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Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:09 pm
by retiree
descartesb4thehorse wrote:Hi Guys,

Got my acceptance yesterday. I fell in love with NM a few years back (I'm from WV originally and did UG in Chicago) and would love to start a life there. I probably won't get the chance to visit, so could anyone describe the campus life a little? I have a lot of friends in Santa Fe, which I know is ~an hour away.... I probably would live close to campus my first year, but does anyone commute? Not from SF in particular, but a halfway point would be nice. As long as my car holds, I could do 30 mins each way.

What's it like to get gov't jobs with a UNM degree? Ideally I'd like to make SF my home after graduation; anyone know how smoothly that transition would be especially for an out-of-stater with few law connections?

Thanks for any help!
Congratulations! The median house price in SF is $385,000, down from around $525,000 at the height of the housing surge. Of course, at $385,000, you are looking at an old house, 2 bedrooms and probably 1 bathrm, probably no garage, and a real fixer-upper. Lots of people commute between ABQ and SF and vice versa. Many are using the Railrunner train--which stops down at the main station, where you would transfer to a city bus. The advantage to public transportation is that you can read/study on the train/bus. It takes an hour by car to get into the main part of Santa Fe from I-25 & Tramway--that is with no speeding. You never know when an unmarked white pick-'em-up truck will have its lights dancing in your rear view mirror, either.

There is no halfway point (bet. ABQ & SF) to live, as you wouldl be miles from a gas station and grocery store. You could live in Bernalillo, a very small city north of UNM by 35-40 min depending on the time of day--where there is also a Railrunner station where you can park your car. But assuming you are in your 20s, you will want to live where the action scene is, and preferably within walking distance. You don't need to be spending unnecessary time commuting during 1L, when you really need to be studying. And study groups study into the evening often, and you really don't want to be driving I-25 to SF at night, to become a statistic at the wheel of a drunk driver.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:14 pm
by NewLobo
I'll address the living situation. The Law campus is part of the North UNM campus which includes the medical fields and NOT the UG campus which I would find desirable. Your neighbors will be Med/Pharmacy/Nursing students. The school is located just north of UNMH which is a large teaching hospital so things in the area can get a little congested.

If you are looking for housing in the area, a house near by would be desirable. North Campus is mostly surrounded by homes but there are apartments that are within a close drive. There is also a golf course alongside the Law School which is nice to have close to school.

Now to address living half way between ABQ. and SF. The issue with that is there are not many options. There are no major towns between the two cities. There are small groupings of housing, a few REALLY small towns, and pueblos. All places that I would be surprised if you actually found a rental. I suggest living close to campus and using the extra time to study. You can always visit your friends on the weekends and during breaks. Besides you can find a posistion in Santa Fe during your summers.

Hope I helped a little. I'm sure others can add or correct me.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:58 pm
by descartesb4thehorse
NewLobo wrote:I'll address the living situation. The Law campus is part of the North UNM campus which includes the medical fields and NOT the UG campus which I would find desirable. Your neighbors will be Med/Pharmacy/Nursing students. The school is located just north of UNMH which is a large teaching hospital so things in the area can get a little congested.

If you are looking for housing in the area, a house near by would be desirable. North Campus is mostly surrounded by homes but there are apartments that are within a close drive. There is also a golf course alongside the Law School which is nice to have close to school.

Now to address living half way between ABQ. and SF. The issue with that is there are not many options. There are no major towns between the two cities. There are small groupings of housing, a few REALLY small towns, and pueblos. All places that I would be surprised if you actually found a rental. I suggest living close to campus and using the extra time to study. You can always visit your friends on the weekends and during breaks. Besides you can find a posistion in Santa Fe during your summers.

Hope I helped a little. I'm sure others can add or correct me.
Thanks to both of the responders!

I figured as much but certainly don't know much about the area so I wanted to ask some locals. You really are lucky to live in NM -- one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I'll definitely be sticking around ABQ for 1L, and I know SF can be expensive so I probably won't be able to commit to a house there until I find a job.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:24 pm
by firemed
descartesb4thehorse wrote:
Thanks to both of the responders!

I figured as much but certainly don't know much about the area so I wanted to ask some locals. You really are lucky to live in NM -- one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I'll definitely be sticking around ABQ for 1L, and I know SF can be expensive so I probably won't be able to commit to a house there until I find a job.

I think getting government jobs in Santa Fe would be realistic after graduating from UNM Law. But virtually everyone in the public sector in Santa Fe commutes. No one making less than $100K a year can afford to live there unless they inherited the land and house they live in.

As for campus life: UNM and the surrounding area (especially to the east on Central called "Nob Hill") is a fun, funky area. There is a lot to do- small theatres, cool restaraunts, good bars, fun little shops. Lots of parks and areas to play. A 20-40 minute drive from campus can take you out to the mountains for a hike or to the tram to go to the top of the mountain for skiing. While Sandia skiing isn't the best, it is really close.

You can find a small apartment all to yourself in a safe area for $500 a month. A house in the area usually costs $1000-1500 a month, making roommates something you would want.

Personally I will be driving 40 minutes each way to school. Because I have a mortgage I ain't getting out of :cry: . On the other hand, I do pay $750 a month for 1200 square feet. So it could be worse.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 3:10 pm
by retiree
firemed wrote:
descartesb4thehorse wrote:
Thanks to both of the responders!

I figured as much but certainly don't know much about the area so I wanted to ask some locals. You really are lucky to live in NM -- one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I'll definitely be sticking around ABQ for 1L, and I know SF can be expensive so I probably won't be able to commit to a house there until I find a job.

I think getting government jobs in Santa Fe would be realistic after graduating from UNM Law. But virtually everyone in the public sector in Santa Fe commutes. No one making less than $100K a year can afford to live there unless they inherited the land and house they live in.

As for campus life: UNM and the surrounding area (especially to the east on Central called "Nob Hill") is a fun, funky area. There is a lot to do- small theatres, cool restaraunts, good bars, fun little shops. Lots of parks and areas to play. A 20-40 minute drive from campus can take you out to the mountains for a hike or to the tram to go to the top of the mountain for skiing. While Sandia skiing isn't the best, it is really close.

You can find a small apartment all to yourself in a safe area for $500 a month. A house in the area usually costs $1000-1500 a month, making roommates something you would want.

Personally I will be driving 40 minutes each way to school. Because I have a mortgage I ain't getting out of :cry: . On the other hand, I do pay $750 a month for 1200 square feet. So it could be worse.
Keep in mind that the average salary for an attorney who has been working some time already in NM is around $55K. (Some months back the ABQ Journal had a huge article in the career section about lawyers' salaries here.) If you are looking for big bucks here in NM working for any government agency, you can pretty much forget it. (Yes, there are some making around $125,000, such as the ABQ City's CAO, but that is rare.) People live, work, and retire here because of the beautiful scenery and great wx. Any federal govt job (and most other govt jobs) will require a security background investigation, so you will want to make sure you are squeeky clean. That can take anywhere from 6 months to more than a year (if federal).

Of course, Santa Fe is the state capital, and the biggest agency with lawyers is the AG's office. Oddly enough, in this morning's newspaper is an article on female attorneys suing the AG's office for alleged pay discrimination. And, the AG is saying it doesn't have to release any data on who makes what. This will be fun to follow.

I think for anyone who will be graduating from law school, the name of the game is to get ANY job that is remotely related to what you studied and would like to do. There are lawyers out there who are working for paralegal pay--the market is saturated with lawyers, and law firms have had to let people go, too. Get your feet wet, pay your dues, and have a plan. My plan in my other life was: every 3 years a promotion/more pay, new job duties. I would start looking at the 2-yr point, and by the time a year was up, I was into the next phase of my plan. Plan, plan, plan. And don't forget--you need to have contingency plans, too! And remember that as you climb the ladder, be nice to everyone; for, if you aren't, some of those people may be kicking you off the ladder from on top.

I ditto what firemed said about housing in S.F.--if you didn't inherit it, it is unlikely you can afford to live there. Several years back the school district up there had to bring in manufacturered homes (I think it was that) just to provide housing for teachers. They couldn't get teachers to come there because they couldn't afford to live there on their salaries.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 6:38 pm
by NewLobo
I'm sorry to disagree with you guys about housing in Santa Fe. I actually am from Santa Fe, and yes housing in desirable areas is quite expensive. However, there is affordable housing in some areas of town such as the growing areas off of airport road and the new areas popping up south of town near highway 14. Not to mention some older homes in town can be had for ~200k. Plus the county of Santa fe has plenty of homes that are less then the obsene prices you guys are portraying. Yes if you want to live by the plaza you are looking at 500k for a thousand foot house. However, the plaze is far from the end all of Santa fe living and you should not keep some expensive housing from enjoying (in my opinion) the greatest town in the world. :D

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:54 pm
by nStiver
firemed wrote:
As for campus life: UNM and the surrounding area (especially to the east on Central called "Nob Hill") is a fun, funky area. There is a lot to do- small theatres, cool restaraunts, good bars, fun little shops. Lots of parks and areas to play. A 20-40 minute drive from campus can take you out to the mountains for a hike or to the tram to go to the top of the mountain for skiing. While Sandia skiing isn't the best, it is really close.

You can find a small apartment all to yourself in a safe area for $500 a month. A house in the area usually costs $1000-1500 a month, making roommates something you would want.

Personally I will be driving 40 minutes each way to school. Because I have a mortgage I ain't getting out of :cry: . On the other hand, I do pay $750 a month for 1200 square feet. So it could be worse.
Great description of UNM area FM. My wife and I rent a two story two bedroom for $595 a month, about 3/4 of a mile from campus. The deals are out there, you just have to look.

My wife just got accepted to UNM linguistics program. Nothing to do for me now but to wait. It seems like some people didn't get in until the 11th hour last year, judging by the thread that was up. :?

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:33 pm
by retiree
NewLobo wrote:I'm sorry to disagree with you guys about housing in Santa Fe. I actually am from Santa Fe, and yes housing in desirable areas is quite expensive. However, there is affordable housing in some areas of town such as the growing areas off of airport road and the new areas popping up south of town near highway 14. Not to mention some older homes in town can be had for ~200k. Plus the county of Santa fe has plenty of homes that are less then the obsene prices you guys are portraying. Yes if you want to live by the plaza you are looking at 500k for a thousand foot house. However, the plaze is far from the end all of Santa fe living and you should not keep some expensive housing from enjoying (in my opinion) the greatest town in the world. :D
I do agree with you to a certain degree. I looked up there when I first moved to NM years ago. And I recently went up to S.F. with a friend who was moving here and wanted to move there (since they wanted to be closer to ski areas, including in CO). And yes, we found houses in the $200-250K range. They were small, older, and needed a lot of work (we estimated about $100K for one of them). I guess that some sellers think that the "charm" (or rather, the "privilege" of being in S.F. outweighs their having to fix up a house that needs a new roof, sidewalk, you name it. Many of the houses have no garage, and on-street parking is scarce the closer you get to the plaza. While the plaza is certainly not the only thing up there, even when friends come in from out of town, that is where we usually go--lots of art galleries, shops, and great restaurants. We all love our neighborhoods (presumably), and can find many aspects--pros and cons--for other areas. But if someone were to go house hunting in their own city, they might be surprised as to what they can find. You just have to look and look and look, and know what the true cost will be in the end. (Having moved many times in my life, I can't stress enough doing your homework.)

For anyone moving anywhere, check out this website for the cost-of-living city comparison calculator: http://www.bestplaces.net/col/ You plug in the salary you make now, and it will then tell you what you need to equal that elsewhere. I wish I could remember a website that helps you decide where to live--it has a ton of questions, and you end up with a list of suggested places based on what you like and don't like. For example, if you like outdoor concerts, parks, etc., there is a factor for that. If you can't stand humidity (move to NM!), that is a factor that is rated, too. Now I am bugged that I can't remember it--it will come to me, hopefully.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 1:06 pm
by firemed
Hey retiree, are you an attorney here already? Or are you in UNM? Or are you applying to UNM?

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:13 pm
by nStiver
firemed wrote:
nStiver wrote:Does anyone know UNM's wait list policy, or has anyone been wait-listed? I wonder when they usually tell people they have been wl'd. :shock:

I think you are on a "sort of waitlist" dude. Like, here is what I would put $20 on happening to you: They hold your app and look at the people who are coming in. The continue to admit those they really like. Then April 15th comes, and everyone has to send in their first deposit. Suddenly they have a much clearer picture of how many of the ones they really like are attending. Then they go back and look at all the apps like yours that they liked but weren't 100% on. They go through and admit those until they fill their class. That fact that you haven't been rejected is still a good sign. Try not to lose hope.

Also, I am trying to remember, but aren't you just out of UG? Dean Washburn told me they admit a lot more non-trads than trads. So that may be part of the issue.
I bet you are right on the money as far as the virtual waitlist. I am right out of undergrad, but I am effing old to be just graduating: 26. I just have a hard time seeing why they would reject an instate with an lsat in the 90th percentile, but this is UNM, they do things their own way.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:08 pm
by retiree
firemed wrote:Hey retiree, are you an attorney here already? Or are you in UNM? Or are you applying to UNM?

Degreed paralegal (among other careers). Retired. Taught college for many years. Thinking about it--but music is my passion (for which I actually get paid--the little extra helps with the travel budget!).

Question for you, firemed: In your thumbnail photo where the firefighters are on a house roof--would that house, by chance, have been on Camino Capistrano NE in ABQ?

I get a kick out of reading the postings on TLC (will read them when I am on hold on the phone--the story of my life some days), and am pleased to see that, compared to many of the postings in other forums on the TLC site, those on this specific forum are sane, don't attack people with foul language, and are in a format you can read (albeit, with an occasional misspelling or other grammar issue). The input from people in this (UNM) forum is informative, and they are people who truly want to help. I am in awe of the politeness here (unlike postings in other forums, which can be downright disgusting in their verbal attacks on people just wanting some information).

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:33 pm
by retiree
nStiver wrote:
firemed wrote:
nStiver wrote:Does anyone know UNM's wait list policy, or has anyone been wait-listed? I wonder when they usually tell people they have been wl'd. :shock:

I think you are on a "sort of waitlist" dude. Like, here is what I would put $20 on happening to you: They hold your app and look at the people who are coming in. The continue to admit those they really like. Then April 15th comes, and everyone has to send in their first deposit. Suddenly they have a much clearer picture of how many of the ones they really like are attending. Then they go back and look at all the apps like yours that they liked but weren't 100% on. They go through and admit those until they fill their class. That fact that you haven't been rejected is still a good sign. Try not to lose hope.

Also, I am trying to remember, but aren't you just out of UG? Dean Washburn told me they admit a lot more non-trads than trads. So that may be part of the issue.
I bet you are right on the money as far as the virtual waitlist. I am right out of undergrad, but I am effing old to be just graduating: 26. I just have a hard time seeing why they would reject an instate with an lsat in the 90th percentile, but this is UNM, they do things their own way.
Nola Ochs was 95 when she graduated from college in 2007 with a degree in history (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LifeStages/story?id=3167970). THEN, she went on for her master's and graduated in May 2010 at the age of 98! (Sure beats sitting at home and knitting.) I read a year ago that the average age of the undergrad student is 26. Thomas Jefferson said that "You don't stop learning until you are six feet under." That is so true. Last year, another woman, Alice Thomas (http://www.elderlawanswers.com/resource ... &section=4) graduated from law school at the age of 79.

Yup, I do believe ol' Thomas had it right. BTW, he was 83 when he died in 1826. Age only matters when it comes to cheese. The fact that someone graduates is the important thing, and who cares how old you are when you do?!

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:05 pm
by firemed
retiree wrote: Question for you, firemed: In your thumbnail photo where the firefighters are on a house roof--would that house, by chance, have been on Camino Capistrano NE in ABQ?
Nah. Training academy, I am one of those guys, but we all look alike, so I don't know which one. I have been on roofs a few times to cut holes in the South Valley. But I work for County, not City.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:09 am
by NewLobo
retiree wrote:I get a kick out of reading the postings on TLC (will read them when I am on hold on the phone--the story of my life some days), and am pleased to see that, compared to many of the postings in other forums on the TLC site, those on this specific forum are sane, don't attack people with foul language, and are in a format you can read (albeit, with an occasional misspelling or other grammar issue). The input from people in this (UNM) forum is informative, and they are people who truly want to help. I am in awe of the politeness here (unlike postings in other forums, which can be downright disgusting in their verbal attacks on people just wanting some information).
I believe alot of this comes down to age. I think a majority of those who contribute to this thread are older career changers rather then young 18-21 year olds who have a far different perspective on life. Not to mention the maturity level discrepency that comes with the age difference. That, or we New Mexicans are a more laid back breed.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:57 am
by firemed
NewLobo wrote:
retiree wrote:I get a kick out of reading the postings on TLC (will read them when I am on hold on the phone--the story of my life some days), and am pleased to see that, compared to many of the postings in other forums on the TLC site, those on this specific forum are sane, don't attack people with foul language, and are in a format you can read (albeit, with an occasional misspelling or other grammar issue). The input from people in this (UNM) forum is informative, and they are people who truly want to help. I am in awe of the politeness here (unlike postings in other forums, which can be downright disgusting in their verbal attacks on people just wanting some information).
I believe alot of this comes down to age. I think a majority of those who contribute to this thread are older career changers rather then young 18-21 year olds who have a far different perspective on life. Not to mention the maturity level discrepency that comes with the age difference. That, or we New Mexicans are a more laid back breed.

Also, I contain what little dickishness I have to the Lounge. On topic areas are for on-topic stuff.

Though, if anyone did say something incredibly stupid ITT, I would probably be on them like a first world country on a third world country with exploitable resources.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:27 am
by nStiver
firemed wrote:
NewLobo wrote: Though, if anyone did say something incredibly stupid ITT, I would probably be on them like a first world country on a third world country with exploitable resources.
LOLOLOLOL :mrgreen:

Now, that is so true fire med.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:32 pm
by jeffreymabq
When considering housing, take a look at the city bus schedules. Student id serves as a free bus pass. I commute about 20 miles each way to UNM, but it makes for 30 min of extra study time on the ol' iPad.

Sorry to see some of you still have not heard back. I went ahead and made my seat deposit last week. I got some merit money, and really could not say no.

Jeff

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:51 pm
by descartesb4thehorse
jeffreymabq wrote:When considering housing, take a look at the city bus schedules. Student id serves as a free bus pass. I commute about 20 miles each way to UNM, but it makes for 30 min of extra study time on the ol' iPad.

Sorry to see some of you still have not heard back. I went ahead and made my seat deposit last week. I got some merit money, and really could not say no.

Jeff
How much merit aid and was this just sent along with your acceptance or did you apply for it separately? I'm just wondering because $$ would make a huge difference in my decision to enroll.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:26 pm
by nStiver
descartes, you got a 171 and are considering UNM? Are you from out of state? I am sure you will get some banging opportunities at other schools, with those numbers.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:30 pm
by descartesb4thehorse
.

I applied late in the cycle (actually applied to UNM 3 or 4 days after the official deadline of 2/15, so I guess it's not a hard deadline), WL so far at 3 schools and my only other acceptance is not budging on $, including counting my need access as late so won't even consider me for need-based aid. (I hurriedly emailed UNM last night about need access and thankfully theirs isn't due until May 1.) UNM is cheap and the only law school in by far my favorite state. I think the usual problems that come with applying to a school because it's in an area you like is oversaturation - I wouldn't want to go to Pepperdine or Chapman just because I liked California, because California law jobs are going to go to Stanford, Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Hastings, and Davis grads first, and the rest will be bones. Of course, the flip side of this is that NM probably doesn't have a glut of legal jobs, but for someone who doesn't mind staying in the area, if the price is right, I'll definitely sign up for a nice life, 40k starting and work my way up. I made a pretty rash decision re: top-10 schools for undergrad that didn't leave me with as many loans as it could have because of need aid, but law school is a whole different ballgame and I am not willing to exclude any options that I could see having a lot of merit.

Hope this answers your question. I'm not 100% yet, but money will definitely help me get there.

ETA: Yes I am from OOS, but I'd so much rather go to UNM than my state school.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:27 am
by firemed
Some merit aid is given when you are accepted, but... merit aid can apparently be negotiated for. I explained about COA issues, and mentioned some other scholarships I had received. They agreed to reconsider my application for merit aid.

They say, however, that they do not give out much. So supplies may be limited by the time some of the people in this thread get an acceptance.


@Jeff: I am planning on taking the bus too (live up by Cottonwood) on the days I don't have to take my kid to daycare. The free bus pass will certainly cut down on gas and maintenance expenses, even if it ends up being only 2-3 days a week.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:47 pm
by jeffreymabq
@descartes - Did not apply - it just showed up. Besides growing up here, I have some pretty strong WE. I am currently enrolled in the MBA program at UNM with a 4.0, and my LSAT score was 164 - so maybe that influenced it. (OF course, my undergrad GPA at UNM was below 1.0 when I transferred - so maybe not). Heck - I don't know, nor do I care - I'll take it.

UNM was my main choice, as uprooting family was possible but not a serious option. However, when I received my merit letter - I knew I better take it - UNM is known for not giving out much money - and this was quite a bit.

@Firemed - From Cottonwood to UNM is easy - 790 Blue line - it's about 30 min from the mall to BCMC.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:52 pm
by descartesb4thehorse
jeffreymabq wrote:@descartes - Did not apply - it just showed up. Besides growing up here, I have some pretty strong WE. I am currently enrolled in the MBA program at UNM with a 4.0, and my LSAT score was 164 - so maybe that influenced it. (OF course, my undergrad GPA at UNM was below 1.0 when I transferred - so maybe not). Heck - I don't know, nor do I care - I'll take it.

UNM was my main choice, as uprooting family was possible but not a serious option. However, when I received my merit letter - I knew I better take it - UNM is known for not giving out much money - and this was quite a bit.

@Firemed - From Cottonwood to UNM is easy - 790 Blue line - it's about 30 min from the mall to BCMC.
Thanks. I emailed adcomm about merit aid this past weekend. I got a response pretty much saying that because my acceptance was so recent (2 wks ago) that my file probably hasn't gone to review for merit aid. Fingers crossed- I'd even be pretty happy with being considered in-state for my first year and establishing residency. Anyone know how easy it is to do that? I'd imagine staying in the state for the summer if that helps...

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:34 pm
by jeffreymabq
Yeah - lag between acceptance and merit offer was about 6 weeks.

Re: University of New Mexico 2011

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:44 pm
by firemed
I have heard that if you settle here to work for a while before school you may be able to petition to be in-state for your first year. Call and ask them is my advice.

It appears that after the first year everyone will count as in-state... at least from what I have read.