Saturday, January 28, 2023

Firestarter 2023

You've worked hard, applied early, and been admitted — what's next?

Join us for Firestarter — our kick-off admitted student event that covers essential college how-tos. At Firestarter, UIC’s best and brightest will be on hand to offer college-going wisdom and answer important questions that are probably on your mind:

  • How will my family and I pay for college? 
  • What should I pack if I’m living on campus?
  • Who can help me along the way? 

And for the important things that you might not be thinking of, we’ve got you covered. We’ll have student breakout sessions that touch on avoiding mistakes that first-year students commonly make, how a culturally diverse campus can impact your college experience, and how college life at UIC is different. 

Admitted students may register through your application status portal. 

Application status portal (requires login)  

Requires login.

2023 agenda:

Time Session Details
8:30 - 9 a.m.  Check-in Collect check-in materials. Be one of the first 100 students to arrive and receive an autographed copy of The Naked Roommate And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into In College
9 – 10 a.m. Opening session
Welcome Remarks and Opening Session
10:05 – 11 a.m. Student and parent breakouts At registration choose your breakout session (see descriptions below). 
11:05-11:30 a.m. Closing session Closing Remarks and Next Steps
11:35 a.m. – 1 p.m. Optional sessions UIC Expo: Meet with people from UIC undergraduate colleges and programs
Residence Hall Tours
Campus Tours

Student breakout session descriptions

Topic: I’m First!
More than a third of UIC undergraduates are the first in their family to attend college. Meet current trailblazing first-generation students.

Topic: Young Alums College Aftermath
Learn how UIC grads have optimized campus resources to secure their seats in grad schools, work in public service, jumpstart their careers, and more.

Topic: Uniquely UIC
Listen to student leaders and organizations talk about UIC diversity and community. Navigate opportunities and resources that make the UIC experience a transformative one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take placement tests?

Once you complete your placement test, you will be eligible to register for a summer Orientation program. Starting in February, students will be prompted to take placement exams in the my.uic.edu portal. Completing these tests help guide your first semester courses. Check out our Placement Test preparation video!

When should I expect my financial aid notification letter?

New students to UIC who submit a FAFSA or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (RISE Act, 2019) by UIC’s Feb 15th priority deadline can expect to receive a Financial aid notification in March. 
 
For any additional questions about funding and support for undocumented students, please contact Tanya Cabrera, AVC for Student Inclusion at tcabrera@uic.edu (312) 355.0011 or visit DREAM.UIC.EDU.

How do scholarships work at UIC?

Scholarships are one of several forms of assistance that may be offered to applicants as part of their financial award. Scholarships may be included in the award package, or may come independently from different sources (the Honors College, a particular college or department, or outside organization, etc.). There is not a schedule that determines when these awards are announced. Generally, most scholarship notifications will be sent in the admission letter or in the financial aid award notification by early March.  See the Office of Financial Aid for more information.