Top Law Schools

orachelo wrote:I think (hope) this may be the week for a wave of "decision rendered!" And hopefully it will be a wave of INS!!

And I hope you are right....

ldarling87 wrote:

Capitol hillbilly wrote:Hello Everyone,
Longtime lurker, thought I'd finally join the fray. I think I'm in the same position as most of the recent posters on here: submitted 2/7, first complete around 3/7, and I just got another complete date as of 3/30. Weird that many of us are getting those exact same or very similar dates for changes in the status. I applied to the part time program... LSAT was 153 (first try), 158 second try. My UG does not give GPA (Evergreen), so it's hard to predict what they'll think of my app- but I am already in at Lewis and Clark (no $), so I'm really hoping USF comes through. I visited the campus and I loved it- and now I'm anxiously awaiting the snail man. Is it weird that this thread is so short? The other schools I applied to (Santa Clara, Hastings, L & C) have massive 25 page threads. Wonder why that is. Good luck, everybody on here!

Same boat as you with L&C! No money. I'm not trying to loan out 60k a year. I hope USF pulls through for us! Good luck!

Congrats on the L&C acceptance- I was honestly leaning towards Portland until I read about the employment prospects there.. I also have a family hookup to reduce COL in the bay area... c'mon snail man! Nothing in the mail box again today, unfortunately. Anybody else on here also applying at Golden Gate?

Capitol hillbilly wrote:

ldarling87 wrote:

Capitol hillbilly wrote:Hello Everyone,
Longtime lurker, thought I'd finally join the fray. I think I'm in the same position as most of the recent posters on here: submitted 2/7, first complete around 3/7, and I just got another complete date as of 3/30. Weird that many of us are getting those exact same or very similar dates for changes in the status. I applied to the part time program... LSAT was 153 (first try), 158 second try. My UG does not give GPA (Evergreen), so it's hard to predict what they'll think of my app- but I am already in at Lewis and Clark (no $), so I'm really hoping USF comes through. I visited the campus and I loved it- and now I'm anxiously awaiting the snail man. Is it weird that this thread is so short? The other schools I applied to (Santa Clara, Hastings, L & C) have massive 25 page threads. Wonder why that is. Good luck, everybody on here!

Same boat as you with L&C! No money. I'm not trying to loan out 60k a year. I hope USF pulls through for us! Good luck!

Congrats on the L&C acceptance- I was honestly leaning towards Portland until I read about the employment prospects there.. I also have a family hookup to reduce COL in the bay area... c'mon snail man! Nothing in the mail box again today, unfortunately. Anybody else on here also applying at Golden Gate?

I considered applying to GG, but I've since decided I would rather not risk applying to a 3rd or 4th tier school. I've heard too many horror stories relating to debt and job opportunities that I'd like to remain more risk adverse until I've exhausted my other opportunities.
None of that is to say that GG isn't a good option for other people...

I considered applying to GG, but I've since decided I would rather not risk applying to a 3rd or 4th tier school. I've heard too many horror stories relating to debt and job opportunities that I'd like to remain more risk adverse until I've exhausted my other opportunities.
None of that is to say that GG isn't a good option for other people...

I appreciate your tact, very un-TLS. I'm also terrified at the prospect of possibly attending a 4th tier school, but on the other hand, I've heard two practicing attorneys in the bay area say, and I quote, "Golden Gate? That's a great school." They were talking about for public interest work, but still. Could be a possible option.

Capitol hillbilly wrote:

I considered applying to GG, but I've since decided I would rather not risk applying to a 3rd or 4th tier school. I've heard too many horror stories relating to debt and job opportunities that I'd like to remain more risk adverse until I've exhausted my other opportunities.
None of that is to say that GG isn't a good option for other people...

I appreciate your tact, very un-TLS. I'm also terrified at the prospect of possibly attending a 4th tier school, but on the other hand, I've heard two practicing attorneys in the bay area say, and I quote, "Golden Gate? That's a great school." They were talking about for public interest work, but still. Could be a possible option.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

I work as a paralegal in Norcal, where the Federal Bankruptcy Judge in Santa Rosa graduated from Golden Gate. He's very successful. There's also bankruptcy attorney who works in our building and he's banking $600,000/year practicing BK law right now in Santa Rosa. He got his degree from Empire College, a non-ABA accredited law school.

Nobody can predict where you'll end up. BUT, I would still encourage you, as it's the same advice I practice, to exhaust all options before going to a 4th tier school. For every great story I've heard, I've heard even more horror stories...
It may be better to go to a non-ABA accredited school to incur less debt....Who really knows.

Keep us updated!

robinhoodOO wrote:

Capitol hillbilly wrote:

I considered applying to GG, but I've since decided I would rather not risk applying to a 3rd or 4th tier school. I've heard too many horror stories relating to debt and job opportunities that I'd like to remain more risk adverse until I've exhausted my other opportunities.
None of that is to say that GG isn't a good option for other people...

I appreciate your tact, very un-TLS. I'm also terrified at the prospect of possibly attending a 4th tier school, but on the other hand, I've heard two practicing attorneys in the bay area say, and I quote, "Golden Gate? That's a great school." They were talking about for public interest work, but still. Could be a possible option.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

I work as a paralegal in Norcal, where the Federal Bankruptcy Judge in Santa Rosa graduated from Golden Gate. He's very successful. There's also bankruptcy attorney who works in our building and he's banking $600,000/year practicing BK law right now in Santa Rosa. He got his degree from Empire College, a non-ABA accredited law school.

Nobody can predict where you'll end up. BUT, I would still encourage you, as it's the same advice I practice, to exhaust all options before going to a 4th tier school. For every great story I've heard, I've heard even more horror stories...
It may be better to go to a non-ABA accredited school to incur less debt....Who really knows.

Keep us updated!

Well, here's an update: just read the 2009 employment data thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=150681.
I was shocked and dismayed to see how USF and SCU grads are doing, and now I honestly could not consider going to either of these schools without it being free. Has everyone in this thread seen those graphs? IT IS REQUIRED READING, DO IT!! USF grads have a 26% chance of getting full time legal work after graduation!! All of the speculation and "sky is falling" posts that we've all read about lower tier CA schools turns out to be well deserved. Best of luck to anyone who decides to go to USF, I'm bailing out of the race.

Law School Transparency sometimes makes schools look a little better than they are, because it does not distinguish between full and part-time employment in its data. That doesn't help University of San Francisco, in 2008 it was a real loser:
--LinkRemoved--

The situation is certainly much worse now. I'm curious about how the folks on this thread are planning to deal with the insanely dismal prospects for USF grads. Since it is unlikely that one would be able to find a full time legal job after graduating, why would anyone go here? Family money, guaranteed job after graduation, full ride tuition are all good reasons. For those of us without those opportunities, what's your plan? I'm actually serious, and I've posted this question on the SCU thread as well.

.

Jessuf wrote:Hmmm. That graph makes NYLS look better than USF.

The graph also makes Thomas Jefferson and McGeorge look better....In fact, Hastings doesn't seem to fair that well when considering the information provided either...On another look, McGeorge is almost on par with UC Davis, while TJ is nearly a McGeorge equivalent in many respects. Some of it seems rather odd.

The only conclusion I can come up with is that the San Francisco market is terrible--partially due to competition. You're looking at three Tier 1s (possibly 4 if you include UC Davis in the SF Market): Stanford, Boalt & Hastings; and two Tier 2s: USC & USF; and then GG, while also including any of the several non-ABA accreditted schools in the Bay Area. We should also consider that due to the size of the Bay Area market (among other aspects), it likely attracts many graduates from various nationally placing T14s.

Personally, however, I have a hard time buying into TJ, or even McG for that matter, being a better law school than USF (when considering employment opportunities), and that both are--as far as full-time job prospects are concerned--close to UC Davis and Hastings is said respects.....

The only conclusion is that the SF market is extremely hard to break into; which isn't exactly an unknown characteristic of the area in the first place.

As for addressing the concerns of the person bringing the information up in the first place (Capitol HB): Pending law school graduation, I don't personally plan on having any problems locating a job. I've worked as a paralegal in NorCal for over 3 years; of which my father-in-law (a local attorney of 25+ years) has offered me a standing position pending completion of my JD, among other tentative promises from other firms in the area. Furthermore, USF has the best part-time law school program in the area, aside from McG, and at no time in the near future will it be possible for me to enter a JD program as a full-time student.

So it looks like L&C for you then?!?!?!

When is the first seat deposit due for USF? Has it passed already?

Just got my acceptance today! Cannot reveal my numbers since they are quite identifying.

1st deposit is due on 5/2/11. Good luck to all the applicants.

I sadly withdrew. Cant make the move after all. Hope one of you get my seat.

ghjuio wrote:Just got my acceptance today! Cannot reveal my numbers since they are quite identifying.

1st deposit is due on 5/2/11. Good luck to all the applicants.

Thx and Congrats! Did your online status go to decision rendered (if so, when?) and then you got the snail mail?

I have yet to check the on-line status, but I got the email today!

Btw, the assigned USF email means nothing. Yesterday night when I checked my status, it did not show a USF email. I thought I was going to get rejected.

Good luck to all applicants!

ghjuio wrote:I have yet to check the on-line status, but I got the email today!

Btw, the assigned USF email means nothing. Yesterday night when I checked my status, it did not show a USF email. I thought I was going to get rejected.

Good luck to all applicants!

happy for your in! Do you think you'll marticulate? What time did you get the email?

I really want a decision either way from USF...this wait is agonizing.

I have A LOT on my plate, but will decide in the next 3 weeks!

Once again, good luck to all of you. I know what it is like to be in your shoes. Believe me.

robinhoodOO wrote:

Jessuf wrote:Hmmm. That graph makes NYLS look better than USF.

The graph also makes Thomas Jefferson and McGeorge look better....In fact, Hastings doesn't seem to fair that well when considering the information provided either...On another look, McGeorge is almost on par with UC Davis, while TJ is nearly a McGeorge equivalent in many respects. Some of it seems rather odd.

The only conclusion I can come up with is that the San Francisco market is terrible--partially due to competition. You're looking at three Tier 1s (possibly 4 if you include UC Davis in the SF Market): Stanford, Boalt & Hastings; and two Tier 2s: USC & USF; and then GG, while also including any of the several non-ABA accreditted schools in the Bay Area. We should also consider that due to the size of the Bay Area market (among other aspects), it likely attracts many graduates from various nationally placing T14s.

Personally, however, I have a hard time buying into TJ, or even McG for that matter, being a better law school than USF (when considering employment opportunities), and that both are--as far as full-time job prospects are concerned--close to UC Davis and Hastings is said respects.....

The only conclusion is that the SF market is extremely hard to break into; which isn't exactly an unknown characteristic of the area in the first place.

As for addressing the concerns of the person bringing the information up in the first place (Capitol HB): Pending law school graduation, I don't personally plan on having any problems locating a job. I've worked as a paralegal in NorCal for over 3 years; of which my father-in-law (a local attorney of 25+ years) has offered me a standing position pending completion of my JD, among other tentative promises from other firms in the area. Furthermore, USF has the best part-time law school program in the area, aside from McG, and at no time in the near future will it be possible for me to enter a JD program as a full-time student.

So it looks like L&C for you then?!?!?!

Sounds like you have a solid plan, and should find yourself in that lucky 25%. Best of luck with your admission! It will probably be L&C for me, barring a miracle from some sympathetic LEOP admissions person at Hastings...

Capitol hillbilly wrote:

robinhoodOO wrote:

Jessuf wrote:Hmmm. That graph makes NYLS look better than USF.

The graph also makes Thomas Jefferson and McGeorge look better....In fact, Hastings doesn't seem to fair that well when considering the information provided either...On another look, McGeorge is almost on par with UC Davis, while TJ is nearly a McGeorge equivalent in many respects. Some of it seems rather odd.

The only conclusion I can come up with is that the San Francisco market is terrible--partially due to competition. You're looking at three Tier 1s (possibly 4 if you include UC Davis in the SF Market): Stanford, Boalt & Hastings; and two Tier 2s: USC & USF; and then GG, while also including any of the several non-ABA accreditted schools in the Bay Area. We should also consider that due to the size of the Bay Area market (among other aspects), it likely attracts many graduates from various nationally placing T14s.

Personally, however, I have a hard time buying into TJ, or even McG for that matter, being a better law school than USF (when considering employment opportunities), and that both are--as far as full-time job prospects are concerned--close to UC Davis and Hastings is said respects.....

The only conclusion is that the SF market is extremely hard to break into; which isn't exactly an unknown characteristic of the area in the first place.

As for addressing the concerns of the person bringing the information up in the first place (Capitol HB): Pending law school graduation, I don't personally plan on having any problems locating a job. I've worked as a paralegal in NorCal for over 3 years; of which my father-in-law (a local attorney of 25+ years) has offered me a standing position pending completion of my JD, among other tentative promises from other firms in the area. Furthermore, USF has the best part-time law school program in the area, aside from McG, and at no time in the near future will it be possible for me to enter a JD program as a full-time student.

So it looks like L&C for you then?!?!?!

Sounds like you have a solid plan, and should find yourself in that lucky 25%. Best of luck with your admission! It will probably be L&C for me, barring a miracle from some sympathetic LEOP admissions person at Hastings...

HAHA, well keep us updated regardless!

In via e-mail.

Does anyone know if they send scholarship info with the acceptance e-mail? Also, do they provide a stipend for attending their Spring Reception?

dreams2308 wrote:In via e-mail.

Does anyone know if they send scholarship info with the acceptance e-mail? Also, do they provide a stipend for attending their Spring Reception?

Earlier in the thread, someone posted that the admissions said that they only send admission decisions via snail mail and that the earlier round of acceptances via email were a mistake (the form of acceptance, not the acceptances themselves). So I just want to know if I should be checking my email compulsively or my mail box?!

KiraMarie wrote:

dreams2308 wrote:In via e-mail.

Does anyone know if they send scholarship info with the acceptance e-mail? Also, do they provide a stipend for attending their Spring Reception?

Earlier in the thread, someone posted that the admissions said that they only send admission decisions via snail mail and that the earlier round of acceptances via email were a mistake (the form of acceptance, not the acceptances themselves). So I just want to know if I should be checking my email compulsively or my mail box?!

Just check your status updater. It will show Decision Rendered before you receive either...

robinhoodOO wrote:

KiraMarie wrote:

dreams2308 wrote:In via e-mail.

Does anyone know if they send scholarship info with the acceptance e-mail? Also, do they provide a stipend for attending their Spring Reception?

Earlier in the thread, someone posted that the admissions said that they only send admission decisions via snail mail and that the earlier round of acceptances via email were a mistake (the form of acceptance, not the acceptances themselves). So I just want to know if I should be checking my email compulsively or my mail box?!

Just check your status updater. It will show Decision Rendered before you receive either...

Yea, I know..... I am just acting a little impatient right now. I guess this is what I get for applying so late. I am really anxious now because I just found out that my job is not being offered to me next year (I work at a school), so now I feel the pressure of getting into and attending law school next year. Before knowing I had been laid off, I was considering reapplying in the next cycle. I sure hope it works out.

KiraMarie wrote:

robinhoodOO wrote:

KiraMarie wrote:

dreams2308 wrote:In via e-mail.

Does anyone know if they send scholarship info with the acceptance e-mail? Also, do they provide a stipend for attending their Spring Reception?

Earlier in the thread, someone posted that the admissions said that they only send admission decisions via snail mail and that the earlier round of acceptances via email were a mistake (the form of acceptance, not the acceptances themselves). So I just want to know if I should be checking my email compulsively or my mail box?!

Just check your status updater. It will show Decision Rendered before you receive either...

Yea, I know..... I am just acting a little impatient right now. I guess this is what I get for applying so late. I am really anxious now because I just found out that my job is not being offered to me next year (I work at a school), so now I feel the pressure of getting into and attending law school next year. Before knowing I had been laid off, I was considering reapplying in the next cycle. I sure hope it works out.

Eeek. My wife is a teacher and I feel your pain. Luckily she works for a private school with less stress of being pink slipped and the like.
Best of luck and keep us updated!

I work at a private school too...... Unfortunately feeling some of the budget cuts at our school too. I guess not as many parents can afford to pay $14K a year for their high school students tuition.

KiraMarie wrote: I work at a private school too...... Unfortunately feeling some of the budget cuts at our school too. I guess not as many parents can afford to pay $14K a year for their high school students tuition.

The economy does seem much worse than what is conveyed by economists and the media...
I've been told by several attorneys in the area that perhaps law school isn't a good idea if I want to go to a school with a part-time program. Mainly because most schools that offer a part-time program are 2nd tier in the SF and Sac area--aside from GG which is much worse. The statistics generally show that the 2nd tier schools in this part of the country aren't placing graduates. Read back a few posts on the statistics and my generalized analysis of the data that was provided. It's even been suggested to me that I go to a non-ABA accreditted school over encumbering myself in debt with job prospects that will likely only differ minimally...haha. We'll see!
Best of luck regardless!