URM 2014-2015 Cycle Thread Forum

[NativeLaw]

PS and DS both done. Shoot me a PM if you want to trade!

[pdt1765]

Is anyone done with their DS yet? Willing to trade with someone.

What did you write about in your diversity statement if you don't mind me asking?I'm having trouble writing one that would be different from my personal statement.

PM'd

[DiniMae]

Still chipping away at LSAT prep. I'll be so happy when this phase is over. On another note,,is anyone attending any LSAC Forums? Or been to one? I'm considering attending the one in Chicago, but I'm not sure how beneficial it will be. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I registered for and then skipped the LSAC forum in DC. However, I attended the LAWS Workshop instead--which was great. It's only for the T14 schools and most deans are there (Yale sent their recruitment director -- no Asha). If you are only applying to the T14, this is the one to attend.

[180kickflip]

Still chipping away at LSAT prep. I'll be so happy when this phase is over. On another note,,is anyone attending any LSAC Forums? Or been to one? I'm considering attending the one in Chicago, but I'm not sure how beneficial it will be. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I registered for and then skipped the LSAC forum in DC. However, I attended the LAWS Workshop instead--which was great. It's only for the T14 schools and most deans are there (Yale sent their recruitment director -- no Asha). If you are only applying to the T14, this is the one to attend.

Ugh. I didn't know about this series+ now the Boston+ NY dates (the only ones I could attend) have passed.

[sashafierce]

Just thought that I would share this with everyone

http://www.onbeingablacklawyer.com/word ... hools-2014

The link for the 2014 guide does not work for me but the 2013 guide is there as well.

[MadwomanintheAttic]

Still chipping away at LSAT prep. I'll be so happy when this phase is over. On another note,,is anyone attending any LSAC Forums? Or been to one? I'm considering attending the one in Chicago, but I'm not sure how beneficial it will be. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I registered for and then skipped the LSAC forum in DC. However, I attended the LAWS Workshop instead--which was great. It's only for the T14 schools and most deans are there (Yale sent their recruitment director -- no Asha). If you are only applying to the T14, this is the one to attend.

I had no idea about the LAWS event. I read the A-Z blog by Michigan's Sarah Zefross (sp?) and she mentioned it in her post yesterday. It sounds like a great opportunity, but unfortunately the one closest to me in Chicago on August 5th is on a Tuesday and it's too too short notice to get time off work. I would've loved to go. I've been contemplating early decision to Michigan or Northwestern and would've loved to speak to the admissions reps regarding that option. I guess I'll be holding out until the LSAC forum for that chance. Is anyone else considering applying early decision?

[180kickflip]

Still chipping away at LSAT prep. I'll be so happy when this phase is over. On another note,,is anyone attending any LSAC Forums? Or been to one? I'm considering attending the one in Chicago, but I'm not sure how beneficial it will be. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I registered for and then skipped the LSAC forum in DC. However, I attended the LAWS Workshop instead--which was great. It's only for the T14 schools and most deans are there (Yale sent their recruitment director -- no Asha). If you are only applying to the T14, this is the one to attend.

I had no idea about the LAWS event. I read the A-Z blog by Michigan's Sarah Zefross (sp?) and she mentioned it in her post yesterday. It sounds like a great opportunity, but unfortunately the one closest to me in Chicago on August 5th is on a Tuesday and it's too too short notice to get time off work. I would've loved to go. I've been contemplating early decision to Michigan or Northwestern and would've loved to speak to the admissions reps regarding that option. I guess I'll be holding out until the LSAC forum for that chance. Is anyone else considering applying early decision?

If my LSAT stays where it is (163) I may throw a hail mary early decision app to BU. If I can retake for 167+, I'll probably apply early decision to Northwestern. Regardless, I'd only apply ED if there was a full scholarship on the table if accepted

[FairchildFLT]

Still chipping away at LSAT prep. I'll be so happy when this phase is over. On another note,,is anyone attending any LSAC Forums? Or been to one? I'm considering attending the one in Chicago, but I'm not sure how beneficial it will be. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I registered for and then skipped the LSAC forum in DC. However, I attended the LAWS Workshop instead--which was great. It's only for the T14 schools and most deans are there (Yale sent their recruitment director -- no Asha). If you are only applying to the T14, this is the one to attend.

I had no idea about the LAWS event. I read the A-Z blog by Michigan's Sarah Zefross (sp?) and she mentioned it in her post yesterday. It sounds like a great opportunity, but unfortunately the one closest to me in Chicago on August 5th is on a Tuesday and it's too too short notice to get time off work. I would've loved to go. I've been contemplating early decision to Michigan or Northwestern and would've loved to speak to the admissions reps regarding that option. I guess I'll be holding out until the LSAC forum for that chance. Is anyone else considering applying early decision?

I'm debating ED to Michigan and Virginia. I'm 100% GI Bill eligible so either way I'm going for free. I just want to make sure I get in.

[pdt1765]

So I was wondering if anyone had tips as to how to ask for an application fee waiver from schools. Do you just say you're an URM, interested in the scoop and would like a waiver?

[Dream_weaver32]

So I was wondering if anyone had tips as to how to ask for an application fee waiver from schools. Do you just say you're an URM, interested in the scoop and would like a waiver?

That's the same question I was about to ask.

[okong]

So I was wondering if anyone had tips as to how to ask for an application fee waiver from schools. Do you just say you're an URM, interested in the scoop and would like a waiver?

That's the same question I was about to ask.

I highly recommend emailing every single school you plan on applying to. Say a little bit about yourself, why you want to apply there, and casually mention your URM status. If your LSAT score is impressive, throw that in there. If you were an AmeriCorps member, Teach for America member, or did the Peace Corps, there is a 80% chance that you will always receive a fee waiver! Closed mouths don't get fed. So you might as well try.

[wallstreet]

So I was wondering if anyone had tips as to how to ask for an application fee waiver from schools. Do you just say you're an URM, interested in the scoop and would like a waiver?

That's the same question I was about to ask.

I highly recommend emailing every single school you plan on applying to. Say a little bit about yourself, why you want to apply there, and casually mention your URM status. If your LSAT score is impressive, throw that in there. If you were an AmeriCorps member, Teach for America member, or did the Peace Corps, there is a 80% chance that you will always receive a fee waiver! Closed mouths don't get fed. So you might as well try.

Since I am taking in the LSAT in September, is it necessary to have an official LSAT score when asking for a fee waiver? Especially if my GPA is above the 75 percentile for certain schools I am planning on applying to?

[August Wilson]

So I was wondering if anyone had tips as to how to ask for an application fee waiver from schools. Do you just say you're an URM, interested in the scoop and would like a waiver?

That's the same question I was about to ask.

I highly recommend emailing every single school you plan on applying to. Say a little bit about yourself, why you want to apply there, and casually mention your URM status. If your LSAT score is impressive, throw that in there. If you were an AmeriCorps member, Teach for America member, or did the Peace Corps, there is a 80% chance that you will always receive a fee waiver! Closed mouths don't get fed. So you might as well try.

Since I am taking in the LSAT in September, is it necessary to have an official LSAT score when asking for a fee waiver? Especially if my GPA is above the 75 percentile for certain schools I am planning on applying to?

No you can ask without an LSAT score.

[pdt1765]

Were the demographics of the June LSAT takers released with the other data? I can't find it for some reason.

[LSATneurotic]

Checking in

Feeling pretty good about my prospects

[LoganCouture]

MA female checking in!

[LSATneurotic]

Still chipping away at LSAT prep. I'll be so happy when this phase is over. On another note,,is anyone attending any LSAC Forums? Or been to one? I'm considering attending the one in Chicago, but I'm not sure how beneficial it will be. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I registered for and then skipped the LSAC forum in DC. However, I attended the LAWS Workshop instead--which was great. It's only for the T14 schools and most deans are there (Yale sent their recruitment director -- no Asha). If you are only applying to the T14, this is the one to attend.

What's the consensus on the value of these sorts of events? I am debating attending one of Harvard's information sessions, but I do not want to invest time/money into something that won't aid my candidacy. My intuition says showing up in person helps the more gregarious among us and has little effect on everyone else. Thoughts?

[rwe13]

Probably a dumb question, but I never see "diversity statement" included on any school's application checklists. So, could someone please explain where one retrieves the form/prompt ? I'm assuming one would just submit it at the same time as the application.

[sashafierce]

Probably a dumb question, but I never see "diversity statement" included on any school's application checklists. So, could someone please explain where one retrieves the form/prompt ? I'm assuming one would just submit it at the same time as the application.

It falls under the "Optional Essay" category

[rwe13]

Probably a dumb question, but I never see "diversity statement" included on any school's application checklists. So, could someone please explain where one retrieves the form/prompt ? I'm assuming one would just submit it at the same time as the application.

It falls under the "Optional Essay" category

Perfect. Thank you.

[meeshellzswell]

Hello fellow TLS users! First time in this thread. Checking in. I am in need of some advice and would appreciate any input!

I took the June LSAT for the first time cold and did horribly. I am currently registered for the September LSAT but am leaning more towards changing my date to the December LSAT.

I would like the extra time to study and ensure I'm prepared because now that I've started studying I can see everywhere I went wrong initially and September sounds too soon.

Would it be detrimental for me to change to the December LSAT and wait on my score before considering applying? I've heard everywhere that it's best to apply as early as possible (before Thanksgiving). Would waiting until end of December to apply for this cycle hurt me as much as it seems? I appreciate any input and advice! First person in my family to attend and graduate college so I have no mentors D:

[Atmosphere]

Hello fellow TLS users! First time in this thread. Checking in. I am in need of some advice and would appreciate any input!

I took the June LSAT for the first time cold and did horribly. I am currently registered for the September LSAT but am leaning more towards changing my date to the December LSAT.

I would like the extra time to study and ensure I'm prepared because now that I've started studying I can see everywhere I went wrong initially and September sounds too soon.

Would it be detrimental for me to change to the December LSAT and wait on my score before considering applying? I've heard everywhere that it's best to apply as early as possible (before Thanksgiving). Would waiting until end of December to apply for this cycle hurt me as much as it seems? I appreciate any input and advice! First person in my family to attend and graduate college so I have no mentors D:

Welcome to the thread!

As you've mentioned, applying early is definitely an advantage when it comes to admissions. However, killing your LSAT should be your biggest concern because an early app will not negate a poor score. Depending on where you hope to attend, you could still shoot your apps to schools in January. Are you absolutely opposed to waiting this cycle out and applying next year?

[meeshellzswell]

Hello fellow TLS users! First time in this thread. Checking in. I am in need of some advice and would appreciate any input!

I took the June LSAT for the first time cold and did horribly. I am currently registered for the September LSAT but am leaning more towards changing my date to the December LSAT.

I would like the extra time to study and ensure I'm prepared because now that I've started studying I can see everywhere I went wrong initially and September sounds too soon.

Would it be detrimental for me to change to the December LSAT and wait on my score before considering applying? I've heard everywhere that it's best to apply as early as possible (before Thanksgiving). Would waiting until end of December to apply for this cycle hurt me as much as it seems? I appreciate any input and advice! First person in my family to attend and graduate college so I have no mentors D:

Welcome to the thread!

As you've mentioned, applying early is definitely an advantage when it comes to admissions. However, killing your LSAT should be your biggest concern because an early app will not negate a poor score. Depending on where you hope to attend, you could still shoot your apps to schools in January. Are you absolutely opposed to waiting this cycle out and applying next year?

Not ABSOLUTELY opposed, but I was really hoping to get in on this cycle. I graduated in June 2013 and have been working as a legal assistant since then. I'm looking to start school ASAP bc I fear waiting until next cycle may deter my momentum.

I'm just not sure if it's worth stressing over studying and scrambling to keep my September date or taking the time to reallyyyyy study and wait until December. I guess I'm in limbo at the moment but leaning more towards the idea of changing to December and applying late in hopes of a stellar LSAT score. I just hope it's not too late

[LSATneurotic]

Hello fellow TLS users! First time in this thread. Checking in. I am in need of some advice and would appreciate any input!

I took the June LSAT for the first time cold and did horribly. I am currently registered for the September LSAT but am leaning more towards changing my date to the December LSAT.

I would like the extra time to study and ensure I'm prepared because now that I've started studying I can see everywhere I went wrong initially and September sounds too soon.

Would it be detrimental for me to change to the December LSAT and wait on my score before considering applying? I've heard everywhere that it's best to apply as early as possible (before Thanksgiving). Would waiting until end of December to apply for this cycle hurt me as much as it seems? I appreciate any input and advice! First person in my family to attend and graduate college so I have no mentors D:

Welcome to the thread!

As you've mentioned, applying early is definitely an advantage when it comes to admissions. However, killing your LSAT should be your biggest concern because an early app will not negate a poor score. Depending on where you hope to attend, you could still shoot your apps to schools in January. Are you absolutely opposed to waiting this cycle out and applying next year?

Not ABSOLUTELY opposed, but I was really hoping to get in on this cycle. I graduated in June 2013 and have been working as a legal assistant since then. I'm looking to start school ASAP bc I fear waiting until next cycle may deter my momentum.

I'm just not sure if it's worth stressing over studying and scrambling to keep my September date or taking the time to reallyyyyy study and wait until December. I guess I'm in limbo at the moment but leaning more towards the idea of changing to December and applying late in hopes of a stellar LSAT score. I just hope it's not too late

I would take it in December to ensure you maximize your potential. There is no harm is submitting some applications in January. It's really a win win. Either you will receive an offer you can't refuse, or you can just wait and reapply early in the cycle.

[180kickflip]

First...if you really won't be ready, don't even consider taking sept.

If however you're just not 100% sure that you'll be ready by September, but you might, I'd say take it in September. If you study your butt off between now and then+ perform better than expected, you can apply early this cycle and end up with your best case scenario. If you don't perform as well in sept. as you'd like, then you can take it a third time in December and basically Be in the same place you would be if you skipped September.

I'm less risk averse as some (not suggested for everyone), but I'd like to at least take a shot at my best case scenario if at all possible.