URM 2015-2016 Cycle Thread Forum

[cdotson2]

My bad bro lol, but with your stats/URM I think you'll have great options

+1 165+ with 3.5+ is the golden ticket for URMs.

Yeah I know man, I'm a 3.1/167 though my GPA is pretty weak
If I had a 3.5 I probably wouldn't be re-taking tho

yeah the GPA might keep you out of HYS but depending on where you land with your retake you could still end up at a t6. good luck man!

[shump92]

My bad bro lol, but with your stats/URM I think you'll have great options

+1 165+ with 3.5+ is the golden ticket for URMs.

Yeah I know man, I'm a 3.1/167 though my GPA is pretty weak
If I had a 3.5 I probably wouldn't be re-taking tho

Can't waste my GPA if I would have the chance to turn down or choose Y. Otherwise I agree with you.

[180kickflip]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

[cdotson2]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

I have a 170.
and if I remember correctly there were a few more in the June waiters thread, but I don't know if they are still active posters.

and there hasn't been a rise in apps yet. there has been a slight rise in test takers, which is still significantly down from 2008-9 (think almost 70,000) when there were only around 400 URM applicants with a 165 and 3.5. Also the number of top scorers for URM I think are pretty volatile.

[PoopNpants]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

I have a 170.
and if I remember correctly there were a few more in the June waiters thread, but I don't know if they are still active posters.

and there hasn't been a rise in apps yet. there has been a slight rise in test takers, which is still significantly down from 2008-9 (think almost 70,000) when there were only around 400 URM applicants with a 165 and 3.5. Also the number of top scorers for URM I think are pretty volatile.

Yeah plus there might be a good amount of URMs who have 170+ who aren't on TLS too

[cdotson2]

Oskosh also got a 170+

[180kickflip]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

I have a 170.
and if I remember correctly there were a few more in the June waiters thread, but I don't know if they are still active posters.

and there hasn't been a rise in apps yet. there has been a slight rise in test takers, which is still significantly down from 2008-9 (think almost 70,000) when there were only around 400 URM applicants with a 165 and 3.5. Also the number of top scorers for URM I think are pretty volatile.

Yeah plus there might be a good amount of URMs who have 170+ who aren't on TLS too

Yeah. I'm sure TLS only has a portion of the total, but it's still interesting to see how many are here compared to the predicted totals from the black by the numbers thread. It suggests under 10 with 170+, but I swear there's that many just on TLS sometimes.

[cdotson2]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

I have a 170.
and if I remember correctly there were a few more in the June waiters thread, but I don't know if they are still active posters.

and there hasn't been a rise in apps yet. there has been a slight rise in test takers, which is still significantly down from 2008-9 (think almost 70,000) when there were only around 400 URM applicants with a 165 and 3.5. Also the number of top scorers for URM I think are pretty volatile.

Yeah plus there might be a good amount of URMs who have 170+ who aren't on TLS too

Yeah. I'm sure TLS only has a portion of the total, but it's still interesting to see how many are here compared to the predicted totals from the black by the numbers thread. It suggests under 10 with 170+, but I swear there's that many just on TLS sometimes.

honestly I think most people scoring 170+ are on tls. and the t-14 is not that big of a crowd.

[shump92]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

I have a 170.
and if I remember correctly there were a few more in the June waiters thread, but I don't know if they are still active posters.

and there hasn't been a rise in apps yet. there has been a slight rise in test takers, which is still significantly down from 2008-9 (think almost 70,000) when there were only around 400 URM applicants with a 165 and 3.5. Also the number of top scorers for URM I think are pretty volatile.

Yeah plus there might be a good amount of URMs who have 170+ who aren't on TLS too

Yeah. I'm sure TLS only has a portion of the total, but it's still interesting to see how many are here compared to the predicted totals from the black by the numbers thread. It suggests under 10 with 170+, but I swear there's that many just on TLS sometimes.

For that small of a group, there is no way the outcomes of an accurate normal distribution will apply in reality. So this makes sense.

[180kickflip]

Does anyone here know of any TLSers that are 170+ URM applicants for this cycle? (PM if necessary) A lot of the posters I see are 167-169 (myself included), but I'm not sure I've seen anyone post stats higher than that. There were at least 5 I think last cycle, and I expected more with the rise in apps.

I have a 170.
and if I remember correctly there were a few more in the June waiters thread, but I don't know if they are still active posters.

and there hasn't been a rise in apps yet. there has been a slight rise in test takers, which is still significantly down from 2008-9 (think almost 70,000) when there were only around 400 URM applicants with a 165 and 3.5. Also the number of top scorers for URM I think are pretty volatile.

Yeah plus there might be a good amount of URMs who have 170+ who aren't on TLS too

Yeah. I'm sure TLS only has a portion of the total, but it's still interesting to see how many are here compared to the predicted totals from the black by the numbers thread. It suggests under 10 with 170+, but I swear there's that many just on TLS sometimes.

For that small of a group, there is no way the outcomes of an accurate normal distribution will apply in reality. So this makes sense.

Totally true. I just wish it didn't always seem to predict fewer 170+ than there are. It's playing with my emotions lol

[GreekOmega12]

Is everyone writing a diversity statement? If so how do you perfect the PS DS combo so that your PS doesn't hit on why you bring diversity to the institution?

[180kickflip]

Is everyone writing a diversity statement? If so how do you perfect the PS DS combo so that your PS doesn't hit on why you bring diversity to the institution?

Make the PS a "why law (or why law now if coming in with WE), and focus on diversity in the DS. Everything in your app should tie together, so it makes sense to mention your "unique background/family situation" as a contributing factor to some decision you discuss in the PS and then really go into detail about what that upbringing/background is in the DS

[Tr3]

Hi Y'all, just stopping by to say good luck! I applied 14-15 and had a relatively successful cycle with sub-median stats. I doubt I'll be on TLS much, but if you have questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. Rooting for y'all!

[TheodoreKGB]

.

[cdotson2]

Hi Y'all, just stopping by to say good luck! I applied 14-15 and had a relatively successful cycle with sub-median stats. I doubt I'll be on TLS much, but if you have questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. Rooting for y'all!

you did SEO right? how was it and what firm?

[Tr3]

Hi Y'all, just stopping by to say good luck! I applied 14-15 and had a relatively successful cycle with sub-median stats. I doubt I'll be on TLS much, but if you have questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. Rooting for y'all!

Your cycle was pretty fucking awesome... TELL US YOUR SECRETS

haha, thanks. I would say, generally, these things worked for me:

1) Strong Essays: I wrote a 2-page personal statement, a 1-page diversity statement, a 1-paragraph LSAT addendum (I took it 3 times, and I also used this addendum to tell more about me--one adcom even wrote on my admission letter about this addendum because he related to it, so basically, everything in your app is an opportunity to show who are you), and a 1-paragraph school-specific essay for most schools, but especially the ones I was most interested in attending. All of my essays were genuine and my personal statement showed some vulnerability, which I think worked well for me.

2) Strong Recommendations: I put together a packet for each of my recommenders that included my resume, draft of personal statement, statement of 'why law school', and a letter to the recommender that formally asked for a recommendation, but also reminded them of various aspects of our relationship to jog their memory about certain things I wanted them to mention (sometimes I said explicitly that I'd like them to cover a certain point), and I included deadlines for when I wanted them to turn it in. I had one prof, an employer, and a professional mentor.

3) Theme: I have a demonstrated commitment to leadership and community development, particularly within diverse communities, that seemed to grab attention from many adcoms. So I would say, demonstrate something that you do in life and how a legal career makes sense to further your cause (you can do this with interests in firm/private life or with interests in PI).

4) Show, Don't Tell: Rather than merely listing things about yourself, look at the application like an interview. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and have sort of a conversation with the adcom. Assume you won't have an in person interview and this is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the adcom.

Of course, this is just my view of what worked for me. It could be different for you.

Edit: I want to include that while my stats were below medians (often even below 25ths), they weren't atrocious in comparison to ALL people applying, especially for people from my socioeconomic background. They are for sure low by TLS standards, but I think that goes to show that adcoms pay attention to more than just stats if you can convince them to.

[Tr3]

Hi Y'all, just stopping by to say good luck! I applied 14-15 and had a relatively successful cycle with sub-median stats. I doubt I'll be on TLS much, but if you have questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. Rooting for y'all!

you did SEO right? how was it and what firm?

Yes, I did. I'll PM you with details (and anyone else who is curious). Generally, I'll say that SEO is definitely a good thing to do. It's a very busy summer (especially if you're placed in NYC), but it's a great way to gain many resources before you even start law school. The program does have its flaws, but they don't outweigh the benefits.

[FairchildFLT]

I've deferred admissions to UT due to a family emergency. If anyone has any questions in regards to their applications let me know. I'll be hanging out here until next year.

I will be applying to SEO again as well. If anyone has any questions about that (I was not selected but I interviewed and made it as far as the second resume request.)

[chueca910]

Hi Y'all, just stopping by to say good luck! I applied 14-15 and had a relatively successful cycle with sub-median stats. I doubt I'll be on TLS much, but if you have questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. Rooting for y'all!

Your cycle was pretty fucking awesome... TELL US YOUR SECRETS

haha, thanks. I would say, generally, these things worked for me:

1) Strong Essays: I wrote a 2-page personal statement, a 1-page diversity statement, a 1-paragraph LSAT addendum (I took it 3 times, and I also used this addendum to tell more about me--one adcom even wrote on my admission letter about this addendum because he related to it, so basically, everything in your app is an opportunity to show who are you), and a 1-paragraph school-specific essay for most schools, but especially the ones I was most interested in attending. All of my essays were genuine and my personal statement showed some vulnerability, which I think worked well for me.

2) Strong Recommendations: I put together a packet for each of my recommenders that included my resume, draft of personal statement, statement of 'why law school', and a letter to the recommender that formally asked for a recommendation, but also reminded them of various aspects of our relationship to jog their memory about certain things I wanted them to mention (sometimes I said explicitly that I'd like them to cover a certain point), and I included deadlines for when I wanted them to turn it in. I had one prof, an employer, and a professional mentor.

3) Theme: I have a demonstrated commitment to leadership and community development, particularly within diverse communities, that seemed to grab attention from many adcoms. So I would say, demonstrate something that you do in life and how a legal career makes sense to further your cause (you can do this with interests in firm/private life or with interests in PI).

4) Show, Don't Tell: Rather than merely listing things about yourself, look at the application like an interview. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and have sort of a conversation with the adcom. Assume you won't have an in person interview and this is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the adcom.

Of course, this is just my view of what worked for me. It could be different for you.

Edit: I want to include that while my stats were below medians (often even below 25ths), they weren't atrocious in comparison to ALL people applying, especially for people from my socioeconomic background. They are for sure low by TLS standards, but I think that goes to show that adcoms pay attention to more than just stats if you can convince them to.

Thanks for sharing, this will def be helpful.

[TheodoreKGB]

.

[NigeranOU]

Checking in! Starting Senior year and taking the lsat for the hopefully last time this October! I will be a splitter with a mid 160 LSAT and 3.2-3.4 GPA! Also an AA Female! Hoping for NYU or Columbia! New York Big Law!! So excited to see outcomes, we ARE in this together. Good luck everyone

[NigeranOU]

this is prob the best thread i have ever come across.

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 4&t=201844

[ggnobbq]

165/3.5 MA checking in. I'm retaking/reapplying after getting no t14 offers, although I'm still riding a couple of waitlists (doubtful that I'll get in at this point, especially with $$$). Good luck all!

[GreekOmega12]

165/3.5 MA checking in. I'm retaking/reapplying after getting no t14 offers, although I'm still riding a couple of waitlists (doubtful that I'll get in at this point, especially with $$$). Good luck all!

When do you apply?

[ggnobbq]

Mid january