I assume. If you want to be sure, send an email to bushonors@illinois.edu. By the way, the EA applicant decision for the business honors will be notified by email this Friday afternoon. Best of luck to all.
Ahhh yes good luck to everyone!
Does anyone know exactly what time Gies Honors decisions will be published tomorrow?
Hi! I saw this thread and thought I’d share my family’s experience. Business Honors is wonderful, especially from a scholarship perspective. However, take comfort if you don’t get selected. You can still have a great experience in Gies.
I have 2 Gies kids…one has graduated and works for a Big 3 consulting firm in Chicago; the other graduates in May and has a post-graduation financial consulting job lined up, also in Chicago.
One is a Chancellor’s Scholar. Both are James Scholars. Both have received other scholarships through the years. Both have enjoyed Gies and their various experiences at UIUC. And both were not in Business Honors.
There are a lot of opportunities on campus. Different people will succeed with different paths. If you make Business Honors, that’s great. If you don’t…disappointment is natural…but remember it isn’t the only way to distinguish yourself and reach the goals you set for yourself. Being resilient will serve you well. Good luck!
All I heard was Friday afternoon… keeping my fingers crossed @Ngp2000
Thank you thank you for sharing this!! @88jm19
I got into the Gies Honors program!
I got James Scholar! Obviously I wanted to get into the Gies Honors program, but I am still super pumped about being named a James Scholar!
My daughter has been offered a spot. We are greatful.
@88jm19. Thanks for sharing. It looks like your children had a great experience at Gies. Can you share more detail including their majors? Did your children do any summer interns and if yes, how helpful was the career center or faculty? And How is Gies’ reputation in Chicago, and how good is its alumni network?
I got two different emails yesterday and am confused… one welcoming me to the Gies James Scholar Honors Program and then a second one saying “we also wanted to inform you that you are one of a select group of James Scholars that are still under consideration for the Business Honors Program” what does this mean? Any clarification would be much appreciated!
@bds61821, D17 double majored in Finance and Supply Chain Management. She did two summer internships…one in the Chicago area, the other out of state.
S19 is double majoring in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Technology and Management. He did two summer internships in Chicago.
As for how helpful BCS (Business Career Services) was, I can’t say with certainty. BCS has a great reputation, but I know some, if not a lot, of their interview preparedness can be attributed to their business frat involvement. Being involved in recruitment and holding leadership positions was an invaluable part of their personal and professional growth. Firsthand experience of selective recruitment followed by mentoring was very beneficial to them…and more importantly they have really enjoyed it. They’ve made not only good connections, but very good friends.
When it comes to faculty, I’m embarrassed to say I could only name maybe two for each of my kids. Both shared less about classes than they did about their out of class activities when we would talk or text about school.
UIUC has an excellent reputation in Chicago, which is probably a result of two things - a lot of students are from the Chicago area and companies like UIUC (U of I) graduates. I also feel Gies kids benefit from the strength of our College of Engineering. It not only helps to draw companies to campus, it expands the employment/reputation opportunities in general.
The alumni network is difficult to gauge since my older child has only been out of school since 2017. I would think having so many friends working in and around Chicago that it’s excellent. With social media and texting, staying in touch is so much easier now. As with many things, I believe the ‘network’ is there if you seek it…if you are passive, then maybe not.
Gies has a lot going for it. The fit was very good for my kids. If you have any other questions feel free to ask…and congratulations to your daughter!
@elisabeth7, I would guess that you’re in a select group, where if people who were extended a Business Honors spot decline their admission, you may be extended a spot in the Business Honors Program. I’m just a parent, but it sounds like you’re on a select waitlist for the BHP.
Congrats on making James Scholar!
@88jm19 thank you for sharing again. Your kids seem very outgoing and proactive. Both are great characteristics to enjoy college experience.
@elisabeth7 If I we’re you, I would send an email to bushonors@illinois.edu.
@bds61821, you’re welcome. My kids are proactive and in some ways, they’re outgoing. However I think they are both introverts on the Myers- Briggs test…lol. College has really helped them become more self-confident individuals.
D19 got James scholar and was mentioned that there would be $2000 scholarship. However, one today’s released reward letter, nowhere mentioned $2000 scholarship. Is it normal?
@canex I was also named a James Scholar and my financial aid letter did not mention it either. I plan on calling Monday and asking about it.
Has anyone heard from the Golder Academy program? Applications were due in February, and interviews were to be scheduled later.