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Posted this a minute ago but I thought I'd be more specific... I'm a white female with a history undergrad degree from the University of Texas. I applied early decision with a 3.79 GPA and a 165 LSAT. What do my chances look like of getting into UT Law? It's incredibly stressful for me bc I'm at the lower end of their range and I don't have much going for me minority-wise.

worldstheory wrote:Posted this a minute ago but I thought I'd be more specific... I'm a white female with a history undergrad degree from the University of Texas. I applied early decision with a 3.79 GPA and a 165 LSAT. What do my chances look like of getting into UT Law? It's incredibly stressful for me bc I'm at the lower end of their range and I don't have much going for me minority-wise.

Your chances are not that good. Texas doesnt have an "early decision" application that makes any difference since it is non binding. So it is actually considered "early action" but doesnt give you an admissions boost. There is a shot! dont give up hope. Its just not a very good one

I'm from arkansas so i've done some UT research.

Are you from Texas? That might be crucial...

I think that your UG from texas will also be a big vote in your favor.

arkansawyer wrote:I'm from arkansas so i've done some UT research.

Are you from Texas? That might be crucial...

I think that your UG from texas will also be a big vote in your favor.

I disagree. Everyone from UT undergrad wants to go to UT law (just about) and so there are TONS of apps from UT for UTlaw and they are looking for diversity (although they do pull more students from UT then any other school). Texas residency helps of course, but not UT undergrad specifically

I am a born and raised Texan! I have heard that being a UT undergrad would hurt bc they want diversity and such but I feel like it may appear that they refuse a lot of UT undergrads simply bc they get so many apps from them, not bc they really discriminate against them. I don't think it will help but I hope it doesn't hurt either. Does anybody know anything about chances of getting in if your waitlisted?

jt1341 wrote:

worldstheory wrote:Posted this a minute ago but I thought I'd be more specific... I'm a white female with a history undergrad degree from the University of Texas. I applied early decision with a 3.79 GPA and a 165 LSAT. What do my chances look like of getting into UT Law? It's incredibly stressful for me bc I'm at the lower end of their range and I don't have much going for me minority-wise.

Your chances are not that good. Texas doesnt have an "early decision" application that makes any difference since it is non binding. So it is actually considered "early action" but doesnt give you an admissions boost. There is a shot! dont give up hope. Its just not a very good one

EA might be equivalent to a small boost at UT because they hold over a lot of EA applicants for the RD pool. Some EA applicants get two bites at the apple. It's hard to say how much that's worth, but getting the app in early at least sends the right message in case it's borderline.

JazzOne wrote:

jt1341 wrote:

worldstheory wrote:Posted this a minute ago but I thought I'd be more specific... I'm a white female with a history undergrad degree from the University of Texas. I applied early decision with a 3.79 GPA and a 165 LSAT. What do my chances look like of getting into UT Law? It's incredibly stressful for me bc I'm at the lower end of their range and I don't have much going for me minority-wise.

Your chances are not that good. Texas doesnt have an "early decision" application that makes any difference since it is non binding. So it is actually considered "early action" but doesnt give you an admissions boost. There is a shot! dont give up hope. Its just not a very good one

EA might be equivalent to a small boost at UT because they hold over a lot of EA applicants for the RD pool. Some EA applicants get two bites at the apple. It's hard to say how much that's worth, but getting the app in early at least sends the right message in case it's borderline.

Listen to Jazz he knows whats up about UT law

Texas residency helps. I think you have a shot, your GPA is above their median but your LSAT is around 25th.

whymeohgodno wrote:Texas residency helps. I think you have a shot, your GPA is above their median but your LSAT is around 25th.

+1, you do have a shot. I just wouldnt say it is a great one. But good luck! i hope it happens for you, is UT your number 1 choice?

Yes, UT is my number one choice and my only real "reach" school, everywhere else I applied is pretty much a sure thing.

worldstheory wrote:Yes, UT is my number one choice and my only real "reach" school, everywhere else I applied is pretty much a sure thing.

Damn, judging from last year's LSN graph, you are right on the border line. If you really want UT, I suggest that you write an addendum, gather another LOR, or follow up with a LOCI. I continued to supplement my application right up until I got accepted. I think they accepted me just so I would leave them alone.

I would also recommend that you register to retake the LSAT in December (or even February), and contact UT to tell them you are retaking. Even a couple points could make the difference. Think about it. You still have some time. Better hit the books soon though. I retook in February after I submitted EA. It turned out that my retake didn't matter, but it's just another tactic you can employ to demonstrate your motivation.

Also, consider applying to SMU. The cycle isn't over just because you've sent out a few apps!

worldstheory wrote:Yes, UT is my number one choice and my only real "reach" school, everywhere else I applied is pretty much a sure thing.

SMU will give you $$$

I don't know if retaking it would help, I don't think I could have studied any more than I possibly did and I'm financially tapped out between apps, LSAC fees, and prep classes. But it is tough bc I am just within the range. I would like to pester them a little more, but I don't have much to say in an addendum, my numbers are pretty straight forward. What else do people include in an addendum besides explaining a brief period of poor academic performance or a particularly difficult poverty disadvantage, etc.?

Also, they informed me that my ED app would be held with the other regular decision applicants, which is torture. I feel as though if they didn't accept me now why would they accept me later? Is this probably true or am I being pessimistic?

And as far as SMU goes, I'm thinking UH is my next best option bc it is next in the rankings and I think I could get some scholarships there and it's cheaper than the rest without scholarships. Having come from UT, I'm not real attracted to the smaller, private, religious law schools like SMU and Baylor (which I applied to) but they do seem to offer good networking and support. Is this worth the extra cost?

Oh nevermind, I see now that SMU is higher than UH. I just really never considered it. I knew some people who went there for undergrad and it just didn't sound like my thing. I don't have a lot of money and even if I got scholarships I still feel as though I might be a bit of an outcast. Does anyone know anything about campus life/cost of living there?

worldstheory wrote:I don't know if retaking it would help, I don't think I could have studied any more than I possibly did and I'm financially tapped out between apps, LSAC fees, and prep classes. But it is tough bc I am just within the range. I would like to pester them a little more, but I don't have much to say in an addendum, my numbers are pretty straight forward. What else do people include in an addendum besides explaining a brief period of poor academic performance or a particularly difficult poverty disadvantage, etc.?

Also, they informed me that my ED app would be held with the other regular decision applicants, which is torture. I feel as though if they didn't accept me now why would they accept me later? Is this probably true or am I being pessimistic?

You're going about this all wrong. The fact that they held you for RD is terrific news. It means they're still considering you despite your borderline numbers. Plus, the fact that they contacted you to let you know that you were being held over should be interpreted as an invitation for you to respond. Send a letter to Dean Ingram saying, "Thanks for the update. You might be interested to know... [that I am retaking the LSAT], [that I am currently working as an intern for the state legislature], or [that this semester's grades have increased my GPA to 3.xx]." Or you could just write a "Why Texas?" essay and send it in. I would mention something about Texas being your #1 choice. Read the interview with Dean Ingram, and try to tailor your letter to her advice. Good luck!

worldstheory wrote:Posted this a minute ago but I thought I'd be more specific... I'm a white female with a history undergrad degree from the University of Texas. I applied early decision with a 3.79 GPA and a 165 LSAT. What do my chances look like of getting into UT Law? It's incredibly stressful for me bc I'm at the lower end of their range and I don't have much going for me minority-wise.

edit: you're a resident
5:1 against

luckyme wrote:

worldstheory wrote:Posted this a minute ago but I thought I'd be more specific... I'm a white female with a history undergrad degree from the University of Texas. I applied early decision with a 3.79 GPA and a 165 LSAT. What do my chances look like of getting into UT Law? It's incredibly stressful for me bc I'm at the lower end of their range and I don't have much going for me minority-wise.

edit: you're a resident
5:1 against

Yeah, I was going to say. I think she's below even money, but 10:1 was ridic. I might even put it at 3:2 against if she takes some initiative now, follows up with a LOCI, and registers for a retake in February.

worldstheory wrote:Oh nevermind, I see now that SMU is higher than UH. I just really never considered it. I knew some people who went there for undergrad and it just didn't sound like my thing. I don't have a lot of money and even if I got scholarships I still feel as though I might be a bit of an outcast. Does anyone know anything about campus life/cost of living there?

Cost of Living is low in Dallas, My wife is from there, and the quality of life is high. Obviously UT is the better school but SMU isn't bad. You'd likely get a full ride at SMU so it's definitely worth it and you'd be "in the club" in dallas. I've heard that SMU has a fratty feel, but that will help you with recruiting in the area because a lot of the lawyer in the area went to SMU and a lot of the rich people send their kids there and so there is a good network/bias in the dallas area, but the degree doesn't travel well. If you don't want to work in Dallas, don't apply to SMU. No one has heard of them outside of Dallas, and the JD's can struggle to get placed even in other texas cities, like houston or san antonio.

It's much better respected than Baylor though, and it's hardly a religious school. Baylor is a religious school, but SMU is a private university with religious roots. big difference

UT claims to have a holistic process and I think coming from UT UG will help; I think with a 167 you would (will) be golden

bergg007 wrote:

worldstheory wrote:Oh nevermind, I see now that SMU is higher than UH. I just really never considered it. I knew some people who went there for undergrad and it just didn't sound like my thing. I don't have a lot of money and even if I got scholarships I still feel as though I might be a bit of an outcast. Does anyone know anything about campus life/cost of living there?

Cost of Living is low in Dallas, My wife is from there, and the quality of life is high. Obviously UT is the better school but SMU isn't bad. You'd likely get a full ride at SMU so it's definitely worth it and you'd be "in the club" in dallas. I've heard that SMU has a fratty feel, but that will help you with recruiting in the area because a lot of the lawyer in the area went to SMU and a lot of the rich people send their kids there and so there is a good network/bias in the dallas area, but the degree doesn't travel well. If you don't want to work in Dallas, don't apply to SMU. No one has heard of them outside of Dallas, and the JD's can struggle to get placed even in other texas cities, like houston or san antonio.

It's much better respected than Baylor though, and it's hardly a religious school. Baylor is a religious school, but SMU is a private university with religious roots. big difference

+1

SMU has a solid rep in Dallas. Biglaw firms recruit from SMU.

Man, this retake advice is killing me but now is not the time to be lazy or cheap! And thanks for the confidence boost Jazz!

worldstheory wrote:Man, this retake advice is killing me but now is not the time to be lazy or cheap! And thanks for the confidence boost Jazz!

I've been teaching LSAT for while. I also like the mocha at Po' Boys. So, any time you want to buy me a coffee, I'll sit down to look at LSAT questions with you and help you out with any problems. That's the cheapest tutoring rate I've ever heard of.

JazzOne wrote:

worldstheory wrote:Man, this retake advice is killing me but now is not the time to be lazy or cheap! And thanks for the confidence boost Jazz!

I've been teaching LSAT for while. I also like the mocha at Po' Boys. So, any time you want to buy me a coffee, I'll sit down to look at LSAT questions with you and help you out with any problems. That's the cheapest tutoring rate I've ever heard of.

Haha uh oh PM'ed

luckyme wrote:UT claims to have a holistic process and I think coming from UT UG will help; I think with a 167 you would (will) be golden

Every school claims to be holistic.