Why does everyone hate American University so much? Forum

[ManoftheHour]

If you go to American, you've gone full retard.

[runinthefront]

.

[The Dark Shepard]

Somehow I got waitlisted here with a 167/3.3

[sighsigh]

I think another reason is they let their median LSAT plummet so they could still have a large class, even when most of their grads aren't getting jobs. The true mark of a TTT.

*cough* GWU.

[banjo]

In addition to everything else (int'l law marketing, cost, placement), I think "American" is a stupid name.

[Pragmatic Gun]

I'm definitely considering just retaking and maybe getting an MS in the meantime. Yes, NIST does hire JD (I check usajobs.gov almost daily looking at the jobs I hope to get) and they go up to GS-15 (~$149k). I honestly do appreciate all of the clear answers. I wasn't trying to be an ass when I questioned the statistics - I'm a research oriented student of science, I like to see the evidence and source. Without a doubt I am reevaluating my options now.

So you have a science background? Consider IP law at GW. Although mind you, I'm heading there and even the employment prospects make me nervous. Just retake. If you score higher you will have a lot more options opened up.

[cricketlove00]

I applied because I had an app fee waiver. I was well over both medians and they have me $10,000 a year to attend law school hell. So there you go.

[InTheHouse]

I'm definitely considering just retaking and maybe getting an MS in the meantime. Yes, NIST does hire JD (I check usajobs.gov almost daily looking at the jobs I hope to get) and they go up to GS-15 (~$149k). I honestly do appreciate all of the clear answers. I wasn't trying to be an ass when I questioned the statistics - I'm a research oriented student of science, I like to see the evidence and source. Without a doubt I am reevaluating my options now.

Dude, if you're really serious about shooting for jobs that open up once every 3-4 years at the intersection of science and law, get some work experience at university/government technology licensing offices instead of getting the MS (autm.net). You don't need an MS to land these jobs.

[TheSpanishMain]

jobs that open up once every 3-4 years at the intersection of science and law.

Yup. Anyone who wants to work in federal government, especially in a very specific capacity, needs to be aware that government hiring in most areas is a trickle because of budgets. You may be qualified and they may want to hire you, but if there's no money in the budget to fill/create a vacancy, you're hosed.

OP, you'd be much better off trying to get a job in one of those agencies and studying for an LSAT retake. It's way easier to move around in government once you're in the system, and if you're in the DC area there's always GULC/GW part time.

[timbs4339]

Somehow I got waitlisted here with a 167/3.3

They YP like a mother too.

OP, it's hard to look at this:

All of you seem to have the same theme that the employment stats are "lies" or faked in some way. Could you provide any evidence/info on this? I'm really down to the wire now choosing between there and UMaryland. End goal is to work for Gov/Sci (NIST/FDA/ETC) in DC/MD area (not baltimore)

in the same thread as this:

Honest question. I keep going over their ABA employment reports for the last couple years and they seem on par with the rest of the 35-50 schools. Yet I am hearing nothing but hate and "STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS". I really don't understand. Just looking for a serious explanation here by someone who actually has some authority over the subject (practicing attorney, recruiter, alumni) and preferably not looking to hear from any other 0Ls or t14 prestige chasers.

You need to understand that you cannot trust American or any other law school. You think you can because you've been raised in America with everyone from your mom to Obama telling you that institutions of higher education (especially PRIVATE SCHOOLS) are genteel respectable organizations that have your best interests at heart. That's wrong. They are desperate to sell you. Ever seen Glengarry Glen Ross? It's like that right now. You are a walking student loan conduit.

Law schools haven't behaved very well in response to the crisis, but American is one of the worst offenders. They've increased class size, cut back on scholarships, and let admissions standards fall to get the asses in seats. IMO everything they say should be taken with a mountain of salt.

[Pragmatic Gun]

Somehow I got waitlisted here with a 167/3.3

They YP like a mother too.

OP, it's hard to look at this:

All of you seem to have the same theme that the employment stats are "lies" or faked in some way. Could you provide any evidence/info on this? I'm really down to the wire now choosing between there and UMaryland. End goal is to work for Gov/Sci (NIST/FDA/ETC) in DC/MD area (not baltimore)

in the same thread as this:

Honest question. I keep going over their ABA employment reports for the last couple years and they seem on par with the rest of the 35-50 schools. Yet I am hearing nothing but hate and "STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS". I really don't understand. Just looking for a serious explanation here by someone who actually has some authority over the subject (practicing attorney, recruiter, alumni) and preferably not looking to hear from any other 0Ls or t14 prestige chasers.

You need to understand that you cannot trust American or any other law school. You think you can because you've been raised in America with everyone from your mom to Obama telling you that institutions of higher education (especially PRIVATE SCHOOLS) are genteel respectable organizations that have your best interests at heart. That's wrong. They are desperate to sell you. Ever seen Glengarry Glen Ross? It's like that right now. You are a walking student loan conduit.

Law schools haven't behaved very well in response to the crisis, but American is one of the worst offenders. They've increased class size, cut back on scholarships, and let admissions standards fall to get the asses in seats. IMO everything they say should be taken with a mountain of salt.

OP, this is the CR. I thought about applying to American too, but at the last minute decided they weren't ranked high enough (silly calculation).

A simple rule-of-thumb for higher education is to avoid paying full price unless the school can offer a good chance of the outcome you want.

[TheSpanishMain]

.

A simple rule-of-thumb for higher education is to avoid paying full price unless the school can offer a good chance of the outcome you want.

I'd actually argue that it's more like "avoid paying full price in virtually all circumstances" given that the average sticker price is now like 250k.

[Pragmatic Gun]

.

A simple rule-of-thumb for higher education is to avoid paying full price unless the school can offer a good chance of the outcome you want.

I'd actually argue that it's more like "avoid paying full price in virtually all circumstances" given that the average sticker price is now like 250k.

Some people can stomach that kind of risk more so than others, especially if they really, really want a JD. I will upgrade my phrasing to "almost perfect guarantee".

[jingosaur]

Their employment statistics are so bad that their law revue sings about how hard it is to find a job:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2k4y1dyTwA

[rad lulz]

.

[Nucky]

I'm definitely considering just retaking and maybe getting an MS in the meantime. Yes, NIST does hire JD (I check usajobs.gov almost daily looking at the jobs I hope to get) and they go up to GS-15 (~$149k). I honestly do appreciate all of the clear answers. I wasn't trying to be an ass when I questioned the statistics - I'm a research oriented student of science, I like to see the evidence and source. Without a doubt I am reevaluating my options now.

Lol...

One who apparently can't do his own research despite the mountain of available information, and advice from a number of fellow posters. The answers you seek are right in front of you. I feel like you're reading this thread with the same facial expression as your avatar.

[AntipodeanPhil]

I don't know where this comes from, but it is both wonderful and hilarious.

[jbagelboy]

Somehow I got waitlisted here with a 167/3.3

They YP like a mother too.

OP, it's hard to look at this:

All of you seem to have the same theme that the employment stats are "lies" or faked in some way. Could you provide any evidence/info on this? I'm really down to the wire now choosing between there and UMaryland. End goal is to work for Gov/Sci (NIST/FDA/ETC) in DC/MD area (not baltimore)

in the same thread as this:

Honest question. I keep going over their ABA employment reports for the last couple years and they seem on par with the rest of the 35-50 schools. Yet I am hearing nothing but hate and "STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS". I really don't understand. Just looking for a serious explanation here by someone who actually has some authority over the subject (practicing attorney, recruiter, alumni) and preferably not looking to hear from any other 0Ls or t14 prestige chasers.

You need to understand that you cannot trust American or any other law school. You think you can because you've been raised in America with everyone from your mom to Obama telling you that institutions of higher education (especially PRIVATE SCHOOLS) are genteel respectable organizations that have your best interests at heart. That's wrong. They are desperate to sell you. Ever seen Glengarry Glen Ross? It's like that right now. You are a walking student loan conduit.

Law schools haven't behaved very well in response to the crisis, but American is one of the worst offenders. They've increased class size, cut back on scholarships, and let admissions standards fall to get the asses in seats. IMO everything they say should be taken with a mountain of salt.

love that movie. pacino is a god

[sd5289]

Somehow I got waitlisted here with a 167/3.3

I was waitlisted by them too (similar stats, but my GPA was a tiny bit higher). Right around the same time BU, BC, Fordham, et al. opened their doors.

That was a very much a "wut?' moment.

ETA: that was during the 2011-12 cycle.