3.7/171 Chances at Penn Forum

[MJS83]

I'm primarily interested in Penn because of it's interdisciplinary emphasis. Big law is my ultimate career goal but I am also considering public interest- particularly involving Native Americans. Thoughts?

Applying:
-Harvard * dream school
-Penn* first choice
-BU
-BC
-W&M
-any suggestions??

Sex: Male, straight, married
UG: Public
Major: History
LSAT: 171
GPA/LSDAS GPA: 4.0 / 3.7
Work Experience: 3 years as a professional ballet dancer
PS: Discussing the events in my life which have affected my decision to leave a successful artistic career to pursue a law degree.
LOR: 3 academic

additional info:
Non-traditional background, grade trend from 3.4 to 4.0, 2 transfers, Honors Thesis Candidate, Multiple scholarship recipient, involved ECs

edit: see following posts

[merichard87]

From what I am getting from this post you are hoping to get documentation for your Native American status - I would strongly advise you writing a DS. Claiming Native American is very tricky and I would do as much as I could to connect myself to that heritage outside of just checking a box.

[thechee]

You have the numbers for Penn. Craft a good application package, write a good "why Penn" essay, and you should be pretty set.

FWIW, I applied with 170/3.64, 1 year WE, non-URM, and was accepted with $14k/yr. Wrote a near-4 page ps (just shrunk the font/margins to get it within Penn's limits), and a DS.

[MJS83]

From what I am getting from this post you are hoping to get documentation for your Native American status - I would strongly advise you writing a DS. Claiming Native American is very tricky and I would do as much as I could to connect myself to that heritage outside of just checking a box.

I'm torn between checking the box for a number of reasons but specifically:

Studying history has lead to a rediscovery of my heritage which, up until two years ago, has remained on the shelf. While my status as a Native American may "boost" my application's potential, my reasons for gaining tribal recognition are important to me personally for identity's sake and not for personal gain. To me it's a question of ethics and I am just as happy earning my tribal affiliation after the application cycle. With that said, I will be editing my original post to remove that information from affecting an appraisal of my application's potential.

[merichard87]

A diversity essay is not reserved for URM students though. I would advise anyone to write a DS. Not only does it show adcomms that you are willing to complete *optional* essays but it serves to seperate you from other equally qualified applicants. Its just that in your case there is a specific heritage you could talk about. Mark Caucasion and NA. If thats what you are, thats what you are.