____________________________________________________________________________________Table of Contents
Why NU?
>> Top Ten Reasons to Apply to NU
ApplyingFinances
- 1. Sample Applications
2. Important Application Deadlines (order: ED, AJD, Dual/LLM, RD)
3. Admissions Checklist (order: JD, Dual, LLM, AJD)
4. Interview Preparation/Request link
5. Optional Essays (order: JD, Transfer)
6a. NU website FAQ
6b. NU HELD STUDENTS FAQVisiting
- 7. Tuition/Finaid Info (Rates/Expenses, LRAP, FinAid, Grants/Schollies, Loans, Payment Programs, Other Resources)
8. Travel Subsidy InfoTLS/LSN Wisdom
- 9. Book a Tour
10. Sit in on a Class
11. Photos of NU (taken by prospective, NOT promo photos from NU Law)Misc. Information
- 12. C/O 2014 and Current Student Threads
13. TLS articles on NU (About NU, NU LRAP, NU TLS admit stats)
14. LSN links for 2011-2012 and 2010-2011
- 15. NU Viewbook
16. Academic Calendar
17. Status Checker
18. Dean Rodriguez's Blog
19. Class Profile
20. Countdown Timer to ASW!!!
21. Graphs & Gdocs (Work Exp, LSAT, Decision Date)
22. C/O 2010-2011 stats
23. 2011 Employment Stats
WHY NU??
Top Ten Reasons to Apply to NU (click links for more detail)
10. Location, location, location!
- Beautiful urban environment
- A vibrant legal and business community
- A center for arts and entertainment
- Collaboration - as a student and as a lawyer
- Our classes encourage group work
- Teamwork matters to employers
- Students' professional experiences bring insights
- Advantages of many different backgrounds
- Students straight from college bring welcome perspective
- Students prepare for classes together
- Collegiality between classes strong
- The Law School encourages community
- A wide variety of student organizations
- Student organized programs entertaining as well as educational
- Students socialize casually, too
- Think like a lawyer
- First year core curriculum with some choice
- Choices open up second and third years
- Contributing to change
- Students have initiated new programs
- Great student-faculty ratio keeps students engaged
- Events encourage informal student-faculty socializing
- Professors initiate social outings and meals with students
- What if you want to do a judicial clerkship?
- What if you want to work in public interest?
- What if you want to go into private practice?
- Geographic Flexibility
- Helping You Get the Job You Want
- Helping You Get the Next Job You Want
1. Northwestern Law Students Are… HAPPY!
- The people you meet here make all the difference
- Our Final Word
1.) Sample Applications (TO APPLY, LOG INTO LSAC STARTING SEPTEMBER 1ST)
JD (sample) APPLICATION --http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... cation.pdf** note -- JD sample app is for all JD applicants, including LLM/ED/Joint/Accelerated programs
TRANSFER (sample) APPLICATION -- http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... %20app.pdf
2.) Important Application Deadlines: http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... dates.html
EARLY DECISION (BINDING)
September 1 -
- Application for Admission filing period begins.
- On-campus interviewing begins. (NOTE: ED APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO INTERVIEW ON CAMPUS)
- Deadline for completion of mandatory on-campus interviews for Early Decision candidates.
- Deadline for receipt of completed Early Decision application.
- Early Decision candidates notified of decisions.
- For applicants requesting financial aid, deadline for receipt by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Need Access Application.
September 1 -
- Application for Admission filing period begins.
- On-campus interviewing begins.
- Online request period begins for off-campus interviews.
- Deadline for requesting off-campus interviews.
- Deadline for completion of on-campus interviews for Accelerated JD candidates.
- Deadline for receipt of completed Accelerated JD application.
- Accelerated JD candidates notified of decisions.
- Deadline for receipt of completed Two-Year JD Application.
- For applicants requesting financial aid, deadline for receipt by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Need Access Application.
September 1 -
- Application for Admission filing period begins.
- On-campus interviewing begins.
- Online request period begins for off-campus interviews.
- Deadline for requesting off-campus interviews.
- Deadline for receipt of completed LLM / Kellogg Application.
- Deadline for receipt of completed LLM and LLM in Human Rights Application.
- For applicants requesting financial aid, deadline for receipt by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Need Access Application.
September 1 -
- Application for Admission filing period begins.
- On-campus interviewing begins.
- Online request period begins for off-campus interviews.
- Deadline for requesting off-campus interviews.
- Deadline for receipt of completed JD application.
- On-campus interviewing period ends.
- For applicants requesting financial aid, deadline for receipt by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Need Access Application.
JD APPLICANTS -
- A personal statement
- One letter of recommendation AND/OR a Career Progress Evaluation (LinkRemoved) (FOR AJDS ONLY)
- The Law School Data Assembly Service Law School Report (transcripts, CAS)
- Law School Admission Test results
- A nonrefundable application fee payable by check or money order to Northwestern University of $100.00 OR an approved NU or LSAC fee waiver
- Resume
- Complete application information is available on the JD-MBA Program site.
- Electronic Application
- Northwestern University JD-MBA application for 2009
- GMAT and LSAT
The GMAT is required. The LSAT is not required for admission to the JD-MBA program; however, candidates may choose to report their LSAT score in the Additional Information section of the essays. - Deadlines
- Tuition
- Campus Visits
Applicants are encouraged to visit both the Law School and the Kellogg School; information about class visits, student-led tours and information sessions is available through the links below.
- Essay Questions -
In place of a traditional personal statement, applicants to the LLM, LLM/K and LLM IHR programs will be asked to respond to two Essay Questions. Please find more detailed information within the application.
One letter of recommendation - Official transcripts (translated into English)
Official transcripts should be from all undergraduate, graduate, and law schools attended. You may follow one of two procedures for submitting your transcript for review, neither of which gives an advantage or a disadvantage with our Admissions Committee. You may enclose your translated transcript with your application, or you may submit it directly to the Law School Admissions Council LLM Credential Assembly Service for International Applicants. - An official copy of the applicant's TOEFL score report
Foreign applicants who are not native speakers of English should take the TOEFL examination and have an official copy of the score sent to Northwestern. When indicating where the TOEFL report should be sent, the institution code for Northwestern University School of Law is 1565 and the department code is 03. Since it may take up to two months or more for the score report to reach the Law School, an applicant should take the TOEFL no later than December of the year prior to enrollment. An application will not be complete and ready for review until the Law School receives the official score report. - Curriculum vitae/resume written in English
LLM/Kellogg applicants should have a minimum of one year of full-time legal or business-related work experience. A description of that employment should be included in a one- to two-page curriculum vitae or resume written in English. Applicants to the LLM program are also required to submit a CV or resume. - A nonrefundable application fee payable by check or money order to Northwestern University OR an approved NU or LSAC fee waiver
- Essay Questions
In place of a traditional personal statement, applicants to the LLM, LLM/K and LLM IHR programs will be asked to respond to two Essay Questions. Please find more detailed information within the application. - One letter of recommendation
- Law School Admission Test results
- An evaluative admissions interview
Two-Year JD applicants are required to participate in an evaluative admissions interview. Admissions interviews may be conducted on the Northwestern campus or, if preferred, over the phone. - A nonrefundable application fee payable by check or money order to Northwestern University OR an approved NU or LSAC fee waiver
Northwestern Interviews 2010 Thread - http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=127454
How to Request an Interview:-What is your least favorite thing about your undergraduate coursework?
-What is the biggest/most important document you have written?
-What is the most difficult decision you have made?
-What is the most significant project you have managed?
-Tell me about the worst boss you have worked for and how you resolved issues.
-How would your professors describe you?
-Why NU?
-Why law school?
-Have you been to Chicago during the winter?
-Why did you choose your undergrad school?
-What would you change about your undergrad experience if you could?
-How will you define success in your career?
-How do you deal with conflict?
-Tell me about your most significant experience speaking in front of other people.
-What would you do if you didn't get into any law schools?
-If you were accepted to all of the schools how would you decide where to go?
-What was your favorite class? What was you most difficult class?
-What do you do for fun?
-What kinds of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
- What do you think is important to being a leader?
- What traits do you have that make you a successful leader?
- Who or what inspired you to attend law school?
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... rview.html
5.) Optional Essays:
JD Applicants (again, all programs included)
Although you are not required to, answering one or all of the following questions may provide you an opportunity to give the Admissions Committee relevant information that you were not able to include in your personal statement. Whether you select one essay or all, please limit each response to one or two paragraphs. The optional essay(s) should be electronically attached.
- Optional Essay 1: The students at Northwestern Law come from many different backgrounds. Please describe an aspect of your background that you feel would allow you to contribute uniquely to the school and/or your classmates.
- Optional Essay 2: Briefly discuss your specific interest in Northwestern Law.
- Optional Essay 3: Leading practitioners throughout the world who participated in focus groups for Northwestern Law's "Plan 2008: Preparing Great Leaders for the Changing World" frequently highlighted the importance of strong project management skills for career success. Please describe the most significant project you have managed and any lessons you learned from that experience. (no more that 500 words)
Although you are not required to, answering one or both of the following questions may provide you an opportunity to give the Admissions Committee relevant information that you were not able to include in your personal statement. Whether you select Optional Essay 1, 2, or both, please limit each response to one or two paragraphs. The optional essay(s) may be electronically attached.
- Optional Essay 1: The students at Northwestern Law come from many different backgrounds. Please describe an aspect of your background that you feel would allow you to contribute uniquely to the school and/or your classmates.
- Optional Essay 2: Briefly discuss your specific interest in Northwestern Law.
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissions/faq/
6.) NU HELD STUDENTS FAQ:
FINANCESUnagi wrote:FAQ for Students on Hold
The Law School Admissions Office would like to provide you with the following information in an effort to answer questions that you may have regarding the admissions process from this point forward. We understand the time and effort that you have invested in your application and hope this information will be helpful to you. We sincerely appreciate your patience and continued interest in our Law School and unique learning community.
What does it mean to be placed on "hold"?
The Admissions Committee has completed a review of your application. While we are impressed with your accomplishments and the merits of your application, we are unable to provide an offer of admission at this time. Those on "hold" are still under consideration for seats in the entering class and may be re-evaluated at any time.
Are there spaces available and what are my chances for admission?
We do anticipate admitting some candidates from hold. The applicant pool varies each year, and therefore we cannot predict exactly how many candidates will be placed on hold or how many applicants will be offered admission after being placed on hold. Because candidates on hold are not placed in ranked order, we are unable to assess an individual applicant’s chances for admission.
What can I do if I am still interested in attending Northwestern and wish to enhance my chances for admission?
As stated in our letter, we will accept letters of continued interest or additional letters of recommendation. We require these to be submitted electronically via email to admissions@law.northwestern.edu. If you have not participated in an on-campus interview, you may schedule an interview for the months of February or March. Please note that March interviews are reserved for hold candidates who have not yet interviewed with us, or who have only done an off-campus interview with an alum.
Can I submit additional writing samples or information about myself?
The Admissions Committee has devised three optional essay questions exclusively for hold applicants. Throughout the application process we have learned a lot about your ambition, motivation for law school, academic ability and career goals. The purpose of this optional assignment is for us to find out more about you as a person.
Because these are optional, you may choose to submit none, one, or even all of them. Please limit your response for each question to 750 words. Please submit your essays to admissions@law.northwestern.edu as a Word document or PDF. Be sure to include your name, LSDAS account number, and subject line: “HOLD essay”. DO NOT submit via hard copy.
Question 1: Are social networking sites a positive or negative influence (on communication, human interaction, etc.)?
Question 2: Describe your version of a perfect day.
Question 3: If you could have dinner with a fictional TV character, who would it be and why?
Is it possible to schedule an off-campus interview?
Unfortunately, we have exhausted our availability and are unable to offer off-campus interviews at this time.
I need to respond back to X school by Y date. Do I need to wait until the end of April for a decision? Is it possible to receive an expedited decision?
We will be re-evaluating those who are on "hold" and who have sent back their response forms periodically between now and the end of April. However, the bulk of our re-evaluations will begin in April. If we are able to offer you admission, we will notify you immediately. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the hold category, we are unable to provide "expedited decisions." Most law schools understand the hold process; you should talk to the other law schools you’re considering to determine what their policies are should you be accepted to another school after making a commitment.
Does being placed on hold impact my ability to receive a scholarship or grant?
All grants and scholarships at Northwestern Law are awarded on a combined basis of merit and need and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Historically, we award these funds throughout the spring until they are exhausted. This means if funds remain, you will be placed under consideration. Candidates are urged to complete their Need Access Application as quickly as possible (preferably by the March 1 deadline). Once admitted, we will immediately consider the candidate for any available funds. Please visit our financial aid section for more information.
How do I remove myself from consideration?
We ask that you notify us immediately in writing if you would like to be removed from consideration. Please feel free to email us at admissions@law.northwestern.edu or send a fax to (312) 503-0178.
Whom should I contact if I still have questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding being placed on hold, you may call us at (312) 503-8465 or email admissions@law.northwestern.edu. Our admissions staff will be happy to assist you.
7.) Tuition Rates and Expenses & FinAid Info:
Rates/Expenses - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... d/tuition/
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... naid/lrap/
Apply for Financial Aid - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... onaid/aid/
Grants and Scholarships - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... id/grants/
Loans - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... aid/loans/
Tuition Payment Programs - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... d/payment/
External Resources - http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... naid/misc/
8.) Information on Travel Subsidies:
As of 2/7/2012, NU has discontinued their travel subsidy for ASWs.
VISITING
9.) Book a Tour:
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissi ... /tour.html
10.) Sit in on a Class:
11.) Photos of Northwestern Law: (taken by students/prospectives, NOT promo photos)Bumi wrote:A NU 1L's guide to sitting in on a class when you're visiting:
1) Read this page. Don't know what to pick? Pm me or another student a time slot and we'll tell you what 1L class to pick.
2) It's week 8 of the semester. You don't need to warn the prof that you aren't a student. They know who we are by now. Sit in the back, and if you're in a student's seat, we'll move you, trust us.
3) On the day of, report to admissions and tell them what you are doing. The dude in there will say sure, go right ahead. I assume he knows when classes are cancelled somehow.
4) Don't be late, don't make noise, dear god don't ask a question, dress nice so we have something to look at. We're already tired of looking at each other.
Compared to all the other schools I visited, Northwestern seems to be a lot more laid back about visiting classes. Some schools want to usher you to the best profs, but our admissions office has better things to do.
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1#p3136891
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5#p4193106
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5#p4297818
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5#p4598285
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 0#p4609856
TLS/LSN Wisdom
12.) C/O 2014 and Current Student Threads:
Applicants: JD Candidates, Transfer Candidates
Attending: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 8&t=126571
Waitlist: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 4&t=142200
NU Students Take Q's and Challenges (not c/o 2014, but still useful)
13. TLS articles on NU
About NU - http://www.top-law-schools.com/northwes ... chool.html
LRAP - http://www.top-law-schools.com/tls-guid ... n-law.html
TLS Users who got into NU (stats graph) - http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/s ... rthwestern
14. LSN links for 2011-2012 and 2010-2011
LSN 2011-2012 Cycle Applicants: http://northwestern.lawschoolnumbers.co ... ants/1112/
LSN 2010-2011 Cycle Applicants:http://northwestern.lawschoolnumbers.co ... ants/1011/
LSN 2011-2012 Graph: http://northwestern.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats/1112/
LSN 2010-2011 Graph: http://northwestern.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats/1011/
MISC. INFORMATION
15.) Northwestern Law Viewbook:
https://www.law.northwestern.edu/admiss ... ewbook.pdf
16.) Academic Calendar:
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/academi ... _calendar/
17.) Status Checker:
https://www.law.northwestern.edu/form/a ... _entry.cfm
18.) Dean Rodriguez's Blog:
http://deansblog.law.northwestern.edu
19.) Class Profile:
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/admissions/profile/
20.) Countdown Timer to ASW!!!
http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/cus ... c=00&p0=64
21a.) Graph of Appicants With Work Experience, 1996-2010:
21b.) LSAT Compression Graph, 1996-2010:
21c.) NU Decision Date Graph, 2009-2010:
21d.) Decision Date Spreadsheet for Oct/Nov Apps: (big thank you to Hawkeye again for making this!!!!!!)
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreads ... n_US#gid=0
22.) C/O 2010-2011 Stats (thanks to rinkrat for this info!)
- Medians: 3.8/170
25/75 gpa: 3.4-3.9
25/75 lsat: 165-171
geog: 28%MW; 28%NE; 22%W; 17%S
46% women; 35% students of color
95% w/ work experience; 79% 2+ years
23.) Employment Stats 2011
http://www.law.northwestern.edu/career/statistics/
I wrote a short "Why Northwestern" - I know they have this as an optional essay.
Mostly I'm just excited for this next cycle to get underway so I can meet (on the internet, that is) MY potential future classmates and stop being jealous of the c/o2014, with whom I applied and went to ASW.
