2011 - 2012 URM Application Cycle Forum

[HypeMachine]

On my applications, the only thing I needed to note was that I was Hispanic/Latino... How would they know?

[Angrygeopolitically]

Diversity Statement?

[HypeMachine]

Their is no Diversity Statement for the Cardozo App. Only one I checked.

[Justdoingmybest]

Their is no Diversity Statement for the Cardozo App. Only one I checked.

Do they have space for an optional essay? If they do, you might want to send your diversity statement as an optional essay.

[vincanity1]

Is Cuban URM? I didn't think, for law schools, that it was considered one . . .

While it's widely believed on TLS that it doesn't fall strictly under the URM title, it still has shown to provide boosts of various degrees

[Rawlberto]

Is Cuban URM? I didn't think, for law schools, that it was considered one . . .

While it's widely believed on TLS that it doesn't fall strictly under the URM title, it still has shown to provide boosts of various degrees

I believe it MIGHT have helped you this cycle, correct vincanity1?

[Justdoingmybest]

So any good news from those who applied early?
I'm sure there is something worth celebrating.

[vincanity1]

Is Cuban URM? I didn't think, for law schools, that it was considered one . . .

While it's widely believed on TLS that it doesn't fall strictly under the URM title, it still has shown to provide boosts of various degrees

I believe it MIGHT have helped you this cycle, correct vincanity1?

Sort of. The incident I mentioned isn't too reliable given a decent amount of randomness on UVA's part. I'll definitely have some quasi-definitive answers on the issue by the end of the cycle though. Especially if H graces me with an acceptance

[aes6b]

Now that I've finally submitted almost all of my apps, I figured it's time for me to check in as well...

AA Female
3.2/168

Applied to: Harvard (sure, why not?), NYU, Columbia, Berkeley, Northwestern (ED!), GW, Vandy, BC, BU, and William and Mary
And I'm still procrastinating my why essays for Virginia and Michigan

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

[Justdoingmybest]

Random question for anyone that can answer this.

When the BLSA (or any other minority student group) sends out emails are they just performing a routine procedure by reaching out to any student that they find on CRS? Or do they really think the people that they are speaking to have a chance?

Don't worry I'm not trying to make any conclusions or assumptions. I was just wondering.

[Angrygeopolitically]

^ It does not matter.

[Justdoingmybest]

^ It does not matter.

Thanks.

[Dani.B]

In at Duke PT 11/4 !!!

[Justdoingmybest]

In at Duke PT 11/4 !!!

Congrats

[Dani.B]

Random question for anyone that can answer this.

When the BLSA (or any other minority student group) sends out emails are they just performing a routine procedure by reaching out to any student that they find on CRS? Or do they really think the people that they are speaking to have a chance?

Don't worry I'm not trying to make any conclusions or assumptions. I was just wondering.

I was going to ask this as well because Harvard and Chicago's BLSA have reached out to me

[TrojanHopeful]

From what I have gathered, California schools are forbidden from considering an applicant's ethnicity when reviewing applications. As a result, demographics is not included in the application that is submitted to the ad coms. That being said, is submitting a diversity statement the only way for California ad coms to know that we are URMs?

[whenwin]

From what I have gathered, California schools are forbidden from considering an applicant's ethnicity when reviewing applications. As a result, demographics is not included in the application that is submitted to the ad coms. That being said, is submitting a diversity statement the only way for California ad coms to know that we are URMs?

Yes, I'm pretty sure. Unless your last name is obviously Hispanic or something (like mine), but even then they'd only be guessing. To make sure they take into account that you are a URM, I would say definitely submit a diversity statement.

[spek]

Just got a KB1 invite! So excited/extremely nervous.

[Justdoingmybest]

Just got a KB1 invite! So excited/extremely nervous.

Congrats and Good Luck!!!

[aes6b]

Just got a KB1 invite! So excited/extremely nervous.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[FryBreadPower]

Random question for anyone that can answer this.

When the BLSA (or any other minority student group) sends out emails are they just performing a routine procedure by reaching out to any student that they find on CRS? Or do they really think the people that they are speaking to have a chance?

Don't worry I'm not trying to make any conclusions or assumptions. I was just wondering.

I was going to ask this as well because Harvard and Chicago's BLSA have reached out to me

Just a CRS procedure; I wouldn't look too heavily into it.

[shbe0701]

.

[Justdoingmybest]

AA Male 162 3.62 also Jewish if that is of any relevance. Also: student athlete, student govt, a lot of volunteer activity, two study abroads, and work experience. I sent in all my applications over the past three weeks and basically blanketed the entire top 25 with the help of fee waivers.

I'm debating on retaking in December and am currently practice testing at 165.

Is it worth it to keep the early application advantage or to retake with the only hopes of a 3-5 point gain...?

Honestly, I don't think someone can definitely/accurately tell you what to do. If you look at LSN you might see AA males who got into t-14 schools with your numbers and others who didn't. to some degree its unpredictable. I know with your numbers you have a decent chance at some t-14 and less at others. It really depends on what schools you want T3, T6, T14 or just any T25. There was someone last cycle with numbers close to yours that got into Columbia, Stanford, Uchicago, etc. But I believe he had strong softs (he was very involved on campus). He retook the LSAT in Dec and I believe he got the same score. Look for him in the URM 2010 In/WL/Out Thread.

If you feel other aspects of your application (PS, DS, WE, Resume) are Strong, then you might be in a good spot for some T4-T14. Most schools really have a holistic process.

When you sent out your apps did you indicate that you would be taking the LSAT again? because if you didn't, schools will take your application as complete and start looking at them.


I know this doesn't answer the question but I don't think anyone can truly answer the question without looking at your WHOLE application. But I do know you will get into a t-14 school.

A retake could improve your chances and it wouldn't significantly hurt (in terms of timing) you as long as your score is significantly higher than the original.

Can someone on this forum elaborate on the difference between a 162 and 165 for an AA male with his GPA? GIATHECHEERLEADER maybe.
Because everything I just mentioned is what I have observed, i'm not a pro and I might be very wrong.

[GirlStop]

Just curious but, what is a KB1 invite?

[Justdoingmybest]

Just curious but, what is a KB1 invite?

Its an invitation for a phone interview with Karen Buttenbaum (KB), the director of admissions at Harvard Law. From the application pool about 1000 or so are chosen. Its like the next round in the app process.