Georgia 2011 Applicants Forum

[athenian]

The low resident tuition and the fact that anyone can get resident tuition after a year (if they do some very simple things) increases UGA's chances though. A lot of people this year (myself included) had offers from many other places, offering scholarships etc, but chose UGA because of the price. That will continue as long as the economy is bad and people are hesitant to take on large debt.

UNC is similarly as cheap. Bama is throwing $$ at these people. Indiana is throwing an INSANE amount of money to anyone with the numbers to even be accepted to UGA right now (like, full tuition). Some people will chose UGA, sure, but I don't forsee their target audience biting like they are hoping.

People applying to or contemplating UGA are aiming for jobs in the South and Southeast. Indiana has absolutely zero reputation in the region, especially Atlanta.

UNC is similarly cheap if you're already an NC resident or plan to jump through the much more difficult hoops in order to obtain residency. Georgia residency is really easy to obtain after the first year... it'd actually be a surprise if someone didn't get it.

As far as Alabama, you'd have to throw a lot of money at me to convince me to go to a school whose best job prospects were in the state of Alabama. UGA dominates Atlanta and gives you a better in to one of, if not the, major legal market in the South.

[Barbie]

The low resident tuition and the fact that anyone can get resident tuition after a year (if they do some very simple things) increases UGA's chances though. A lot of people this year (myself included) had offers from many other places, offering scholarships etc, but chose UGA because of the price. That will continue as long as the economy is bad and people are hesitant to take on large debt.

UNC is similarly as cheap. Bama is throwing $$ at these people. Indiana is throwing an INSANE amount of money to anyone with the numbers to even be accepted to UGA right now (like, full tuition). Some people will chose UGA, sure, but I don't forsee their target audience biting like they are hoping.

People applying to or contemplating UGA are aiming for jobs in the South and Southeast. Indiana has absolutely zero reputation in the region, especially Atlanta.

UNC is similarly cheap if you're already an NC resident or plan to jump through the much more difficult hoops in order to obtain residency. Georgia residency is really easy to obtain after the first year... it'd actually be a surprise if someone didn't get it.

As far as Alabama, you'd have to throw a lot of money at me to convince me to go to a school whose best job prospects were in the state of Alabama. UGA dominates Atlanta and gives you a better in to one of, if not the, major legal market in the South.

I know WHY people apply to or contemplate UGA. I also know that they are applying to UGA, as you so clearly point out, for the cheap tuition. As in, said students are arguable "debt-averse" and would likely consider a FREE offer to a school such as Indiana (and for the record, a LOT of people, including myself, applied to both of these schools). I know about UGA's residency, I was raised in Georgia and UGA has forever been one of my absolute favorite schools. However, their target applicants right now (167+ with decent GPAs) are getting FULL RIDES to a lot of amazing schools (or an acceptance to the state grubbering Emory) including Wake Forest, W&L, William & Mary, etc etc etc. While some people may make this choice, paying 60k tuition in debt to go to UGA over some of these schools for almost NO debt is unjustifiable to me. As I stated before, I forsee it being difficult for them to keep all these people without shelling out some nice $$.

[creader]

The low resident tuition and the fact that anyone can get resident tuition after a year (if they do some very simple things) increases UGA's chances though. A lot of people this year (myself included) had offers from many other places, offering scholarships etc, but chose UGA because of the price. That will continue as long as the economy is bad and people are hesitant to take on large debt.

UNC is similarly as cheap. Bama is throwing $$ at these people. Indiana is throwing an INSANE amount of money to anyone with the numbers to even be accepted to UGA right now (like, full tuition). Some people will chose UGA, sure, but I don't forsee their target audience biting like they are hoping.

People applying to or contemplating UGA are aiming for jobs in the South and Southeast. Indiana has absolutely zero reputation in the region, especially Atlanta.

UNC is similarly cheap if you're already an NC resident or plan to jump through the much more difficult hoops in order to obtain residency. Georgia residency is really easy to obtain after the first year... it'd actually be a surprise if someone didn't get it.

As far as Alabama, you'd have to throw a lot of money at me to convince me to go to a school whose best job prospects were in the state of Alabama. UGA dominates Atlanta and gives you a better in to one of, if not the, major legal market in the South.

I know WHY people apply to or contemplate UGA. I also know that they are applying to UGA, as you so clearly point out, for the cheap tuition. As in, said students are arguable "debt-averse" and would likely consider a FREE offer to a school such as Indiana (and for the record, a LOT of people, including myself, applied to both of these schools). I know about UGA's residency, I was raised in Georgia and UGA has forever been one of my absolute favorite schools. However, their target applicants right now (167+ with decent GPAs) are getting FULL RIDES to a lot of amazing schools (or an acceptance to the state grubbering Emory) including Wake Forest, W&L, William & Mary, etc etc etc. While some people may make this choice, paying 60k tuition in debt to go to UGA over some of these schools for almost NO debt is unjustifiable to me. As I stated before, I forsee it being difficult for them to keep all these people without shelling out some nice $$.

That is what I am running into. Bama has offered a ton of money, and I have family there, so I'm not completely adverse to working in B'ham, but I grew up in Alpharetta and want to stay in Atlanta, so UGA is very, very, high on my list of schools, but their scholarship offer is about a third of what Bama is offering. I'm hoping that if I hold out till the end, UGA will up their offer or Bama will drop some of their stipulations. I just don't want to start negotiating yet and run the risk of them taking back what they have already offered.

[Sandro]

They will not take back what they have already offered. Unless you threaten them with physical violence, or something. Don't worry about that.

[Barbie]

That is what I am running into. Bama has offered a ton of money, and I have family there, so I'm not completely adverse to working in B'ham, but I grew up in Alpharetta and want to stay in Atlanta, so UGA is very, very, high on my list of schools, but their scholarship offer is about a third of what Bama is offering. I'm hoping that if I hold out till the end, UGA will up their offer or Bama will drop some of their stipulations. I just don't want to start negotiating yet and run the risk of them taking back what they have already offered.

What Sandro said is true- scholarship offers have a "no take backs" implied, unless you like... get caught selling drugs or something


Oh, and ALPHARETTA REPRESENT! haha

[AlphaIncipiens]

Just got a notification of application fee waiver in the mail. Seems kinda late in the game, but I sent in an application just for kicks. I don't have a ballin' LSAT or anything, so I'm wondering if they're just needing some more out of staters or something.

[creader]

In that case I may send 'Bama an email later this week. Since I'm in undergrad here at UGA I think Bama may be more willing to budge as going there would require relocation etc etc. However, getting more money from UGA would be nice lol.

[JakeL]

Barbie, what does "grubbering" mean when you refer to Emory?

[Barbie]

Barbie, what does "grubbering" mean when you refer to Emory?

haha sorry, rugby term. They're a step ahead of UGA and taking up many desirable jobs in UGA's main market.

[JakeL]

Barbie, what does "grubbering" mean when you refer to Emory?

haha sorry, rugby term. They're a step ahead of UGA and taking up many desirable jobs in UGA's main market.

Cool, had no idea!

[plug1]

I know this has probably been discussed, but what does being held for further review practically mean?

[eandy]

I know this has probably been discussed, but what does being held for further review practically mean?

Not a whole lot. Pretty much they have looked at it, and now they are going to get back to you later instead of right away, so they can think about it some more. It is by no means a death sentence or even a waitlist.

[bergg007]

I've been under review for months now, and I just called and asked if they have any updates on that, and guess what? I'm still under review. This whole process is driving me crazy. I'd just like to know if I'm in or out, either way. I figure the longer it takes the more likely I'm out of luck.

[Pricer]

Barbie, what does "grubbering" mean when you refer to Emory?

haha sorry, rugby term. They're a step ahead of UGA and taking up many desirable jobs in UGA's main market.

Except that many would disagree with this sentiment. The general view of the lawyers I have spoken to (mid-size law partners making over a million a year) seems to be that UGA's alumni base (lots from the law school, lots more from other programs) actually gives them the edge in Atlanta. TLS posters also agree for the most part if you search for these discussions, even back when the ranking difference was 35 to 20 and not 28 to 22. Even the TLS profile page for Emory acknowledges this.

FWIW, I didn't even apply to Emory. If I am going to work in Atlanta, I'm taking UGA for a fraction of the debt or Vanderbilt for the biglaw placement and prestige.

[Barbie]

Barbie, what does "grubbering" mean when you refer to Emory?

haha sorry, rugby term. They're a step ahead of UGA and taking up many desirable jobs in UGA's main market.

Except that many would disagree with this sentiment. The general view of the lawyers I have spoken to (mid-size law partners making over a million a year) seems to be that UGA's alumni base (lots from the law school, lots more from other programs) actually gives them the edge in Atlanta. TLS posters also agree for the most part if you search for these discussions, even back when the ranking difference was 35 to 20 and not 28 to 22. Even the TLS profile page for Emory acknowledges this.

FWIW, I didn't even apply to Emory. If I am going to work in Atlanta, I'm taking UGA for a fraction of the debt or Vanderbilt for the biglaw placement and prestige.

And, surprisingly!! it turns out that everyone has a different experience. My family members whom are lawyers in Atlanta and 2 of which do the hiring for their locations both turn to Emory WAY before UGA. I guess it differs from place to place, experience to experience (oh, and one of them is a UGA grad).

[Pricer]

I think that Emory has more lay prestige due to its undergrad program (Emory #20, GT #35, UGA #56). It would just be really hard for me to take Emory Law over UGA Law or Vandy Law. $41,000 a year is a lot to pay for tuition, plus living expenses in Atlanta are greater than those in Athens. I would only do Emory Law if they offered me $35k+ a year and Vandy offered no money.

[Barbie]

I think that Emory has more lay prestige due to its undergrad program (Emory #20, GT #35, UGA #56). It would just be really hard for me to take Emory Law over UGA Law or Vandy Law. $41,000 a year is a lot to pay for tuition, plus living expenses in Atlanta are greater than those in Athens. I would only do Emory Law if they offered me $35k+ a year and Vandy offered no money.

Oh yeah, I <3 Vandy and would take Vandy over Emory too. For UG it was an easy choice for me between UGA, GT, and Emory because I went the creative route (I ended up staying in FL for bright futures though). My dad is a GT graduate, and the rest of my family spaced out over Emory and UGA. All are great schools for sure. Emory being IN Atlanta also aids in their networking, too. Not sure how generous they are with $$ though.

[Pricer]

I think that Emory has more lay prestige due to its undergrad program (Emory #20, GT #35, UGA #56). It would just be really hard for me to take Emory Law over UGA Law or Vandy Law. $41,000 a year is a lot to pay for tuition, plus living expenses in Atlanta are greater than those in Athens. I would only do Emory Law if they offered me $35k+ a year and Vandy offered no money.

Oh yeah, I <3 Vandy and would take Vandy over Emory too. For UG it was an easy choice for me between UGA, GT, and Emory because I went the creative route (I ended up staying in FL for bright futures though). My dad is a GT graduate, and the rest of my family spaced out over Emory and UGA. All are great schools for sure. Emory being IN Atlanta also aids in their networking, too. Not sure how generous they are with $$ though.

I keep hearing conflicting information regarding Emory's scholarship money, and LSN doesn't do much to resolve this. I have heard of median students getting lots of money and 75th percentile students receiving none. Also, based on a couple of anecdotes I heard while working for a boutique/mid-size firm in Atlanta, Emory sometimes gives big money to URMs because they are often accused of having too little diversity. I have no statistics to back that up, though. Actually, I am having trouble finding much info on Emory scholarships. I would apply if I thought I stood a chance at really good money.

I am disappointed in what I keep hearing about UGA's scholarship money. My roommate got in last year with a 3.2ish/170 and was offered $4,000 a year (in-state). I can't see myself receiving much more than that. If they offered full tuition, it would be nearly impossible to turn down. Without that, though, I just don't know.

[eandy]

I am disappointed in what I keep hearing about UGA's scholarship money. My roommate got in last year with a 3.2ish/170 and was offered $4,000 a year (in-state). I can't see myself receiving much more than that. If they offered full tuition, it would be nearly impossible to turn down. Without that, though, I just don't know.

They're sort of GPA whores, so to them, there is a big difference between a 3.2 and a 3.7. I would guess you'd get more than that.

[Moral_Midgetry]

In via status checker between 5-7 PM EST today. Went complete on Friday.

[dddhhh]

In via status checker between 5-7 PM EST today. Went complete on Friday.

Congrats! & double congrats for being OOS!

[fish tacos]

I think that Emory has more lay prestige due to its undergrad program (Emory #20, GT #35, UGA #56). It would just be really hard for me to take Emory Law over UGA Law or Vandy Law. $41,000 a year is a lot to pay for tuition, plus living expenses in Atlanta are greater than those in Athens. I would only do Emory Law if they offered me $35k+ a year and Vandy offered no money.

Emory tosses money like it's candy. Your scenario seems highly possible.

[jarv1506]

In via status checker between 5-7 PM EST today. Went complete on Friday.

edit: oos, 165, 3.5x

Congrats! I've got similar numbers and i'm oos, so you've given me hope!

[spets]

So I read that UGA said an addendum isn't necessary for multiple LSAT scores, that they evaluate your application based on the highest one. Can anyone with a wide range of scores who didn't send in an addendum attest to this policy holding true? I don't want to draw attention to my lower scores, so I wasn't planning on sending an addendum in unless they asked. But after being UR for a week, I'm getting kind of antsy. FWIW my highest LSAT is 163, GPA is >75% (OOS). Thought I'd be a quick-ish admit, but wondering if I should email them..

Same LSAT with a previous lower LSAT and a 4.00 - I didn't send an addendum either. OOS as well.

[rockyIV]

That is what I am running into. Bama has offered a ton of money, and I have family there, so I'm not completely adverse to working in B'ham, but I grew up in Alpharetta and want to stay in Atlanta, so UGA is very, very, high on my list of schools, but their scholarship offer is about a third of what Bama is offering. I'm hoping that if I hold out till the end, UGA will up their offer or Bama will drop some of their stipulations. I just don't want to start negotiating yet and run the risk of them taking back what they have already offered.

What Sandro said is true- scholarship offers have a "no take backs" implied, unless you like... get caught selling drugs or something


Oh, and ALPHARETTA REPRESENT! haha

Oh whats up Alpharetta in the house. I dominate on Rucker Road.