Dean Pless,

Is the Waitlist ranked?

LOL. Come back in 7 to 10 years

Hi Paul,

Thanks for taking questions here. Today, I received an e-mail from you stating that my file had been reviewed a second time and that I am still being considered for admission. I was also directed to a "Waitlist Preference Survey". When I called the Admission Office, the representative told me that my file had not yet been reviewed for the second time and that the e-mail does not mean I am on the waitlist. However, one of the survey questions asks if I would like to remain on the waitlist. Therefore, I am confused. Could you clarify this situation? I'm sure there are others with similar questions.

If this is a preemptive waitlist decision, is there anything you suggest I do to distinguish myself (e.g. letter of continued interest, etc.)?

Thank you

Allyson,
Thanks for your questions. Once you make it to law school, there isn't a major. At Illinois your first year will be required courses and your next two years will be all electives. Con Law is a required first year class and there are many Con Law elective classes you can take. A person that specializes in Con Law can do a lot of different things. Criminal Law would be a big one, but there are others. Con Law is a required course at every law school.

Paul

Nope. I will review the class every few weeks and see what we are missing and then go to the Waitlist to fill in weak spots. I don't if every school does it this way, but I can't see why they wouldn't.

Obviously I didn't word my email correctly. Basically what I meant was you can opt to join the waitlist or withdraw your application. If you selected yes on the survey you are on the waitlist. Your status on the online status checker will change next week and I will send everyone an email with an update on the size of the waitlist and what the process will be going forward.

Past strong academic performance can go a long way to overcoming a lower LSAT score. Again, focus on your strengths. I have seen some people talk about their low ACT/SAT score and their strong undergraduate performance. That is fine, but is should be an addendum, not what your personal statement is about.

Pless,

Everything, so far, has seemed so definite- high lsat/low GPA can do alright and vice versa (this is also what seems to be the trend on LSN, grats coolkat!). What tends to happen to students that are dancing around median numbers (LSAT/GPA)? Do softs, LOR and the PS end up being the determining factor? When you are filling in at the end of a cycle do these students ever sneak their way in?

Good question and honestly, when both numbers are slightly below the median it makes it tougher. There aren't many of those spots available in a class and they tend to come very early or very late. Early when a file really just stands out and it is someone I really want for my class. Late when I like the file and I have my medians locked in. What makes it a file I really like is always about softs. Experience, incredible PS, something unique.

dean pless, i wanted to thank you for answering all our questions. this thread has been incredibly helpful, and your hardwork and emphasis on fostering an atmosphere at u of i that makes student happy to be there has shot the college up my list.

Thank you for giving me a glimmer of hope! I hope you enjoy my application.

Dean Pless,
Thanks for answering questions. I am have been admitted and received a scholarship (thanks!). Will you offer need based scholarships after receiving the FASFA information or will you just provide loans?

Our scholarships for 1L's are all merit based. There are some need based scholarships available to 2nd an 3rd year students.

Dean Pless,

I saw there was a recent question about scholarships and thought that I would ask another question on the topic. I did not receive a scholarship offer as I see some students did in their acceptance packets. My question then is whether there will be other offers coming, or if I will have to rely on loans my first year? I just would like to get my financial aid options together and would appreciate the information. Also, I am coming to UIUC for the Admitted Students day in March and look forward to meeting you and seeing the campus.

Dean Pless:

How high above the median LSAT/GPA do students typically have to be to receive a partial/full scholarship, and if they do, what are the terms of that scholarship (maintain certain GPA, etc)? Thank you

This is really an individual question. Email me and i will talk to you about it. Look forward to seeing you at the Open House.

Typically both numbers at the median goals will lead to significant scholarship. The thing to remember is looking at least years medians don't always let you know what the goals are for this year. And no, goals aren't something I will get specific on.

What's the breakdown of baseball fans?

Is it mostly cubs, then cards and white sox, or something different?



And I also have a question about taking college classes. I have a decent grip on spanish.. would it be possible to really become fluent by taking spanish classes at the undergrad? Does the law school allow this during 2L and 3L? And if so, do a lot of people do that?

Thanks for answering these questions. I applied on kind of a whim, but after seeing the school and reading about it here, it's currently number 1 on my list.

Dean Pless,

There has been a lot of talk this year, on message boards and a few reputable news outlets, about an increase in the number of grad school applicants due to the economy. Have you noticed an increase in either the total number of applicants or in the overall quality? What effect, if any, do you think the economic downturn has had on this year's application cycle? Thanks (even though you waitlisted me).

I actually would love to know this as well, but for ASL...

The smartest ones are all Cubs fans.

You can take undergrad classes, not for credit of course, but at no additional charge. A fair number of our students do this. I am glad we have moved up on your list.

Nationally applicants are down a bit, but applications are up. Illinois is currently up 1% from last year and last year was an all time high. The December LSAT administration was the highest in years, so I think we will start to see a trend up next year. It takes a while to start the law school application process and the bottom didn't really fall out until October.

What are the hours and days for a full time day 1L student? Is it possible to commute to Chicago on the weekends or throughout the week?

TITCR.

Pless,

Will next year be the year? What deals do you anticipate being made in the off season?

Oh my gosh! I have a "softs" twin out there somewhere! I thought I was unique

(Sorry I'm late to the party, but this is a great thread! Thanks Dean Pless!)