Anybody heard back from SMU? Forum

[rachel.almaraz]

Need some advice:

After visiting SMU on Wednesday I have come to the realization that this is the only law school I 100% want to go to, but I'm still stuck on the wait list. My distant second choice is American which is about 1,600 miles away from my home. Leaving my single mother who is not in the best of health is in no way ideal. My numbers are a 3.61/151 which is nowhere near some of y'all's numbers on this thread who are on the wait list as well. Is waiting a year while I retake the LSAT and get some more job experience a good or bad idea? I know I can improve on my score since I will not be loaded down with internships, thesis writing, and a job on top of it all.

What would you do?

[chadwick218]

Need some advice:

After visiting SMU on Wednesday I have come to the realization that this is the only law school I 100% want to go to, but I'm still stuck on the wait list. My distant second choice is American which is about 1,600 miles away from my home. Leaving my single mother who is not in the best of health is in no way ideal. My numbers are a 3.61/151 which is nowhere near some of y'all's numbers on this thread who are on the wait list as well. Is waiting a year while I retake the LSAT and get some more job experience a good or bad idea? I know I can improve on my score since I will not be loaded down with internships, thesis writing, and a job on top of it all.

What would you do?

Rachel, have you tried calling SMU and speaking with someone more senior (not Maggie) in the office of admissions? Be sincere and share with them the exact same thing that you have shared with us. I think that you actually have a compelling case. I am pulling for you!

[chadwick218]

As for waiting a year, I think that it depends in how confident you are in your ability to raise your score.

[rachel.almaraz]

Need some advice:

After visiting SMU on Wednesday I have come to the realization that this is the only law school I 100% want to go to, but I'm still stuck on the wait list. My distant second choice is American which is about 1,600 miles away from my home. Leaving my single mother who is not in the best of health is in no way ideal. My numbers are a 3.61/151 which is nowhere near some of y'all's numbers on this thread who are on the wait list as well. Is waiting a year while I retake the LSAT and get some more job experience a good or bad idea? I know I can improve on my score since I will not be loaded down with internships, thesis writing, and a job on top of it all.

What would you do?

Rachel, have you tried calling SMU and speaking with someone more senior (not Maggie) in the office of admissions? Be sincere and share with them the exact same thing that you have shared with us. I think that you actually have a compelling case. I am pulling for you!

Thanks! My pre-law advisor has been speaking to Virginia Keehan (Assistant Dean) about me which hopefully will help my case. I'll also be continuing to send LOCIs.

As for the confidence in raising my score, I have hit higher in PTs and believe that with more practice (especially in games) I can only do better. But as I said.....I'm still doing a lot of thinking =)

[jadedV]

Rachel, have you applied for the PT program?

[rachel.almaraz]

Rachel, have you applied for the PT program?

No, my application was for the FT program only. Oh hindsight.........

[bevo321]

You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.

[jadedV]

You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.

I was definitely going to suggest that. Best wishes

[rachel.almaraz]

You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.

I was definitely going to suggest that. Best wishes

How do you go about changing from just FT to both? Contact office of admissions??

[jadedV]

You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.

I was definitely going to suggest that. Best wishes

How do you go about changing from just FT to both? Contact office of admissions??

That's my suggestion

[bevo321]

Yeah just call them up, and I think they need a letter or email to document your request.

[wakeforest]

Has there been any movement on the waitlist? I have decided to go to another school if I can't get off SMU's waitlist.

[limubai]

Ohio State and SMU law school, which is better? (for employment and transfer)

[LSmit1723]

Although I was told there would be movement several weeks ago it seems that according to the Forum very few individuals (I've noted two for the part-time program) have been admitted. Is there anyone else out there that would like to share their recent admit status from the wait-list?

I just sent in my notice that I would like to be considered for the part-time program as well. Hopefully this process is just taking longer than anticipated. The alternative would be that they have already admitted the bulk of their applicants from the wait-list and these individuals aren't TLS'ers or LSN'ers!

Yes, I know I'm obsessive.

Please post any updates, thanks!

[rachel.almaraz]

Although I was told there would be movement several weeks ago it seems that according to the Forum very few individuals (I've noted two for the part-time program) have been admitted. Is there anyone else out there that would like to share their recent admit status from the wait-list?

I just sent in my notice that I would like to be considered for the part-time program as well. Hopefully this process is just taking longer than anticipated. The alternative would be that they have already admitted the bulk of their applicants from the wait-list and these individuals aren't TLS'ers or LSN'ers!

Yes, I know I'm obsessive.

Please post any updates, thanks!

Still nothing here...

But according to the admissions counselor that I met with last week, there shouldn't be any movement until next week if there is any movement at all. She said that their deposits have been strong for those admitted but they hope to take a few off of the wait list. No deadline for letting us know and, if admitted, we would be notified by a phone call. Hope that helps.

[NE1410S]

jadedV wrote:
bevo321 wrote:
You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.



PT programs are truly for those students who have developed careers & can't afford the time for a full course load. Part of the reason their scores are lower is due to lack of time to dedicate to the LSAT. Many of those students also worked full-time through their undergraduate programs, thus the lower GPA.

In my opinion PT programs shouldn't be used by students soley looking to get into a better school. That takes away from those students that the programs are designed to serve & will ultimatley destroy the credibility of those programs.

[Hook 'Em]

jadedV wrote:
bevo321 wrote:
You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.



PT programs are truly for those students who have developed careers & can't afford the time for a full course load. Part of the reason their scores are lower is due to lack of time to dedicate to the LSAT. Many of those students also worked full-time through their undergraduate programs, thus the lower GPA.

In my opinion PT programs shouldn't be used by students soley looking to get into a better school. That takes away from those students that the programs are designed to serve & will ultimatley destroy the credibility of those programs.

Your opinion doesn't matter. If you are admitted and willing to pay tuition for the program, then you should take full advantage of the program. Law schools wouldn't admit students that would "destroy the credibility" of the program or school.

[BigAristotle]

jadedV wrote:
bevo321 wrote:
You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.



PT programs are truly for those students who have developed careers & can't afford the time for a full course load. Part of the reason their scores are lower is due to lack of time to dedicate to the LSAT. Many of those students also worked full-time through their undergraduate programs, thus the lower GPA.

In my opinion PT programs shouldn't be used by students soley looking to get into a better school. That takes away from those students that the programs are designed to serve & will ultimatley destroy the credibility of those programs.

That's asanine. Not 'dedicating' yourself to the LSAT for a degree that can cost over 200k in situations tells me those people don't have the full understanding of what type of work law school takes.

The ENTIRE reason PT programs had lower numbers were that prior to this year, USNWR did not have their numbers reported. This allowed schools to accept students with lower stats, increasing revenue because nearly all of these students would be paying sticker, due to the lack of merit aid. In all reality, it has nothing to do with what you named. Additionally, now that PT programs are included in the rankings of schools, schools are being a tad more stringent with numbers, as it effects the all-mighty USNWR ranking.

Thanks for playing though.

[BigAristotle]

jadedV wrote:
bevo321 wrote:
You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.

PT programs are truly for those students who have developed careers & can't afford the time for a full course load. Part of the reason their scores are lower is due to lack of time to dedicate to the LSAT. Many of those students also worked full-time through their undergraduate programs, thus the lower GPA.

In my opinion PT programs shouldn't be used by students soley looking to get into a better school. That takes away from those students that the programs are designed to serve & will ultimatley destroy the credibility of those programs.

Your opinion doesn't matter. If you are admitted and willing to pay tuition for the program, then you should take full advantage of the program. Law schools wouldn't admit students that would "destroy the credibility" of the program or school.

Hook'em beat me to the punch .

+1

[NE1410S]

jadedV wrote:
bevo321 wrote:
You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.



PT programs are truly for those students who have developed careers & can't afford the time for a full course load. Part of the reason their scores are lower is due to lack of time to dedicate to the LSAT. Many of those students also worked full-time through their undergraduate programs, thus the lower GPA.

In my opinion PT programs shouldn't be used by students soley looking to get into a better school. That takes away from those students that the programs are designed to serve & will ultimatley destroy the credibility of those programs.

Your opinion doesn't matter. If you are admitted and willing to pay tuition for the program, then you should take full advantage of the program. Law schools wouldn't admit students that would "destroy the credibility" of the program or school.

You're right. It's my opinion & nothing more. Sorry if it hits a note, but anyone attending a PT program needs to be prepared to hear this. Since people are beeing told to apply to PT programs on this message board, they should have a little more information to consider before making a rash decision.

One a personal note, I don't like the fact that some law schools advertise PT programs as a way for career professionals to obtain a law degree, when that's not really more about the money. Also, some part time programs somewhat struggle for credibility. This is one of the reasons for the big uproar in the US News rankings including PT rankings this year. It's also a question you have to be prepared to answer when law firms ask you why you went to a PT program while looking at your transcripts.

In truth, I don't blame anyone for taking advantage of the system (while working within the rules). That's what we, as lawyers, will be doing for out clients. There are several Top 20 schools I would attend on a part-time basis given the chance, but this doesn't change my opinion. SMU does seem to have a great PT program.

[BigAristotle]

jadedV wrote:
bevo321 wrote:
You can still change your application to FT and PT. My fiance changed to both after she got waitlisted and was accepted off the waitlist like 2 weeks ago.



PT programs are truly for those students who have developed careers & can't afford the time for a full course load. Part of the reason their scores are lower is due to lack of time to dedicate to the LSAT. Many of those students also worked full-time through their undergraduate programs, thus the lower GPA.

In my opinion PT programs shouldn't be used by students soley looking to get into a better school. That takes away from those students that the programs are designed to serve & will ultimatley destroy the credibility of those programs.

Your opinion doesn't matter. If you are admitted and willing to pay tuition for the program, then you should take full advantage of the program. Law schools wouldn't admit students that would "destroy the credibility" of the program or school.

You're right. It's my opinion & nothing more. Sorry if it hits a note, but anyone attending a PT program needs to be prepared to hear this. Since people are beeing told to apply to PT programs on this message board, they should have a little more information to consider before making a rash decision.

One a personal note, I don't like the fact that some law schools advertise PT programs as a way for career professionals to obtain a law degree, when that's not really more about the money. Also, some part time programs somewhat struggle for credibility. This is one of the reasons for the big uproar in the US News rankings including PT rankings this year. It's also a question you have to be prepared to answer when law firms ask you why you went to a PT program while looking at your transcripts.

In truth, I don't blame anyone for taking advantage of the system (while working within the rules). That's what we, as lawyers, will be doing for out clients. There are several Top 20 schools I would attend on a part-time basis given the chance, but this doesn't change my opinion. SMU does seem to have a great PT program.

No, they don't need to be prepared to hear that, because its just flat our wrong. It doesn't say Georgetown Juris Doctorate (Part-Time) on the degree, it just says Georgetown. Law firms look at class rank and the name on the degree, plus work experience. If any PT programs suffer from credibility it is simply because the SCHOOL suffers, being a lower ranked but still high priced school. Additionally, most the people you are pointing out as the 'gamers of the system' graduate in 3 years, not 4, because they take a few summer classes and would graduate in 3 years. It doesn' take them any longer in that situation, and after the 1st year, they share there classes with FT and other PTers as well. Let me repeat that for emphasis: YOU TAKE THE SAME CLASSES IN PT & FT. No law firm is going to look upon a PTer with a frown, why? Because if you graduate #1 in your class, they want to hire you for that, not because you gamed yourself into PT and stole a spot from an honest 'working' professional.

I'm glad your 'opinion' and 'truth' is based on experience and fact, instead of speculation. Oh wait, it isn't. I'm sure you'll return with anecdotal evidence that of course, 100% supports your position.

Also, go read over all the posts I've made over the past year on this site, and you'll never see me rip anyone. The fact that you're appearing as so cockself assured, feeding a bunch of bullshit answers with absolutely no knowledge is anything but helpful.

/rant off

[NE1410S]

I'm not trying to attack anyone or part-time programs, just trying to give a new viewpoint for those considering part-time. I shouldn't have expressed my personal feelings that PT programs should be used for mainly for working professionals as they are advertised.

It was actually an admissions officer that told me law firms can see if you went part-time by looking at your transcript. True, it doesn't say "Part-Time," but it does show a reduced schedule of classes. I never said it would affect job prospects, I simply meant you should be prepared to discuss it during interview. If you're a working professional, this is an easy answer. Again, my opinion. Telling people to be prepared isn't a bad thing.

I think part-time is a great way to go. In fact, that was my orinal plan before taking the full-time plunge. This is why I have such strong opinions on the subject. I don't mean to come across as if I feel I know everything on this subject (I don't), but I don't beleive anyone else on here knows everything about this subject either. This is why I shared my thoughts. Law school will be full of them.

[chadwick218]

+1 Big A (you have always been one of voices on this site that I respect the most)

[NE1410S]

In a month or so most reading these posts won't even have time to care about this stupid message board anymore. Good luck everyone!!!!

BigA - I think I remember you saying you're heading to U of H. It seemed like a great city & fun school, plus it feeds into a really strong job market (all at a fraction of what most schools cost).

[bevo321]

If SMU or any other law school only wanted the PT program to be used for 'working professionals' then they wouldn't allow students right out of college to apply for the PT program.