Vanderbilt Law Scholars Merit Awards Forum

[180orbust]

6 essay questions. . . I'm borderline numbers for admission. . . should I even bother doing this? There's nothing particularly outstanding about my academic record. . .

[180orbust]

Also, does this scholarship application have any impact on my regular admissions application?

[LittleJenn]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'd be happy just to get in, and ecstatic get one of the other scholarships. I actually just did the application today after debating and procrastinating for a long time. Most people (and they're probably right) will say that your chances are almost nil, so it might not be worth it. However, I figure that the answer is always no until you ask, and this way you won't ask 'what if' if you do get in. Good luck with it!

[underdawg]

if only you got that 180

[HipHopAPotamus]

I'm borderline numbers wise at Vandy as well, but I'm filling it out anyways; I don't know if it they take your answers into account for regular admissions, but normally anything that gives the Adcomms more information about you is normally a good thing. From the amount of space they give you to answer the questions they're probably not expecting more that a detailed paragraph per question.

[LittleJenn]

Does anyone know if the application can be emailed in? It's getting kinda close to the deadline for me to trust snail mail...

[Renzo]

The LSAC instruction say the form cannot be submitted electronically. Priority mail will only cost you $4, and should get there 2 days after you send it (sorry AK and HI).

[jaen78]

I am also borderline at Vandy, but filled out the app anyway. It can't hurt, and maybe this way they can see I have a genuine interest in the school.

[Amplified]

I was under the understanding that you only had to fill out that form if you wanted to apply for a full-tuition award. Correct?

[frissle]

Correct, all candidates are considered for merit scholarships but the various "Law Scholars Merit Awards" require the additional essays. What do we think if someone was already accepted but didn't express interest in the Law Scholars awards when application was submitted? Could essays/form still be sent in after the fact?

[Amplified]

Cool cool. Thanks!

[buckeyefan3]

Craaaaap! I really want to/need to apply for all schollys available and I just realized this was due the 10th. I wonder if I have any chance of getting these answers done and sent in to Vandy in time!!!

[matt.l.b]

Does anyone know how many of these are awarded? If it's only five it seems kind of futile, but it's hard for me to believe that there is only one Cheatham stipend.

[Lawyered]

.

[papatel]

I can't seem to download the form off the website. If anyone has a .pdf can they send me a copy?

[Grizz]

I'm borderline numbers wise at Vandy as well, but I'm filling it out anyways; I don't know if it they take your answers into account for regular admissions, but normally anything that gives the Adcomms more information about you is normally a good thing. From the amount of space they give you to answer the questions they're probably not expecting more that a detailed paragraph per question.

I'm not near the top either, but I am pursuing the same strategy. I called them up today, and they told me they're not expecting any sort of length for these responses, though they only give space for a decent sized paragraph on the form. I'm not gonna worry too much about length, but I'm not going to get carried away.

[tangential886]

Does anyone know if there's a way to find information on the stats for past Law Scholars? I'm also very curious about whether or not I have a realistic chance...

[see18]

Did everyone check on their application that they would apply for the rewards? I know I did, but I'm wondering now if it would hurt me if I don't submit them.

[Grizz]

Did everyone check on their application that they would apply for the rewards? I know I did, but I'm wondering now if it would hurt me if I don't submit them.

I checked it, but honestly, I don't think it will matter.

[MURPH]

Where are you guys getting the information that the applications cannot be submitted electronically. I printed off a copy of the application and it says in the instructions "If you wish to generate responses by computer, please attach them to this form." I was going to scan it then email them the form and attachments. Now I think I read it wrong and they mean attach as in staple or paperclip.
BTW, I live in Hawaii, which means I am going to be mailing this first thing in the morning when FedEx opens if I can't email it.

[see18]

Where are you guys getting the information that the applications cannot be submitted electronically. I printed off a copy of the application and it says in the instructions "If you wish to generate responses by computer, please attach them to this form." I was going to scan it then email them the form and attachments. Now I think I read it wrong and they mean attach as in staple or paperclip.
BTW, I live in Hawaii, which means I am going to be mailing this first thing in the morning when FedEx opens if I can't email it.

It says on the papers that if applicable the papers must be MAILED and received by 1/10. Also, on Vanderbilt's website you can download the forms, and they say the same thing. Also in the instructions on LSAC's website, the papers will NOT be submitted electronically and must be mailed.

[annabell]

.

[kittenmittons]

We will make several full-tuition plus annual stipend awards valued at more than $150,000.00 over three years of study at Vanderbilt. Recipients are chosen on the basis of information contained in the application for admission and the Law Scholars Merit Award application, due January 10 (with the 10th falling on Sunday, we are treating Monday, January the 11th as a soft postmark deadline with a grace period to the 15th).

Received that email this morning from Vanderbilt.

hth

[pleasetryagain]

Ive talked ot the adcomms several times about this.

The scholarship app is not reviewed by the adcomms - it is a seperate committee who may or may not see your entire application.
I was told to NOT attach it to the app but rather mail it or print it into a PDF file and attach it to an email (which is what Im doing).

As far as stats go Im sure the full schollys only go to the tippity top but there is one that adds $5000 to any need based grants/aid that may be up for grabs to a larger pool.

[parker09]

I actually emailed them about this a while ago (early October), and I got TWO replies (from two different Department Education Assistants).

My email:
"Hi,
The Law Scholars Merit Awards application is listed as a Supplemental
Form on LSAC, with instructions to mail the form in because it won't
be transmitted electronically. What is the best way to submit the form? I'm currently in [City, Country]
where snail mail is sometimes tricky, and I'm also submitting the rest
of my application electronically via LSAC. Would it be possible to
either email the form in as a scanned PDF, or attach it to my
application as an electronic attachment (like a personal statement,
resume, etc)?"

Reply #1: "Thank you for your e-mail. You may send the completed form via e-mail as an attachment. Please be sure to include your LSAC account number so we can match the form to your application."

and

Reply #2: "Thank you for your email and your interest in Vanderbilt University Law School. The due date is January 10, 2010. You may either mail it to the address listed below, fax it to the number listed below, or email it as a PDF to admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu"

I am abroad though, so I don't know if they were just being nice to me because of that. I'd definitely call and check, just in case.