Law School Application Super Spreadsheet, 2012-2013 Forum

[facile princeps]

I was assured by a few threads on here that law schools no longer average LSAT scores. Interesting to see this. Thanks.

[Yardbird]

I was assured by a few threads on here that law schools no longer average LSAT scores. Interesting to see this. Thanks.

If you write a compelling addendum they will likely look at the higher score since that is what they have to report anyways. Some schools require an addendum if its a huge difference in scores (usually if it takes you out of your score band).

Ex: if your first LSAT was a 165 with a score band of 162-168 and your second LSAT was a 172 with a score band of 169-175, an addendum can be useful to find out why there was a huge increase. They aren't going to average a 165 and a 172, that's just silly (165=/=168.5 and a 172 =/=168.5, they are too statistically different). A 165 and a 166, however, would be more likely to be averaged (165.5 is not that statistically different from a 165 or 166).

[RSterling]

Since this is being discussed: I have a 166 and a cancel from Oct,Dec 2 years ago and got a 169 in June. When I got my 166 I was working full time and writing a thesis and simply didn't prep as well. What are y'alls thoughts on writing an addendum for that? 169 is on the far end of the band for a 166, but since there's been a good bit of time between the scores and I felt I was more prepared in June (though I did fall short a bit from my PT average). Addendum or no?

[Yardbird]

Since this is being discussed: I have a 166 and a cancel from Oct,Dec 2 years ago and got a 169 in June. When I got my 166 I was working full time and writing a thesis and simply didn't prep as well. What are y'alls thoughts on writing an addendum for that? 169 is on the far end of the band for a 166, but since there's been a good bit of time between the scores and I felt I was more prepared in June (though I did fall short a bit from my PT average). Addendum or no?

Very much getting off topic, but just write an addendum. You took it 2 years ago and things have changed (an it can't hurt for a 3 pt increase). PM me if you have follow up questions.

Let's try and stay on the topic of appreqs/fee waivers. Post updates for requirements if you note any changes and fee waivers (solicited or unsolicited). Any other concerns are off-topic.

[Jaytray]

Does anyone know if it might be advantageous to play dumb and email schools requesting a waiver when you know they only offer unsolicited ones to encourage them to include you in their next batch? Was thinking it might help if your numbers aren't super strong for their school (say, slightly above median) and you're thinking you might get overlooked. Most likely schools don't care though I guess.

[RSterling]

Does anyone know if it might be advantageous to play dumb and email schools requesting a waiver when you know they only offer unsolicited ones to encourage them to include you in their next batch? Was thinking it might help if your numbers aren't super strong for their school (say, slightly above median) and you're thinking you might get overlooked. Most likely schools don't care though I guess.

I plan on e-mailing and asking every school that I plan on applying to even if I know they don't offer unsolicited waivers.

FWIW, two cycles ago I e-mailed a school that didn't offer unsolicited fee waivers. Instead of getting an e-mail back from the admissions office I got the general fee-waiver e-mail that goes out.

[Yardbird]

Does anyone know if it might be advantageous to play dumb and email schools requesting a waiver when you know they only offer unsolicited ones to encourage them to include you in their next batch? Was thinking it might help if your numbers aren't super strong for their school (say, slightly above median) and you're thinking you might get overlooked. Most likely schools don't care though I guess.

I plan on e-mailing and asking every school that I plan on applying to even if I know they don't offer unsolicited waivers.

FWIW, two cycles ago I e-mailed a school that didn't offer unsolicited fee waivers. Instead of getting an e-mail back from the admissions office I got the general fee-waiver e-mail that goes out.

Most of the schools use an automated search feature for CRS and if they do unsolicited only, they won't include you in that search. If you got that email it was likely pure coincidence. I found out the unsolicited only stuff in the spreadsheet from emailing the schools I was interested in applying to (all of them but GW and Fordham have answered with a yes, no, or a wait and then email us).

[Yardbird]

Does anyone know if it might be advantageous to play dumb and email schools requesting a waiver when you know they only offer unsolicited ones to encourage them to include you in their next batch? Was thinking it might help if your numbers aren't super strong for their school (say, slightly above median) and you're thinking you might get overlooked. Most likely schools don't care though I guess.

I would not do this. Some schools specifically say on their websites that they do not offer solicited merit based fee waivers. It'll look like you didn't do your due diligence during research if you ask.

[Oreofan]

Did anyone get an unsolicited fee waiver form Michigan yet? Email? For those of you that emailed schools inquiring about a merit based fee waiver--what did you say in your email?

[DEO3029]

Wow. This is definitely really helpful and very much appreciated.

[Yardbird]

Did anyone get an unsolicited fee waiver form Michigan yet? Email? For those of you that emailed schools inquiring about a merit based fee waiver--what did you say in your email?

Unsoliciteds have gone out from Michigan. I had tried to solicit one before the wave and was told to wait until apps are available to submit. They said many of their waivers are hidden. If you don't receive one by the time you apply you can try soliciting then.

[Oreofan]

Did anyone get an unsolicited fee waiver form Michigan yet? Email? For those of you that emailed schools inquiring about a merit based fee waiver--what did you say in your email?

Unsoliciteds have gone out from Michigan. I had tried to solicit one before the wave and was told to wait until apps are available to submit. They said many of their waivers are hidden. If you don't receive one by the time you apply you can try soliciting then.

If you don't mind, what are your stats? Hoping for some fee waiver love from UMich.

[Yardbird]

Did anyone get an unsolicited fee waiver form Michigan yet? Email? For those of you that emailed schools inquiring about a merit based fee waiver--what did you say in your email?

Unsoliciteds have gone out from Michigan. I had tried to solicit one before the wave and was told to wait until apps are available to submit. They said many of their waivers are hidden. If you don't receive one by the time you apply you can try soliciting then.

If you don't mind, what are your stats? Hoping for some fee waiver love from UMich.

Low GPA High LSAT extreme splitter

[Yardbird]

UPDATE

~ Updated Penn's ED info to reflect the second round.

[LSP12]

I've received waivers from the following schools after sending admissions an email with my numbers soliciting a merit waiver...

Georgetown
Indiana (Bloomington)

Exchanged emails with the following schools and have not yet received waivers...

WashU - stated that waivers not sent out until applications open
Wisconsin - asked to resend request 2-3 weeks before submitting app

Edit to add unsolicited waivers
Rutgers (email)
Cincinnati (email)
Charlotte School of Law (email)
UPhoenix (email)
UArizona (email)
SMU (email and US mail))
Seton Hall (email)

[Yardbird]

I've received waivers from the following schools after sending admissions an email with my numbers soliciting a merit waiver...

Georgetown
Indiana (Bloomington)

Exchanged emails with the following schools and have not yet received waivers...

WashU - stated that waivers not sent out until applications open
Wisconsin - asked to resend request 2-3 weeks before submitting app

Edit to add unsolicited waivers
Rutgers (email)
Cincinnati (email)
Charlotte School of Law (email)
UPhoenix (email)
UArizona (email)
SMU (email and US mail))
Seton Hall (email)

Added Bloomington. The rest are already accounted for.

[TheThriller]

Lovin all this info!

[Yardbird]

Added William & Mary fee waiver (unsolicited)

[Rahviveh]

Added William & Mary fee waiver (unsolicited)

Got the same.

I've been able to solicit fee waivers from

Georgetown
UVA
WUSTL

[crossingfingers]

I think I recall you mentioning having been encouraged by a few schools to email again closer to app. release dates. Those schools might be worth mentioning (if not added to the spreadsheet) if you're willing (despite the regretful fact that those of us who are sans 180 may experience varying mileage with our requests).

[Br3v]

tag.
app dates

[one_by_one]

I think you're missing NYU on the fee waiver tracker...

[Yardbird]

I think you're missing NYU on the fee waiver tracker...

To my knowledge they haven't been sent out yet. If they have, I'll add it.

I think I recall you mentioning having been encouraged by a few schools to email again closer to app. release dates. Those schools might be worth mentioning (if not added to the spreadsheet) if you're willing (despite the regretful fact that those of us who are sans 180 may experience varying mileage with our requests).

Those are accounted for (listed as "solicited starting in...")

Added William & Mary fee waiver (unsolicited)

Got the same.

I've been able to solicit fee waivers from

Georgetown
UVA
WUSTL

I'll add WUSTL when I get to my computer.

[Br3v]

Have people already been emailing or receiving free waivers for this cycle? (from legitimate schools)

[one_by_one]

.