SMU 2012 Forum

[paul34]

I'm in.

Question about the optional essay. From what I read on the application, it is required to be considered for a merit scholarship. Does that mean no optional essay = no chance at scholly money (other than need based, for which I doubt I'd qualify)?

Reason I ask is because the things they ask for are already pretty much covered in my personal statement, I think.

[Nobody]

I filled out my app a while ago, but I feel like there was an optional essay for a few particular merit scholarships, like one for disadvantaged students or something. I don't think there was one you had to write to be considered for merit scholarships, period.

[Maye]

Applying! Good luck guys

[paul34]

Is anyone else doing the optional scholarship essay (under "optional question" under attachments)?

edit: turns out that everyone is considered for the academic scholarship so long as one applies by the regular decision deadline. However, if you wish for additional consideration based on the extra factors, you'll have to complete the optional question. Found this on the website:

http://www.law.smu.edu/Prospective-Stud ... ships.aspx

A number of full and partial scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students. The Financial Aid Committee endeavors to use the available funds to attract students who will enhance the SMU Dedman School of Law with their academic achievement and potential and life experiences.

Applications completed by the regular decision deadline will automatically be considered for academic scholarships. Scholarships for full-time students typically are awarded on the basis of an outstanding undergraduate record and a strong performance on the LSAT. Scholarships are awarded to evening students on the basis of an outstanding record of academic, career, and/or other achievements.

In addition, because we believe that a broad spectrum of viewpoints enhances our educational environment, we also award academic scholarships to any student whose experiences, accomplishments, or background suggest that his or her perspective will enhance or diversify the learning atmosphere at SMU. To be considered for an academic scholarship that is awarded on the basis of your experiences, accomplishments or background, you must complete Optional Admissions Question 15 on the Application for Admission. If you are awarded an academic scholarship, we will notify you shortly after you have been admitted.

That makes sense.

And yes, the Why SMU question is definitely important, although I wonder how good it has to be. From what I've read, something basic will do fine.

[ClutchCity24]

Make sure to write the Why SMU paragraph. Take it serious because SMU admissions takes it very serious.

And yes it does not have to be something spectacular. Just make it clear you want to go to school at SMU.

Also the BSG avatar is great. We need more fans here.

[swilson215]

Make sure to write the Why SMU paragraph. Take it serious because SMU admissions takes it very serious.

And yes it does not have to be something spectacular. Just make it clear you want to go to school at SMU.

+1. I felt like mine was pretty crappy, but I did it, and I know that it made a difference. DO IT.

[kalvano]

If you're stuck on what to write in a "Why SMU", it probably can't hurt to talk about how incredibly wonderfully amazingly awesome you think Dean Attanasio is, how you've heard that SMU has a lot of Fortune 50 CEO's, and you just want to be graced by the presence of Attansio, as it will complete you.

[swilson215]

If you're stuck on what to write in a "Why SMU", it probably can't hurt to talk about how incredibly wonderfully amazingly awesome you think Dean Attanasio is, how you've heard that SMU has a lot of Fortune 50 CEO's, and you just want to be graced by the presence of Attansio, as it will complete you.

And that SMU is just as good as, if not better than, Harvard.

[fountino]

Flew out last week for a visit and had a great time. All of the admission people I spoke with were helpful. They told me that the Why SMU essay helps them to screen out people who are applying just because their numbers are in line with SMU and those who legitimately want to be there. Hope to have my app submitted by end of the week. I hope they are content to hold their median at 165 and not push for 166...

[shifty_eyed]

What do you guys think about the prospect of living in Dallas?

I'm hoping for merit at SMU as a splitter (170 LSAT/3.28 GPA)... I hope they continue to care more about LSAT (if not, I might not get in at all!)

I haven't submitted apps yet since I'm still waiting on LORs.

[paul34]

What do you guys think about the prospect of living in Dallas?

I'm hoping for merit at SMU as a splitter (170 LSAT/3.28 GPA)... I hope they continue to care more about LSAT (if not, I might not get in at all!)

I haven't submitted apps yet since I'm still waiting on LORs.

I'm sure you'll get in, judging by LSN, with money. I definitely wouldn't worry with stats like that! I visited Dallas (city and suburbs) a few months ago. I really liked the place. Of course, I guess whether you'll like ti depends on where you lived before what kind of place you like to live in. It is quite hot during the summer, though. If you really hate the heat it might not work out, but then again, it's not like you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors anyway (unless you choose to).

[icecold3000]

Thinking about applying. Did everyone do the supplemental essay?

[sarahmargie]

I didn't notice a supplemental essay. All I noticed was a required "Why SMU" paragraph. I wrote "why not?" and submitted. What supplemental essay are y'all talking about?

[paul34]

I didn't notice a supplemental essay. All I noticed was a required "Why SMU" paragraph. I wrote "why not?" and submitted. What supplemental essay are y'all talking about?

Optional Question. Assuming we all have the same application layout, it should be right below "Why SMU" and above "Character and Fitness" under the Attachments section.

Anyway, I did not write it. I hope that doesn't screw me. I really want to get into SMU (with money, preferably)! I probably won't submit until my LSAT score comes through, though. So I still have some time in case someone wants to try to change my mind.

edit 2: just read this.

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/should- ... nal-essay/

It helps to confirm my decision not to write the optional essay.

[swilson215]

What do you guys think about the prospect of living in Dallas?

I'm hoping for merit at SMU as a splitter (170 LSAT/3.28 GPA)... I hope they continue to care more about LSAT (if not, I might not get in at all!)

I haven't submitted apps yet since I'm still waiting on LORs.

I think you should be in with $$, especially if you applied this early. As far as Dallas goes, I actually am REALLY enjoying Dallas as a city. There's lots to do on the weekends, which is great if you need a break and not-so-great if you're stuck in the library longing to be out doing something else. There's really something for everyone here. FYI, I moved here from California (born and raised there, did my undergrad in Ohio, moved back to CA). PM if you want more information about SMU or Dallas -- I'm a 1L now.

[AgLaw]

Did all of you submit letters of recommendation?

I would ask for LOR's from my current employer, but I don't have my LSAT scores yet (October) and ideally I would like to see how well I did before I ask my bosses for a recommendation to change careers... I would like to apply early, but will wait if you all think I should get my recommendation letters!

[kalvano]

It can take a while before your LOR's get processed. You should get on that.

[zx92027xz]

Did all of you submit letters of recommendation?

I would ask for LOR's from my current employer, but I don't have my LSAT scores yet (October) and ideally I would like to see how well I did before I ask my bosses for a recommendation to change careers... I would like to apply early, but will wait if you all think I should get my recommendation letters!

The guy above me is right, but it can go a lot faster if you have the recommender fax the recommendations in. Call the LSAC to ask for the fax number and it will be processed in < 3 days

[AgLaw]

On the LSAC application it said LOR's are optional but you can send up to three, I am assuming by the responses that I should send in LOR's... so reckon I'll get on that!

Thanks!

[mlh1988]

Throwing my hat into the ring! It seems we will be waiting a while until the first round of decisions. Good luck to everyone. I'm looking forward to visiting the campus soon and taking a look around.

[Texan1989]

.

[revival2005]

I’m here. This is going to be a long wait!

[Stevoman]

Hey guys, question about the "Why SMU?" paper.

One of the many reasons I want to end up in Dallas is that my grandparents lives there and my grandmother has Alzheimer that is rapidly deteriorating, and she probably only has 3-4 years left on this earth. They have very little family in the area, and while I certainly won't be able to take care of them full-time while in law school, I will be able to help them a lot more than I currently can from Houston, and of course spend more of what little time she has left with them.

Is this the sort of thing worth mentioning, or better left out, of the "Why SMU?" paragraph? I don't want to derail the paragraph with a story, but this is a big factor in me trying to break into the Dallas area.

[FloridaCoastalorbust]

Submitted a few days ago via ED. For some reason I'm now suddenly nervous that ED is binding. Someone please tell me it is non-binding...

[sarahmargie]

Submitted a few days ago via ED 166 3.89. For some reason I'm now suddenly nervous that ED is binding. Someone please tell me it is non-binding...

It's definitely non-binding.

I copied and pasted this from the email they sent me:

Your application to SMU Dedman School of Law is complete. As you have met our early decision deadline, a non-binding decision letter will be mailed at the end of January.