URM 2016-2017 Cycle Thread Forum

[Thranduilon]

When I was a student in high school, I was deciding between saving money for law school to graduate debt free (by going to a less expensive undergrad) or going to an expensive undergrad school where I would graduate with 140 k in debt due to the total expense (including a potential big law salary). I’m thinking of transferring, but I would have to take on 85-90 k debt if I went to a big name school for law school. Do you think I should if its so easy to pay back salaries on big law nowadays if I go to a t-14 law school?

[call-me-bubbles]

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[S.Picquery]

URM is real guys lol. I went to an event for USC yesterday that had alumni, admitted students, 1L reps, and both deans. In a room of about 65 people. I was the only black person.

Yeah, I went to a pwi for undergrad and was STILL thrown off by how few black ppl were there. There were a lot of people of color, just not black...

I like playing the game at any diversity mixer where I try to see if there are other POC Jewish folks there. There almost never are. L'chaim!

I don't identify as a POC because of my skin tone, but greetings from this Hispanic Jew!

Hey! What up! Happy Purim PS, hamentashen are great with a dulce de leche center hahaha

[S.Picquery]

Damn, ok. I especially don't get that you'd be WL at Georgetown. YP I guess?

Were you also given a generous $0 scholarship from UVA the other night when fin aid info went out? I'm in at Chicago (which I seriously NEVER expected), and I wasn't sure if merely being admitted would be enough leverage to try to use with UVA (and/or other, lower-ranked schools). Do you think there's a legit case to be made for using it as leverage?

Also, re: Harvard, did you interview, or are you still waiting on a JS1? I'm still waiting and hoping, but expecting a straight-up ding.

Hang in there, dude[tte].

JS1 down, and I know that means a 75% chance of admission, but Jesus Christ, I got dinged by UTX, and Berk and WL'd by GTown. I honestly don't know what's happening with my life.

And it's not the strongest case, but you can ABSOLUTELY use Chicago to leverage a little something out of UVA. Worst thing they can say is "no."

[azaleafire]

When I was a student in high school, I was deciding between saving money for law school to graduate debt free (by going to a less expensive undergrad) or going to an expensive undergrad school where I would graduate with 140 k in debt due to the total expense (including a potential big law salary). I’m thinking of transferring, but I would have to take on 85-90 k debt if I went to a big name school for law school. Do you think I should if its so easy to pay back salaries on big law nowadays if I go to a t-14 law school?

I am super confused - are you currently in undergrad? I feel like more info is needed to answer this, but I will answer based on the assumption you are a) in undergrad b) thinking of transferring and c) are financing your school through loans due to being low income, rather than having parents who won't pay despite being wealthy.

In that case I would say keeping your debt down low is priority #1. I think my cycle was moderately affected by my school's prestige, esp. with regards to my GPA but if the school you are thinking of transferring to is that prestigious they probably have a meet 100% of demonstrated need policy so you shouldn't be taking out that much debt. If they don't, its not worth it to transfer for law school purposes.

As an anecdote, I visited Harvard last week and had lunch with a current student and another admitted (KJD) student. Me and the current student went to the same (Top 5 LAC) undergrad. The other prospective student went to a large state school. We were all in the same space. If you study, get good grades, kill the LSAT, you will do well in the law school admissions game. Then you have to study more once you are in school to get the jobs that will help you pay off those loans. Or maybe you will be lucky enough to get a full ride and not have to do that. Long story short that is a lot easier without even more undergrad debt.

[call-me-bubbles]

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[S.Picquery]

Let's be real; this is the real reason I'm pumped about UChi haha.

Also, thanks for your input on using UChi as leverage. I'm gonna wait a bit for Chicago's offer as well as other schools' offers, but worst-case scenario if UChi offers me nada, I'll try using my acceptance to negotiate.

You're in a great position! And that's hilarious, I did that same basic event when chilling at MIT for a bit. It's referenced in the same article.

[Mjvance2]

URM is real guys lol. I went to an event for USC yesterday that had alumni, admitted students, 1L reps, and both deans. In a room of about 65 people. I was the only black person.

I went to the alumni reception for UT a couple of weeks ago and was the only black admitted student there. There were a few other black alums that were there and I introduced myself or was introduced to most of them that night. I've already got meetings set up with a few of them already. Living in Texas and knowing that's where I want to practice makes a huge difference in why I'm leaning towards UT. One of the alums made it very clear that black UT alums that stay in Texas are very well taken care of. I got accepted to UVA and was strongly considering it, but after my talks with the black alumni of UT, it makes much more sense to have that network working for me.

One of the conversations I had with an older white alum from UT who was a partner at Baker Boots said, "You will get a great job if you attend UVA, but if you attend UT you will have a community of folks in this city looking out for you."

So for those looking to leave a school with a strong regional presence for a higher ranked school, don't underestimate that network.

As for what brinicolec said about the UT ASD, yeah there were so few blacks I was a bit surprised. I know they average around 15-20 a year, so to only see 3 was a bit concerning. I'm hoping they find another 10-15 in the coming months. I know the class of 2016 only had one black guy who graduated.

[azaleafire]

As for what brinicolec said about the UT ASD, yeah there were so few blacks I was a bit surprised. I know they average around 15-20 a year, so to only see 3 was a bit concerning. I'm hoping they find another 10-15 in the coming months. I know the class of 2016 only had one black guy who graduated.

...one? Seriously?

On this note, is anyone else having difficulty finding exact "diversity" numbers for schools? Specifically UVA all I can find is 22% people of color (including foreign nationals) which really means nothing to me.

[USayinBoalt]

As for what brinicolec said about the UT ASD, yeah there were so few blacks I was a bit surprised. I know they average around 15-20 a year, so to only see 3 was a bit concerning. I'm hoping they find another 10-15 in the coming months. I know the class of 2016 only had one black guy who graduated.

...one? Seriously?

On this note, is anyone else having difficulty finding exact "diversity" numbers for schools? Specifically UVA all I can find is 22% people of color (including foreign nationals) which really means nothing to me.

for exact diversity numbers, I usually look at the NALP site

This is UVA's

(they haven't updated for 2016-2017 yet)

[azaleafire]

for exact diversity numbers, I usually look at the NALP site

This is UVA's

(they haven't updated for 2016-2017 yet)

Thank you!

[brinicolec]

URM is real guys lol. I went to an event for USC yesterday that had alumni, admitted students, 1L reps, and both deans. In a room of about 65 people. I was the only black person.

I went to the alumni reception for UT a couple of weeks ago and was the only black admitted student there. There were a few other black alums that were there and I introduced myself or was introduced to most of them that night. I've already got meetings set up with a few of them already. Living in Texas and knowing that's where I want to practice makes a huge difference in why I'm leaning towards UT. One of the alums made it very clear that black UT alums that stay in Texas are very well taken care of. I got accepted to UVA and was strongly considering it, but after my talks with the black alumni of UT, it makes much more sense to have that network working for me.

One of the conversations I had with an older white alum from UT who was a partner at Baker Boots said, "You will get a great job if you attend UVA, but if you attend UT you will have a community of folks in this city looking out for you."

So for those looking to leave a school with a strong regional presence for a higher ranked school, don't underestimate that network.

As for what brinicolec said about the UT ASD, yeah there were so few blacks I was a bit surprised. I know they average around 15-20 a year, so to only see 3 was a bit concerning. I'm hoping they find another 10-15 in the coming months. I know the class of 2016 only had one black guy who graduated.

To be fair though, based on the numbers I see for large firms on NALP. That 3 or so seems like the ugly reality of what corporate law might look like.

[Mjvance2]

As for what brinicolec said about the UT ASD, yeah there were so few blacks I was a bit surprised. I know they average around 15-20 a year, so to only see 3 was a bit concerning. I'm hoping they find another 10-15 in the coming months. I know the class of 2016 only had one black guy who graduated.

...one? Seriously?

On this note, is anyone else having difficulty finding exact "diversity" numbers for schools? Specifically UVA all I can find is 22% people of color (including foreign nationals) which really means nothing to me.

Just the one. Usually the ABA 509 reports have the demographic breakdowns by race, though that NALP one does break it down by class year as well.

[PrezRand]

URM is real guys lol. I went to an event for USC yesterday that had alumni, admitted students, 1L reps, and both deans. In a room of about 65 people. I was the only black person.

I went to the alumni reception for UT a couple of weeks ago and was the only black admitted student there. There were a few other black alums that were there and I introduced myself or was introduced to most of them that night. I've already got meetings set up with a few of them already. Living in Texas and knowing that's where I want to practice makes a huge difference in why I'm leaning towards UT. One of the alums made it very clear that black UT alums that stay in Texas are very well taken care of. I got accepted to UVA and was strongly considering it, but after my talks with the black alumni of UT, it makes much more sense to have that network working for me.

One of the conversations I had with an older white alum from UT who was a partner at Baker Boots said, "You will get a great job if you attend UVA, but if you attend UT you will have a community of folks in this city looking out for you."

So for those looking to leave a school with a strong regional presence for a higher ranked school, don't underestimate that network.

As for what brinicolec said about the UT ASD, yeah there were so few blacks I was a bit surprised. I know they average around 15-20 a year, so to only see 3 was a bit concerning. I'm hoping they find another 10-15 in the coming months. I know the class of 2016 only had one black guy who graduated.

That's not surprising. I'm sure the best black students who are from Texas are gunning for HYS or a t14.





BTW: UT's networking is insane. It's one of the largest schools in the nation and their influence is no joke.

[janereacher]

Reserve at Cornell today. After a ding from BU and a WL from UCLA, this is actually probably the most hopeful sign I've had. Seems like avoiding a straight up reject at Cornell this cycle is an accomplishment.

[dietcoke1]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

[poptart123]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

[alpha kenny body]

Seems like avoiding a straight up reject at Cornell this cycle is an accomplishment.

It's basically on par with getting accepted there

[2000andBeyond]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

Holy moly...today is my 4-month UR1 anniversary at UVA!

[alpha kenny body]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

Holy moly...today is my 4-month UR1 anniversary at UVA!

Yeah, I made it to 3 months before I just withdrew my app.

[2000andBeyond]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

Holy moly...today is my 4-month UR1 anniversary at UVA!

Yeah, I made it to 3 months before I just withdrew my app.

I feel like I just should at this point. But I'm a VA resident and went to UVA. Like the disrespect is so real at this point...
I PAY TAXES HERE DAMMIT

[alpha kenny body]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

Holy moly...today is my 4-month UR1 anniversary at UVA!

Yeah, I made it to 3 months before I just withdrew my app.

I feel like I just should at this point. But I'm a VA resident and went to UVA. Like the disrespect is so real at this point...
I PAY TAXES HERE DAMMIT

you'll more than likely get in there then, if you're willing to wait. would you rather go there than NU?

[2000andBeyond]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

Holy moly...today is my 4-month UR1 anniversary at UVA!

Yeah, I made it to 3 months before I just withdrew my app.

I feel like I just should at this point. But I'm a VA resident and went to UVA. Like the disrespect is so real at this point...
I PAY TAXES HERE DAMMIT

you'll more than likely get in there then, if you're willing to wait. would you rather go there than NU?

Nah lol I am so excited about NU! It would be just nice to know definitively though, you know?

At this point, the only school (minus Penn WL) I would choose over NU is maybe NYU (which I still haven't heard from).

Do you know where you're heading?

[alpha kenny body]

after being gone for a week, I was hoping schools would have picked up the pace now that we're in March. but nope, still no movement on apps I sent back in October

+1. Got 6 days until my 6-month-UR2 anniversary at UVA.

Holy moly...today is my 4-month UR1 anniversary at UVA!

Yeah, I made it to 3 months before I just withdrew my app.

I feel like I just should at this point. But I'm a VA resident and went to UVA. Like the disrespect is so real at this point...
I PAY TAXES HERE DAMMIT

you'll more than likely get in there then, if you're willing to wait. would you rather go there than NU?

Nah lol I am so excited about NU! It would be just nice to know definitively though, you know?

At this point, the only school (minus Penn WL) I would choose over NU is maybe NYU (which I still haven't heard from).

Do you know where you're heading?

not too sure yet, i'll have to make up my mind by april I suppose, or I may just deposit at one and ride the WL for Y

[2000andBeyond]

Yale is definitely worth riding out! lol Good luck!! ^^