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Question about reapplying next year... all help appreciated.

Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 6:41 am
by unbrokenchain
I got offers of 20k a year to Kent and 15k a year at DePaul but have decided to take a year, work, try to get my lsat score up, and get into U of Illinois (I was rejected this year with my 161 lsat). I have three questions...

1. Since I'm going to end up not taking either of their offers... if I work, and get an equal or more likely at least a bit better, if not much better lsat, and reapply... will they (Kent and DePaul) probably let me in with the same or more money? or are law schools vindictive and they'd be all "no, you should have taken the money the first time, go fuck yourself!" ?

2. I was considering applying early decision to U of I because it's definitely where I want to go and realistically the best I school I could make my way in to... but does Early Decision REALLY increase my chances of admission? If so how much? And most importantly... does applying early decision pretty much exclude me from financial aid because they know they have me?

3. When reapplying next year, do I have to get all new letters of recommendation and write a totally new personal statement?

Re: Question about reapplying next year... all help appreciated.

Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 1:11 pm
by yeff
I didn't apply anywhere ED, but my impression is:

1. No
2. a)Seems yes b)variable by school, don't know for illinois c)see b
3. LOR - no, but wouldn't hurt to get a new one from your employer PS - yeah a new one is a good idea.

Re: Question about reapplying next year... all help appreciated.

Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 3:22 pm
by YCrevolution
..

Re: Question about reapplying next year... all help appreciated.

Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 4:27 pm
by PlugInBaby
Seems like a carbon copy of my situation this year....same schools...a little more money...same LSAT score...different target school.

1. From what I have read signs point positive about getting admission to the same school which you have turned down the first time. Applicants applying in consecutive cycles do these things quite commonly I gather.

2. ED does help....as for financial aid and/or merit scholarships..you still can get them...but I gather you are at the mercy of the school once you are locked down in the ED admit.

3. Keep the LORs...but a new personal statement is wholeheartedly recommended.

I think most importantly however is to really bring up that LSAT score. Get those bibles and practice practice practice! I have studied for over a month and am taking in June. 161 was my first score...but now i consistently test in the 170s. You may surprise yourself....perhaps U of I may end up being a safety school.