University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Forum

[stevededalus]

As a local, one thing I'd emphasize about the location is that McGeorge is only two blocks away from one of the best older, affluent neighborhoods in Sacramento -- Curtis Park. Lawyers and other professionals, including the mayor, own homes and live in Curtis Park. That neighborhood has an awesome park with a mile-long running track and tennis courts, and if you found a rental for the right price there, it would seem perfect to walk or bike to class in five minutes. It can be expensive, but if you found a roommate, you could probably share a house for $1300/month.

Oak Park had a bad reputation years ago, but there has been some redevelopment there in recent years (including the Starbucks, which is part of a larger development). And by today's standards of gang violence and urban decay, Oak Park is fairly tame compared to other neighborhoods south of there. Because of its proximity to downtown, some young professional couples bought homes in Oak Park earlier this decade when prices were insane everywhere else.

[pistachio]

Thanks for the information!! That makes me feel a lot better and I am definitely going to check out the Curtis Park area.

I can see it now...I will probably be one of those people hovering around for a parking spot. hahaha

[CWF V]

Oak Park had a bad reputation years ago, but there has been some redevelopment there in recent years (including the Starbucks, which is part of a larger development).

I disagree: Oak Park is pretty gnarly. You get into the core and there is plenty of gang violence and drug dealing.

As far as places to live, Curtis Park is awesome. But really, downtown and midtown are 5-10 minutes from the school. There are tons of niec places to live within a 1-5 mile radius of the campus.

P.S. I've got nothing but love for the area and there are certainly good pockets of Oak Park with good folks living there. But there there are also some pockets that are best avoided.

[santdani]

.

[sarcasmsslave]

I got accepted with $18K/year contingent on staying in the top third. Also, free books for the first year and an invitation to visit the school with "transportation costs" paid. Anyone know if this might include hotel? I'm in St. Louis but would love a chance to check out the school. (Stats: 3.53, 158/163)

[beckamarie88]

Hi everyone! I was accepted to McGeorge about a month ago. TLS has been an amazing resource over the past year. I thought it was finally time to become a member!

I had a question about the on-campus housing. I found the virtual tour of a studio apartment with the wall bed, but I was curious what the studio with a loft looked like. Can anybody describe what the loft looks like?

I know it is kind of early to be thinking about housing. I'm just curious! Congratulations to everyone who has been accepted!!

[Cal4future]

great question
bump

[byu85]

In at McGeorge as of 1/21. $10,000 scholarship + books, 156/3.9, is this the most money I can expect to receive from them? Also, if I get in to Santa Clara which school should i attend? Pacific or Santa Clara? I plan on coming out to check them both out in the next month or so, but would like to hear what you all think beforehand. Thanks.

[CWF V]

JUST got in today!!

Congrats!

I know of some folks who were offered $25K / yr. According to LSN, this seems to be about their ceiling.

[santdani]

.

[A'nold]

Hey you guys, I was complete towards the end of Nov. with a 160, 3.2 ish GPA and have not received word from them. Do you think I'm screwed?

[kimber1028]

Hey you guys, I was complete towards the end of Nov. with a 160, 3.2 ish GPA and have not received word from them. Do you think I'm screwed?

From what I've seen, some applications for McGeorge take quite awhile to process (a little longer than two months), while there are a few that are decided upon right away. I'm not sure why, but that's what I've noticed looking at LSN and the like. I'm thinking it may have to do with the committee you're assigned to and how they review their files--maybe there are different methods for different adcoms. I wouldn't worry too much... your application is probably just working its way through the grapevine. Good luck!

[Ipsa Dixit]

In at McGeorge as of 1/21. $10,000 scholarship + books, 156/3.9, is this the most money I can expect to receive from them? Also, if I get in to Santa Clara which school should i attend? Pacific or Santa Clara? I plan on coming out to check them both out in the next month or so, but would like to hear what you all think beforehand. Thanks.

As to your first question, request additional scholarship money and see what happens. If you'd don't ask for more, I doubt you can expect any more.

As to your second question, that's totally your call. Do you want to live in the Sacramento area or do you want to live in the Bay Area?

[allenfa]

In with 15k and books

[belladona]

got a nice e-mail saying dont worry we are slow.

Expect to hear from us in the future we just cant tell you when that is

[trinacria1383]

Born and raised close to McGeorge and very familiar with their reputation in the area. If anyone has any questions re: McGeorge, job prospects, living in Sacramento feel free to message me.

[john titor]

MCGEORGE DOMINATES

[trinacria1383]

Got my admission packet today. $10K first years books and selected as A "Pacific McGeorge Legal Scholar" though not sure what that means. Also get a free trip to visit the campus. I wonder if they'll reimburse me for the gas I use driving 2 miles to the visit? LOL

[findlayswimmer28]

Got my acceptance today..."honors at entrance," $12K with books and transportation to visit the school (3.54/158). I also got a really nice hand written note from the dean. Not sure if the scholarship is enough to make me move back to CA in this economy. If it were just me, I would probably go in a heartbeat, but my soon to be husband will have to sell his house and find a new job...not an easy task.

[fluffy]

First, CONGRATS to all accepted. I just got in with 15k and books (awesome!). BUT last weekend I had a chance to see the campus. I was visiting a friend from the area and he took me around Sac and the tiny campus. He told me the surrounding area is notoriously rough, and it seemed to be, though the campus itself was pretty. But seriously, it is a tiny campus. There seemed to be some on-campus housing that looked pretty, but basically faced the classroom building(s?). Again, it was a weekend so I took no formal tour and saw only one student. The building was dead but I snuck in to use the bathroom and check out the moot courtroom, both of which seemed to "get the job done" but were nothing to write home about.

My sense is that McGeorge is great if you know you want to practice in Sacramento, which I do not wish to do. I'll have to do more research.

[trinacria1383]

First, CONGRATS to all accepted. I just got in with 15k and books (awesome!). BUT last weekend I had a chance to see the campus. I was visiting a friend from the area and he took me around Sac and the tiny campus. He told me the surrounding area is notoriously rough, and it seemed to be, though the campus itself was pretty. But seriously, it is a tiny campus. There seemed to be some on-campus housing that looked pretty, but basically faced the classroom building(s?). Again, it was a weekend so I took no formal tour and saw only one student. The building was dead but I snuck in to use the bathroom and check out the moot courtroom, both of which seemed to "get the job done" but were nothing to write home about.

My sense is that McGeorge is great if you know you want to practice in Sacramento, which I do not wish to do. I'll have to do more research.

Your eyes weren't kidding you that was a housing building right in the middle of campus. Oak Park is far from the best neighborhood but the area which McGeorge is located in isn't bad. I haven't toured too many law schools but I think 13 acres for a stand alone law school is a pretty good size. I did the same thing you did, walked around by myself on a weekend. I'd recommend taking a tour.

[econtutornv]

MCGEORGE DOMINATES

TITCR (JDU fan I take it?)

[islandmouse]

Does anyone know what the deal is with the Legal Scholar's Day and paying for transportation costs? What exactly constitutes as transportation costs? I.e. would hotel stay be included?

[trinacria1383]

Does anyone know what the deal is with the Legal Scholar's Day and paying for transportation costs? What exactly constitutes as transportation costs? I.e. would hotel stay be included?

Not sure about lodging. Last year a friend of mine got his airfare covered. I'd call the school.

[stuffedburrito]

First, CONGRATS to all accepted. I just got in with 15k and books (awesome!). BUT last weekend I had a chance to see the campus. I was visiting a friend from the area and he took me around Sac and the tiny campus. He told me the surrounding area is notoriously rough, and it seemed to be, though the campus itself was pretty. But seriously, it is a tiny campus. There seemed to be some on-campus housing that looked pretty, but basically faced the classroom building(s?). Again, it was a weekend so I took no formal tour and saw only one student. The building was dead but I snuck in to use the bathroom and check out the moot courtroom, both of which seemed to "get the job done" but were nothing to write home about.

My sense is that McGeorge is great if you know you want to practice in Sacramento, which I do not wish to do. I'll have to do more research.

FYI, McGeorge's 13-acre campus is one of the biggest law school campuses in the nation.