URM 2012-2013 Cycle... let's go! Forum

[operagrl71]

I can take this one...mostly anecdotal, but having followed last year's SEO thread it seemed like a number of strong candidates [i.e. deposited HYSCCN] with significant work experience got dinged in the end, despite having made it through multiple interview rounds.

Here's the link to the relevant portions of last year's thread, take from it what you will: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... start=3175

[thelawschoolproject]

While at work, I was thinking about this whole PS and DS thing or perhaps I should say....a PS that basically discusses how my background has shaped my thinking and the things I'm invovled in versus a diversity statement. I ran a search and the general thought on this seems to be fragmented. However, I still wanted people's opinion on this. My gut is telling me to be succint and write one really strong, well-crafted statement. Yet, I keep on thinking "Are they expecting a AA male to have a diversity statement."

*Instead of thinking about this, I should really just be studying for the LSAT

It really depends on what it is that you want to say to the adcomm.

The key is to not repeat information. Don't write both if you're going to essentially say the same thing in each. With that said, if you can create two separate pieces, one a PS and one a DS, I say that you should go for it. The more information an adcomm can learn about you the better, imo.

[BlaqBella]

My impression is the PS addresses or somehow incorporates the question "why law school?" while the DS focuses more on what makes you unique/what will you bring to the law school, etc.

[thelawschoolproject]

My impression is the PS addresses or somehow incorporates the question "why law school?" while the DS focuses more on what makes you unique/what will you bring to the law school, etc.

No.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a PS needs to discuss Why Law. It doesn't and more often than not the best ones don't.

[BlaqBella]

My impression is the PS addresses or somehow incorporates the question "why law school?" while the DS focuses more on what makes you unique/what will you bring to the law school, etc.

No.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a PS needs to discuss Why Law. It doesn't and more often than not the best ones don't.

I have to disagree with you on this one. Honestly, there is neither a wrong nor right answer when it comes to a PERSONAL statement. The statement is your own.

[lawprospie]

Thanks for responding and giving sound advice guys. I've decided to actually write both; the more I thought about it the more I realized that I have two different stories/messages about me to communicate to the adcoms.

[MarkKnows87]

AA Male here. I am very nervous and thinking about taking the December LSAT instead of the October LSAT. I am just extremely nervous. Its like my dream is already here. But I am trying to decide if taking the December LSAT is to late

[twenty]

December is by no means too late. Better a good score in December than a lousy score in October.

I wish I'd waited out June when I wasn't ready.

[astrodoggy]

With most of my applications becoming available this weekend, I feel like the flood gates are about to open. Still waiting on two of my professors to submit my LORs.

[BlaqBella]

With most of my applications becoming available this weekend, I feel like the flood gates are about to open. Still waiting on two of my professors to submit my LORs.

Flood gates to free money, acceptances and seeing all your hard work pay off (finally!).

[lawprospie]

Hey cool kids,

I know I ask tons of questions on this board ....but I was wondering...

With a 3.61 from a top 10 USNWR college (non-Ivy), tons of ECs and leadership awards, and one year of work experience at a management consulting firm what LSAT score should I be looking at to get into UChicago ED?

I know the general thoughts about AA males applying ED and the whole LSAT hypotheticals, but I have a REALLY strong reason to apply to UChicago Law ED...one that definitely works in my favor for admissions and one that would make me choose UChicago over higher-ranked law schools.

I'm not sure if I should say what that reason is....if I do, I might as well just be like "Hi, my name is ...."

Anyone I can PM?

The good thing about being in consulting and the day being a Friday is that I have to time to make posts like this one!

[BlaqBella]

Hey cool kids,

I know I ask tons of questions on this board ....but I was wondering...

With a 3.61 from a top 10 USNWR college (non-Ivy), tons of ECs and leadership awards, and one year of work experience at a management consulting firm what LSAT score should I be looking at to get into UChicago ED?

I know the general thoughts about AA males applying ED and the whole LSAT hypotheticals, but I have a REALLY strong reason to apply to UChicago Law ED...one that definitely works in my favor for admissions and one that would make me choose UChicago over higher-ranked law schools.

I'm not sure if I should say what that reason is....if I do, I might as well just be like "Hi, my name is ...."

Anyone I can PM?

The good thing about being in consulting and the day being a Friday is that I have to time to make posts like this one!

The answer to your question is score as high as you possibly can but for hard numbers I would say at least lower to mid-160s.

[lawprospie]

BlaqBella, I definitely agree. I'm aiming for over 170. I'm studying everyday while on the train and at home, but I think the fear of not meeting my goal is getting to me / freaking me out...which is why I asked the question.

[BlaqBella]

BlaqBella, I definitely agree. I'm aiming for over 170. I'm studying everyday while on the train and at home, but I think the fear of not meeting my goal is getting to me / freaking me out...which is why I asked the question.

Stop freaking out. I know its easier said than done but if you prepare well enough and have consistently scored in the range you are seeking on your PTs, then you have nothing to worry about. Go in there knowing that you will conquer the exam. Fear will cripple your performance.

However, I strongly advise you not sit the exam until you are confident that you can reach your goal or close to it (ie, if you're practicing in the 150s, don't expect to reach 170+ on the real thing). They say to PT at least 5 points above your goal so you give yourself room for error on the real thing.

[BlaqBella]

Lawpropsie, here are some AA male and female profiles admitted to UChicago:

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/HopefulEsquire723/jd
AA male
GPA: 3.33
LSAT: 165

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/penguin1234/jd (indicated as URM)
GPA: 3.6
LSAT: 168

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/ajudk8/jd
AA female
GPA: 3.69
LSAT: 160

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/champion11/jd
AA male
GPA: 3.77
LSAT: 159


...and there are many more.

[lawprospie]

Lawpropsie, here are some AA male and female profiles admitted to UChicago:

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/HopefulEsquire723/jd
AA male
GPA: 3.33
LSAT: 165

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/penguin1234/jd (indicated as URM)
GPA: 3.6
LSAT: 168

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/ajudk8/jd
AA female
GPA: 3.69
LSAT: 160

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/champion11/jd
AA male
GPA: 3.77
LSAT: 159


...and there are many more.

This is extra bomb. Thanks

[astrodoggy]

Prepping for the October test is kicking my butt, but with every score improvement I'm feeling more motivated for a good cycle.

[Alltheirsplendor]

Prepping for the October test is kicking my butt, but with every score improvement I'm feeling more motivated for a good cycle.

Hear, hear!

[Yaaaas2013]

.

[tch562]

Hello all,

AA male checking in here. Submitted my ED to UVA and EA to Cornell last night. So excited to hear back from UVA. If, in some cosmic blip, I should get in to UVA I might just go streaking (which is a LOT considering I'm in the Peace Corps right now). Good luck everyone!


(I really love this green guy)

[BlaqBella]

Hello all,

AA male checking in here. Submitted my ED to UVA and EA to Cornell last night. So excited to hear back from UVA. If, in some cosmic blip, I should get in to UVA I might just go streaking (which is a LOT considering I'm in the Peace Corps right now). Good luck everyone!


(I really love this green guy)

Welcome! Are you considering BIGLAW? If so, consider sending an app to Howard.

[matilda1225]

Hello everyone! NA female checking in. Prepping for the October LSAT, but I fear I may have to re-take in December. I'm convinced I have to score somewhere in the 170s to counteract my crappy GPA. In terms of schools, I'm aiming as high as possible but my goal is Georgetown!

[tch562]

Hello all,

AA male checking in here. Submitted my ED to UVA and EA to Cornell last night. So excited to hear back from UVA. If, in some cosmic blip, I should get in to UVA I might just go streaking (which is a LOT considering I'm in the Peace Corps right now). Good luck everyone!


(I really love this green guy)

Welcome! Are you considering BIGLAW? If so, consider sending an app to Howard.

Hey, no. I'm interested in public interest law; also considering JAG Corps.

[Lighthouseman]

Hi all! AA male checking in. Finishing up some prep for the October LSAT's now. Hope we all do great!

[Yaaaas2013]

For personal statements and diversity statements, do law schools care about margins? Both of my essays are 2.5 pages long. I know I need to edit both so that they can be within the 2 page limit. Just wondering if anyone has used narrow margins or a font besides Times New Roman. Also, should we label each essay at the top? Thanks for any help!