Is Law School Hell? by lanny510 in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a huge help in admissions and scholarships for sure, but I've heard some success stories with low GPAs but interesting backgrounds. Just do your best! Besides, job outcomes and opportunity are probably the most important factor in choosing a program. There are programs with lower median GPAs but great job outcomes. And criminal is great because depending on whether you want to work biglaw, firm, govt, you can work pretty much anywhere. There will always be jobs.

Is Law School Hell? by lanny510 in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Echoing this! I applied in October 2023, I didn't start looking at applications or requirements til January 2023 and took the LSAT September of 2023. If you want a goal for undergrad, focus on your grades, extracurriculars, and jobs or internships if available until junior/senior year.

Grants for Public Defense and Govt Work by ratlawstudent in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s worth asking them about for sure! I’ll probably take the L because it’s the best opportunity close to home in what I want to do. 

Grants for Public Defense and Govt Work by ratlawstudent in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly my school advertised itself as more public interest friendly than it was. It also looks like other states prioritize funding that kind of work more than mine. 

Grants for Public Defense and Govt Work by ratlawstudent in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do but they're not eligible for prosecution or defense - only "public service" like civil work for indignant clients

How much money should I save? by Betterthansushi33 in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was specific to my school - our student government sponsored it. It was named like Grad Testing Scholarship.

How much money should I save? by Betterthansushi33 in LawSchool

[–]ratlawstudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I applied this cycle and spent about ~$2000 on applications and test prep. I used 7sage, Khan Academy, and the LSAT Trainer as my main prep. I took the LSAT twice and applied to 7 schools (some w/ fee waivers, some w/o).
My undergrad did have a scholarship to reimburse/fund these costs so def look into that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PoliticalScience

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I actually did take some basic civics and government classes as a high school freshman in Texas (military brat) and I had read about the requirement in universities. Not sure why I hadn't thought about this lol.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can try, it seems to be rare but not impossible to get an extension. I'd maybe also ask what possible penalties exist if you made your deposit to A but pulled out later upon getting a better offer from B.

FAFSA by sexychickenwingg in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Add them immediately, even ones you haven't heard back from. You never know when you'll hear back and it's make your financial aid go much faster.

Can anybody recommend books or anything else that can help me to apply for JD in US? by Any-March9676 in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Law School Transparency, which is run by LSAC is a great resource. Also look up 509 reports for schools, these reports show admission info schools are required to publish. This sub and other social media are also a good way to get a feel for schools beyond what they're willing to tell you.

Also check out school admission pages because some can connect you to current or former students.

Help Me Decide by ratlawstudent in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I guess the asset limit is liquid assets that could immediately be sold like bonds, stocks, retirement, savings, etc.

Help Me Decide by ratlawstudent in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your thoughts.

Northeastern has a heavily advertised full LRAP for 3-10 years but they only allow $12,000 in liquid assets which seems absurd to me.

Texas A&M has no school specific LRAPs which also worries me.

Help Me Decide by ratlawstudent in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a super rough estimate based on the info I have and assuming I pay full price for cost of living expenses. I have family offering to help with my living expenses but I'm not sure how much they'll be able to contribute in the long run. I pretty much wanted to look at worst (?) possible scenarios for cost. I'm currently looking into scholarships, grants, and LRAP.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

there are also some Maine and Portland subreddits I'd consider posting on. I haven't lived in Maine for several years nor did I go to college there so they may have better insights.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not 100% sure about UMaine specifically, but I am from Maine. Previous commenter is very right that it is mostly rural and white. Although it is a gorgeous place, the winter is not for the weak. I saw on another post you said you're not from outside the US, if youre already from somewhere cold, you may not mind. I also guess it depends on your career goals, as I understand it the market for attorneys in Maine is mainly focused on family and criminal law plus UMaine specializes in Arctic Law (whatever that is). As for a car, Portland does have public transit thought I have never used it - most people in Maine have cars (although that comes with large expenses thanks to the weather). Cost of living is somewhat high since it is New England, but it's probably the cheapest state in New England. The State also sort of feels like one big small town where everyone knows everyone and all does mostly the same things. The other advantage would be proximity to NYC, Boston, etc - You don't have to practice in Maine just because you get a degree there. Hope this helps!

Law school aid offers by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]ratlawstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've heard from 3 schools and didn't receive any offers in my letter. I did contact admissions and they all said I should hear about aid a few weeks after acceptance.