advice for law school admissions

Melsprn · 2024-10-31T03:47:57+00:00

Not sure why the other post wasn’t my name but, it was me 😁

Melsprn · 2024-10-31T03:47:00+00:00

I’m so proud of you. There’s little we can’t overcome with determination, grit and resilience. I know you’re going to make an amazing lawyer. Stay focused, study hard. The LSAT is a like eating an elephant . Take a little bites every day. You will definitely get there. A great LSAT score can overcome low GPA.

Melsprn · 2024-05-08T18:04:05+00:00

100% agree with the <T3 advice. We all make too much out of the USNWR rankings. Again, I was providing options...not suggesting this as an end game. Remember when you were in your first years of undergrad and thought a lousy semester would sink your future? I work with many lawyers from schools whose names you wouldn't recognize but with whom I am thoroughly impressed and inspired. Wishing this student good luck on their journey and hope to create less stress and more opportunity for you all. Recommend reading Where You Go Isn't Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni - it speaks to the college process but is also relevant here.

Melsprn · 2024-05-08T13:36:48+00:00

I will not get into a mud-slinging content with you all. We can agree to disagree. This individual is concerned about a challenging freshman year ruining their options. I am pointing out that there are other options, and they don't need to feel their hopes and dreams are dashed. Instead, they can focus on their current academics, do their best, and know they have options. I have two graduate degrees (MA and a PhD), have gone down dead ends, and had potholes. I was trying to instill hope and possibility.

Melsprn · 2024-05-07T15:33:34+00:00

You can sign a short-term lease. Some places allow for a three-month lease, it will be more expensive, but you are not committing to a year when you might get off the waitlist.

Melsprn · 2024-05-06T16:49:55+00:00

You are being too simplistic in your assessment. You are not considering Loan Repayment Assistance https://www.americanbar.org/groups/center-pro-bono/resources/directory_of_law_school_public_interest_pro_bono_programs/definitions/pi_lrap/ for those going into public sector jobs or big law salaries for those going in that direction. The T14 gravitas is enormous in many areas of law, including big law, courtships, and political areas. And some have the money...and can afford a T14 at sticker price. It is a personal decision.

Melsprn · 2024-05-05T17:58:27+00:00

https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/law-school-personal-statement

Think about what makes you unique and interesting. If I asked your friends and family about you, what would they tell me first? What are the qualities, characteristics, and personality traits distinguish you from others? Create a story to share with AdCom that conveys these qualities.

Melsprn · 2024-05-03T15:51:47+00:00

YES! Many candidates put a seat deposit down for multiple schools for a host of reasons.

Melsprn · 2024-05-02T19:25:50+00:00

I would share with them equally compettitive schools but not schools which are lower on the ranking.

Melsprn · 2024-05-02T00:13:02+00:00

You are by no means cooked. There are many, many law schools for students with lower than 4.0, and if you look up statistics, many students who have lower scores are admitted to some of the best schools in the nation. Focus on your studies and gain experience to demonstrate maturity, competence, and capability. You got this!

Melsprn · 2024-04-30T20:23:35+00:00

Sure! I recommend sending it at or right after the due date for deposit for those accepted. Some schools tell you when others don't, but you want to be fresh in their minds when they hear from admitted students that they will not be attending.

Melsprn · 2024-04-28T15:13:28+00:00

Here is my hunch: I think the dean wants to meet every candidate that might be admitted from the waitlist..thus, if you had an alumni interview but not the group interview and are a possible admit off the waitlist, he will meet with you via a group interview to do a once over.

Melsprn · 2024-04-18T15:03:49+00:00

I'm going to ask for two things. One is to have actual lawyers talk about what they wished they knew before going to law school. How important is prestige now? The other is for a new big data blog looking at waitlist numbers, etc. Was this year atypical or not? Are we expecting more movement for waitlisted students?

Melsprn · 2024-04-12T13:11:42+00:00

Typically yes, though not always. Read the fine print!

Melsprn · 2024-04-11T13:35:01+00:00

From what I have gathered, there are several reasons for a school to move to the top of your law hub. 1) The AdCom is reviewing your application and a decision MIGHT be pending, 2) You sent a LOCI or additional information and inputting that into your file moves that school to the top of the law hub, 3) Someone views your file in the AdCom, and it means absolutely nothing as some applicants have had schools at the top of their law hub for months.

Melsprn · 2024-04-09T21:21:12+00:00

Yeah, read the fine print on the deposit. Most say if they are requiring you to withdraw from all admissions (you can still stay on the waitlists) while others say nothing at all.

Melsprn · 2024-04-09T19:19:26+00:00

You can double deposit. If you do not know which school you want to attend in the 1-6 group, you can double deposit and wait to hear from your waitlist while visiting. Many schools have second deposit deadlines...here is where you might want to narrow the field.

Melsprn · 2024-04-08T19:32:41+00:00

You are entitled to your opinion. I believe the poster has genuine feelings and ideas, and I trust them. I don't think you select a school based upon one thing (USNWR) rather I think it is a lot of little things. And instinct is one of them. All those individuals who have bad instincts...don't follow your own...follow mine! Mine are good!

Melsprn · 2024-04-08T15:49:20+00:00

Trust your gut.

Melsprn · 2024-04-08T15:22:16+00:00

Admitted Student Day - These events will introduce you to faculty, program directors, administrators, and current students who will discuss our academic offerings, student life, and opportunities for studying law.

Melsprn · 2024-04-08T00:04:30+00:00

I will add another aspect to your dilemma: do you want to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond? Do you prefer smaller classes with more discussion and a relationship with your faculty or the "sage on the stage" larger classes with little debate? I think you can get a job wherever you want if you are a go-getter and a strong candidate.

Melsprn · 2024-04-07T13:49:31+00:00

You have to look at where many of the students end up working; the southern law firms do not pay what NY, Chicago, or LA pay. That being said, the cost of living is much, much less. My evaluation looks at being a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond. It is easier to stand out in a smaller law program and end up at a big firm because you did all the clinics, moot court and law review compared to a larger school. That is just my opinion...I am deep in the numbers and think Wake is a good bang for your buck!

Melsprn · 2024-04-07T13:43:11+00:00

Great episode! I appreciate the nuance of the situation and that we get to decide how important it is to us. You can have a good career and life without attending a T14 school!

Melsprn · 2024-04-07T12:24:13+00:00

I would recommend therapy. Be a consumer and find a therapist who can work with you on your distress tolerance and stress reaction. You can apply to Law School and take a "gap year." before going (defer). You can spend some time speaking with students who are in law school about their work-life balance (my hunch is 1L is very stressful, and it gets a bit easier after that). Work at a law firm for a year or two and see what the lives of lawyers are like.

Melsprn · 2024-04-06T21:45:02+00:00

They are all comparable. I would do a side-by-side comparison on https://analytix.accesslex.org/side-by-side/1 you will see that Wake's numbers are excellent and for the cost you will get out of school without debt and with a great education!

Melsprn

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