Duke 2011 - Priority Track Forum

[The Real Jack McCoy]

There have been plenty of people here who got in w/o writing a Why Duke (even those w/ obvious YP #s). If you don't have anything to write, I wouldn't write it.

[birdlaw117]

There have been plenty of people here who got in w/o writing a Why Duke (even those w/ obvious YP #s). If you don't have anything to write, I wouldn't write it.

I have a 3.61/173. Does that change your advice at all?

[The Real Jack McCoy]

There have been plenty of people here who got in w/o writing a Why Duke (even those w/ obvious YP #s). If you don't have anything to write, I wouldn't write it.

I have a 3.61/173. Does that change your advice at all?

Well, it isn't about the numbers--it is about how compelling the essay will be. If you are struggling to find things to say, I suspect whatever you come up with won't be that compelling. A bland or uninspired essay is worse than none at all. Make every word of your application count.

(I'm one of the ones with YP numbers who got in, btw; but Duke doesn't seem too worried by those who don't include them)

[birdlaw117]

.

[ela7117]

I think the most compelling 'Why school' essay is best developed after visiting the school, or at minimum spending 1-2 hours researching and taking notes off the school's website. It is in your best interest anyway, given this research should be used as justification for a diligent investment decision. Compelling topics should include specific academic programs or format, campus culture, distinguished professors, etc. I also personally think it's fair to include some unavoidable personal preferences such as a co-located spouse or family nearby. Regional geographic attributes, if well presented, seem fair game to me.

[Fate]

How long does it take after "Decision made; watch for e-mail" before you get your email?

[eskimogirl]

fate - mine took at least 5 hours, possibly more (as i only know from when i checked my status checker to when i received the email). i know some people have said it took up to 10 hours for them.

[Fate]

eskimogirl- did you see something under "Mailings" before you got your email? I'm freakkingggg out haha

[Dany]

OG Eskimo will answer - nothing was in "mailings" and my email came 2-3 hours after my status updated to "Decision Made - Watch for Email.

[funkytown]

Tenth day after going complete and it just went under review a couple hours ago. Think there's a chance for a decision by tonight?

[eskimogirl]

eskimogirl- did you see something under "Mailings" before you got your email? I'm freakkingggg out haha

no, i didn't. it was driving me crazy too, because of other people having mentioned it in there's. i thought for sure i was getting put on priority reserve or rejected, but fortunately, neither was the case. so tryyyy to remain calm! (haha, i know how hard it is...)

[Fate]

I haven't heard back yet! I found out that my decision was made at 11:40 this morning! It's now 7:30...where's my email! Also my file was complete 7 days ago. Is the fast turnaround a good or bad thing??

[gbpackerbacker]

I haven't heard back yet! I found out that my decision was made at 11:40 this morning! It's now 7:30...where's my email! Also my file was complete 7 days ago. Is the fast turnaround a good or bad thing??

Maybe this is just....fate.

Haha part of me wants you to get denied somewhere so I can assure you that it is just fate.

Anyways, from what I have read, you should know before midnight tonight. Good luck.

[Fate]

I haven't heard back yet! I found out that my decision was made at 11:40 this morning! It's now 7:30...where's my email! Also my file was complete 7 days ago. Is the fast turnaround a good or bad thing??

Maybe this is just....fate.

Haha part of me wants you to get denied somewhere so I can assure you that it is just fate.

Anyways, from what I have read, you should know before midnight tonight. Good luck.

Hahaha! I GOT IN!!! I chose this screen name for ambiguity purposes and NOT because I have a strong overarching belief in fate! LOL

Thanks for all your well-wishes. It's nice to have 1 acceptance in a T14..

[AfroThunder1212]

Submitted 11/4
Complete 11/15
UR 11/16

How likely do you think it is that my decision will come before Thanksgiving break?

[Sgtpeppernyc]

I submitted 11/6, UR 11/9, and the decision made status came up today - i'd say you have a decent shot.

In other news - i'm at work and FREAKING OUT about getting the email. Wish me luck!

[T6Hopeful]

I submitted 11/6, UR 11/9, and the decision made status came up today - i'd say you have a decent shot.

In other news - i'm at work and FREAKING OUT about getting the email. Wish me luck!

Argh I also submitted 11/6, completed 11/8, UR 11/9, and no status change. Granted, they have 2 more days, but it's nerve-wracking to see some people getting in 3-5 days after completion (in general, obviously not directed at you since you have the same dates). Anyway, good luck!

[Sgtpeppernyc]

My Droid is about to break from the number of times I've refreshed my email. Just FYI.

[Tanicius]

Submitted 11/4
Complete 11/15
UR 11/16

How likely do you think it is that my decision will come before Thanksgiving break?

Likely but not guaranteed. If not, it would be the very Monday after.

[Sgtpeppernyc]

Priority Reserve

[gbpackerbacker]

Priority Reserve

PM'd

[lshamlet]

Duke is AWESOME for having priority track, but DAMN if it doesn't spoil you! why do other law schools have to take sooooo looooong? =(

[Dany]

Duke is AWESOME for having priority track, but DAMN if it doesn't spoil you! why do other law schools have to take sooooo looooong? =(

This.

[LawLucy]

I think the most compelling 'Why school' essay is best developed after visiting the school, or at minimum spending 1-2 hours researching and taking notes off the school's website. It is in your best interest anyway, given this research should be used as justification for a diligent investment decision. Compelling topics should include specific academic programs or format, campus culture, distinguished professors, etc. I also personally think it's fair to include some unavoidable personal preferences such as a co-located spouse or family nearby. Regional geographic attributes, if well presented, seem fair game to me.

very well stated!
I have visited 7 different campus locations and attended classes at two T10...trust me, it makes a difference.

[catsparka]

Duke is AWESOME for having priority track, but DAMN if it doesn't spoil you! why do other law schools have to take sooooo looooong? =(

This.

+1