American University 2011 Applicants Forum

[aln14]

Looking at LSN, it seems American tends to notify a small group each year during the first week of November.

I went complete in early October and would love to get my first acceptance.

Anyone else apply to American?

[queenlizzie13]

I just applied to American on Friday. I would love to end up in the D.C./North Carolina area. I'm from California but I am interested in public policy, and government work. It is what I currently do now.

What are your numbers? I'm 161/3.88

[IJMer]

Hi guys. American is my #1 choice and I will be sending in my application in this week. Just got my LSAT score... 159, not too great but still in their range. Do you think it would help to apply ED? My gpa is 3.67 LSAC gpa 3.54.

I have great softs though. I am a Truman Scholarship finalist and have had two Department of State internships.

I love American for its public interest focus. DC is def where I want to be. I have not recieved some great feedback from people on here since I have a 159 LSAT but I am not losing hope.

Good luck to both of you. I am sure you will be hearing back soon.

[cowgirl_bebop]

Applied back on October 8th with no LSAT score, and am going to request that my application be held while I retake this 167 from the October test.

Visited the school 2 Fridays ago and it was pretty nice. I've seen better, but its a lovely neighborhood. A bit far from the metro station, but still nice. Definitely would have no problem going to school there.

[ilovesf]

I'm also applying to American. I sent in my app Oct 20th and haven't gone complete yet.. I hate all the waiting.

[Aqualibrium]

IMO, it's really difficult to enjoy the "DC life" at American because of its location. Additionally, everything I've seen says that American students are crushed in the job market by the competition of the two major local powers, the t14, and every other kid in the country who has dreams of the big city.

I considered American, but in my mind, the things I mentioned above made it a bad choice. Ended up going to school for free elsewhere, and still getting a job in the DC metro.

[queenlizzie13]

IMO, it's really difficult to enjoy the "DC life" at American because of its location. Additionally, everything I've seen says that American students are crushed in the job market by the competition of the two major local powers, the t14, and every other kid in the country who has dreams of the big city.

I considered American, but in my mind, the things I mentioned above made it a bad choice. Ended up going to school for free elsewhere, and still getting a job in the DC metro.

Nice. Where did you end up going if I might ask?

And I could definitely see the negatives with American but thought I would throw out an app over there anyways.

[HeavenWood]

.

[wcl2013]

Write "Why American" essay or get your strong across in your PS; they are known for YP'ing candidates with #'s above their 75%tile.

[jjlaw]

Is anyone applying to the dual degree programs, specifically MPA or MPP? On the website, it said that the Law application would be forwarded to the School of Public Policy after review, but it doesn't say anything about submitting additional documents. Does that mean that the Law application alone is sufficient to gain admission to both schools?

[LSAT Taker]

Complete since 10/6.

[IJMer]

Do you guys think I have a shot with the 159/3.54?

[HeavenWood]

Do you guys think I have a shot with the 159/3.54?

Barring URM status or amazing softs, you'll probably be waitlisted. Can you retake?

[IJMer]

I do not have URM status but I do have pretty good softs

I am a 2010 Harry S. Truman Scholarship Finalist
Founder and President of the Human Rights (IJM) campus org on campus
Presenting undergraduate research at Yale next month
have had 2 internships with the Department of State

I can retake in December but I am not really sure how much higher I can get. My highest practice score is a 162 and I have been studying for about a year. A 159 is actually 17 points higher than my diagnostic.

American is my #1 choice so I think I am applying ED... maybe that will help?

[HeavenWood]

.

[IJMer]

Well I will not really be looking for a typical job. I want to go into public interest. I am interning with the Department of State Trafficking in Persons Office and want to promote anti-trafficking legislation and programs through government agencies like the DOS. Or potentially working for a NGO doing trafficking victim advocacy/casework. I guess I would like to think that I have my foot already in the door and many contacts at the DOS. Because of my experience and contacts I hope that will provide me with a job after I finish law school or I might get my human rights masters abroad.

Right now I am just stressing the acceptance. I think my numbers are kind of border line... at least my LSAT anyway.

[HeavenWood]

.

[IJMer]

I agree. I am banking on Public Interest Loan Replacement Program. I am also interested in Americans Public Interest Law Scholars Program which grants a full ride but I am not sure to what extent they take the LSAT into account. I think I will at least apply for it with nothing to lose.

[HeavenWood]

There is nothing wrong with applying RD and seeing how much money you get. But if you do take the ED plunge, be aware that you demote yourself to a non-negotiable partner in the financial aid equation.

[cowgirl_bebop]

There is nothing wrong with applying RD and seeing how much money you get. But if you do take the ED plunge, be aware that you demote yourself to a non-negotiable partner in the financial aid equation.

Which is EXACTLY why I applied RD. I cannot afford to be obligated to go to American and get stuck paying sticker. American is FAR from cheap.

[IJMer]

I so agree. I guess I am scared if I apply RD I will be waitlisted b/c of my score... blah. Not sure what to do.

[HeavenWood]

I so agree. I guess I am scared if I apply RD I will be waitlisted b/c of my score... blah. Not sure what to do.

Retake. It's not what you want to hear, but if you want a decent shot at scholarship money, you'll need to do it.

[Aqualibrium]

IMO, it's really difficult to enjoy the "DC life" at American because of its location. Additionally, everything I've seen says that American students are crushed in the job market by the competition of the two major local powers, the t14, and every other kid in the country who has dreams of the big city.

I considered American, but in my mind, the things I mentioned above made it a bad choice. Ended up going to school for free elsewhere, and still getting a job in the DC metro.

Nice. Where did you end up going if I might ask?

And I could definitely see the negatives with American but thought I would throw out an app over there anyways.

[ebl1014]

Accepted today via email/status checker. 164/3.5. Average softs, huge positive grade trajectory (2.something-low freshman year, 3.8 sophomore year, 3.9 junior, 3.8 senior)

[ilovesf]

Accepted today via email/status checker. 164/3.5. Average softs, huge positive grade trajectory (2.something-low freshman year, 3.8 sophomore year, 3.9 junior, 3.8 senior)

Congrats! When did you go complete?