URM 2015-2016 Cycle Thread Forum

[cdotson2]

Anyone who has written a personal statement already able to give me some constructive feedback on mine?

I can look at it for you, and offer my .02. but I don't have amazing grammar and I am a 0l so feel free to disregard anything I tell you. Pm it to me if you want.

[GreekOmega12]

Anyone who has written a personal statement already able to give me some constructive feedback on mine?

I can look at it for you, and offer my .02. but I don't have amazing grammar and I am a 0l so feel free to disregard anything I tell you. Pm it to me if you want.

Understandable. I sent it.

[chueca910]

Anyone who has written a personal statement already able to give me some constructive feedback on mine?

I haven't finished mine yet but have seen a couple of my friend's successful law school statements. I can give you general feedback about the flow etc

[JazzyMac]

You can PM me as well.

[MarshallMarshal]

AA Female Checking in after about a year of lurking in the 2014-2015 thread. 167, 3.67 retaking in October hoping to join the 170s club and get some interest from Y,H, NYU.

Good luck! Based on sentiment I have seen on here, your odds at H are looking pretty good. But hitting your goal on the retake would probably help with $$($) at NYU.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I can already tell you're going to be an MVP of this thread - throwing out support and wisdom

[shump92]

AA Female Checking in after about a year of lurking in the 2014-2015 thread. 167, 3.67 retaking in October hoping to join the 170s club and get some interest from Y,H, NYU.

Good luck! Based on sentiment I have seen on here, your odds at H are looking pretty good. But hitting your goal on the retake would probably help with $$($) at NYU.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I can already tell you're going to be an MVP of this thread - throwing out support and wisdom

Thanks, I do my best. It helps that my dad has always worked with students.

[Interficio]

Hey guys! Just checking in. Hispanic (Central American) male here. 3.95 GPA (god bless grade inflation) and scoring around 165-167 on practice tests at the one-third point of my LSAT class. Taking the LSAT in october and kind of scared as my fall term classes will be quite difficult (including two intensive culminating seminars for my majors) and may consequently distract from LSAT studying... Hoping for 170s as well! Yale is the main goal at the moment...

[shump92]

Hey guys! Just checking in. Hispanic (Central American) male here. 3.95 GPA (god bless grade inflation) and scoring around 165-167 on practice tests at the one-third point of my LSAT class. Taking the LSAT in october and kind of scared as my fall term classes will be quite difficult (including two intensive culminating seminars for my majors) and may consequently distract from LSAT studying... Hoping for 170s as well! Yale is the main goal at the moment...

Good luck man. If you get the foundation down, you can be fine taking the LSAT with grueling courses. Mine was during my last finals week and I was right around where I should have been. I don't think you get a formal bump but a strong DS would definitely help highlight your Hispanic background.

[Interficio]

Hey guys! Just checking in. Hispanic (Central American) male here. 3.95 GPA (god bless grade inflation) and scoring around 165-167 on practice tests at the one-third point of my LSAT class. Taking the LSAT in october and kind of scared as my fall term classes will be quite difficult (including two intensive culminating seminars for my majors) and may consequently distract from LSAT studying... Hoping for 170s as well! Yale is the main goal at the moment...

Good luck man. If you get the foundation down, you can be fine taking the LSAT with grueling courses. Mine was during my last finals week and I was right around where I should have been. I don't think you get a formal bump but a strong DS would definitely help highlight your Hispanic background.

Thanks for the good wishes!

I'm not actually an adherent of the TLS belief that only Mexicans and PR get bumps, and central americans do not. I would be flabbergasted if anyone could present me with data showing that central americans are overrepresented in either law school or the current legal field. So far, I've just seen people on forums lump South and Central Americans into a group and state that they are overrepresented and therefore not URM. I'd argue that a racially white and generally prosperous country like Argentina is quite distinct from "mestizo" countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which have dealt with a bevy of problems, ranging from decades-long civil wars to gang violence. Immigrants from such countries, moreover, are all first generation (as the exodus has started in the past decade and a half) and unlikely to even make it to college, much less think of applying to law school. Sorry for the rant but I've been meaning to get this off my chest for a while and this seemed like the place!

Ultimately, I trust T14 (and certainly HYS) to have a more nuanced and informed sense of what constitutes diversity. It will be up to me to weave it into my PS, as you mentioned. I don't feel a DS will be necessary. It will also be up to me to get as high an LSAT score as possible, such that I might not even have to rely on a bump.

Edited to add:
BTW, I'm also LGBT but not sure where that would be indicated on an application? Is there a box? Unfortunately, I've never been that involved/defined by my sexuality such that I could weave it effortlessly into a PS or write a DS about it. It's just something I've accepted since day 1 and never had problems as a result of it.

[cdotson2]

Thanks for the good wishes!

I'm not actually an adherent of the TLS belief that only Mexicans and PR get bumps, and central americans do not. I would be flabbergasted if anyone could present me with data showing that central americans are overrepresented in either law school or the current legal field. So far, I've just seen people on forums lump South and Central Americans into a group and state that they are overrepresented and therefore not URM. I'd argue that a racially white and generally prosperous country like Argentina is quite distinct from "mestizo" countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which have dealt with a bevy of problems, ranging from decades-long civil wars to gang violence. Immigrants from such countries, moreover, are all first generation (as the exodus has started in the past decade and a half) and unlikely to even make it to college, much less think of applying to law school. Sorry for the rant but I've been meaning to get this off my chest for a while and this seemed like the place!

Ultimately, I trust T14 (and certainly HYS) to have a more nuanced and informed sense of what constitutes diversity. It will be up to me to weave it into my PS, as you mentioned. I don't feel a DS will be necessary. It will also be up to me to get as high an LSAT score as possible, such that I might not even have to rely on a bump.

Edited to add:
BTW, I'm also LGBT but not sure where that would be indicated on an application? Is there a box? Unfortunately, I've never been that involved/defined by my sexuality such that I could weave it effortlessly into a PS or write a DS about it. It's just something I've accepted since day 1 and never had problems as a result of it.

I think you still get a bump it just isn't the same as PR and MA, but if you score in 170s with a 3.95 you would be looking at HYS anyways, so keep that goal alive man!

[180kickflip]

Hey guys! Just checking in. Hispanic (Central American) male here. 3.95 GPA (god bless grade inflation) and scoring around 165-167 on practice tests at the one-third point of my LSAT class. Taking the LSAT in october and kind of scared as my fall term classes will be quite difficult (including two intensive culminating seminars for my majors) and may consequently distract from LSAT studying... Hoping for 170s as well! Yale is the main goal at the moment...

Good luck man. If you get the foundation down, you can be fine taking the LSAT with grueling courses. Mine was during my last finals week and I was right around where I should have been. I don't think you get a formal bump but a strong DS would definitely help highlight your Hispanic background.

Thanks for the good wishes!

I'm not actually an adherent of the TLS belief that only Mexicans and PR get bumps, and central americans do not. I would be flabbergasted if anyone could present me with data showing that central americans are overrepresented in either law school or the current legal field. So far, I've just seen people on forums lump South and Central Americans into a group and state that they are overrepresented and therefore not URM. I'd argue that a racially white and generally prosperous country like Argentina is quite distinct from "mestizo" countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which have dealt with a bevy of problems, ranging from decades-long civil wars to gang violence. Immigrants from such countries, moreover, are all first generation (as the exodus has started in the past decade and a half) and unlikely to even make it to college, much less think of applying to law school. Sorry for the rant but I've been meaning to get this off my chest for a while and this seemed like the place!

Ultimately, I trust T14 (and certainly HYS) to have a more nuanced and informed sense of what constitutes diversity. It will be up to me to weave it into my PS, as you mentioned. I don't feel a DS will be necessary. It will also be up to me to get as high an LSAT score as possible, such that I might not even have to rely on a bump.

Edited to add:
BTW, I'm also LGBT but not sure where that would be indicated on an application? Is there a box? Unfortunately, I've never been that involved/defined by my sexuality such that I could weave it effortlessly into a PS or write a DS about it. It's just something I've accepted since day 1 and never had problems as a result of it.

If you score in the 170s, it probably won't matter, but I wouldn't leave out the DS. It's a free chance to differentiate yourself some more. I'd use the PS as a "why law" sort of thing and use the DS to discuss your diversity (whether ethnic, sexual, socioeconomic, or other). Even if that could all be covered in one 2 page PS, more detail could make it even stronger.

[PoopNpants]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

[shump92]

Hey guys! Just checking in. Hispanic (Central American) male here. 3.95 GPA (god bless grade inflation) and scoring around 165-167 on practice tests at the one-third point of my LSAT class. Taking the LSAT in october and kind of scared as my fall term classes will be quite difficult (including two intensive culminating seminars for my majors) and may consequently distract from LSAT studying... Hoping for 170s as well! Yale is the main goal at the moment...

Good luck man. If you get the foundation down, you can be fine taking the LSAT with grueling courses. Mine was during my last finals week and I was right around where I should have been. I don't think you get a formal bump but a strong DS would definitely help highlight your Hispanic background.

Thanks for the good wishes!

I'm not actually an adherent of the TLS belief that only Mexicans and PR get bumps, and central americans do not. I would be flabbergasted if anyone could present me with data showing that central americans are overrepresented in either law school or the current legal field. So far, I've just seen people on forums lump South and Central Americans into a group and state that they are overrepresented and therefore not URM. I'd argue that a racially white and generally prosperous country like Argentina is quite distinct from "mestizo" countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which have dealt with a bevy of problems, ranging from decades-long civil wars to gang violence. Immigrants from such countries, moreover, are all first generation (as the exodus has started in the past decade and a half) and unlikely to even make it to college, much less think of applying to law school. Sorry for the rant but I've been meaning to get this off my chest for a while and this seemed like the place!

Ultimately, I trust T14 (and certainly HYS) to have a more nuanced and informed sense of what constitutes diversity. It will be up to me to weave it into my PS, as you mentioned. I don't feel a DS will be necessary. It will also be up to me to get as high an LSAT score as possible, such that I might not even have to rely on a bump.

Edited to add:
BTW, I'm also LGBT but not sure where that would be indicated on an application? Is there a box? Unfortunately, I've never been that involved/defined by my sexuality such that I could weave it effortlessly into a PS or write a DS about it. It's just something I've accepted since day 1 and never had problems as a result of it.

If you score in the 170s, it probably won't matter, but I wouldn't leave out the DS. It's a free chance to differentiate yourself some more. I'd use the PS as a "why law" sort of thing and use the DS to discuss your diversity (whether ethnic, sexual, socioeconomic, or other). Even if that could all be covered in one 2 page PS, more detail could make it even stronger.

To piggy back off this, you should think about the best ways to differentiate yourself from other people. LSAT/transcript/resume equal merit. All softs are the reasons why your merit is "better" than equal merit from somebody else. Only you can know how to present your merit the best. But just ignoring something that you feel so strongly about is not wise. So try to write a DS, decide if you can actually write one well and if so, submit it. If not, then don't. Hint: You can write one well.

[180kickflip]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

doubt it'll matter. M, B, UCLA, etc. still give URMs a bump, and I think AA is already banned in Michigan and California. They probably just need to be more careful that their admission practices can be defended as "holistic" rather than preferential.

[PoopNpants]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

doubt it'll matter. M, B, UCLA, etc. still give URMs a bump, and I think AA is already banned in Michigan and California. They probably just need to be more careful that their admission practices can be defended as "holistic" rather than preferential.

Yeah true, plus a lot of the schools are also private so I don't think they would have to abide by a proposed AA ban similar to public ones. Still it would be interesting to see a rise in minority applicants this cycle due to the pending uncertainty regarding this case

[cdotson2]

Yeah true, plus a lot of the schools are also private so I don't think they would have to abide by a proposed AA ban similar to public ones. Still it would be interesting to see a rise in minority applicants this cycle due to the pending uncertainty regarding this case

private universities are still affected because they get funding from the government, not as much but they still receive funding.

[shump92]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

It won't matter for private schools in the T14. Alumni really bankroll them and they won't stop doing that enough for it to matter. But for all of the top state schools, this could be a big problem.

PS: Do you guys think I should retake? I have to be as frugal as possible but would likely have a huge jump from my 168. My gut is statistical significance.

[PoopNpants]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

It won't matter for private schools in the T14. Alumni really bankroll them and they won't stop doing that enough for it to matter. But for all of the top state schools, this could be a big problem.

PS: Do you guys think I should retake? I have to be as frugal as possible but would likely have a huge jump from my 168. My gut is statistical significance.

I got a 167 and I'm deadset on re-taking bro. Being a URM with a 170+ is like (analogy for having something good/exclusive in a competitive field)

[shump92]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

It won't matter for private schools in the T14. Alumni really bankroll them and they won't stop doing that enough for it to matter. But for all of the top state schools, this could be a big problem.

PS: Do you guys think I should retake? I have to be as frugal as possible but would likely have a huge jump from my 168. My gut is statistical significance.

I got a 167 and I'm deadset on re-taking bro. Being a URM with a 170+ is like (analogy for having something good/exclusive in a competitive field)

My favorite is having your cake and eating it too.

[PoopNpants]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

It won't matter for private schools in the T14. Alumni really bankroll them and they won't stop doing that enough for it to matter. But for all of the top state schools, this could be a big problem.

PS: Do you guys think I should retake? I have to be as frugal as possible but would likely have a huge jump from my 168. My gut is statistical significance.

I got a 167 and I'm deadset on re-taking bro. Being a URM with a 170+ is like (analogy for having something good/exclusive in a competitive field)

My favorite is having your cake and eating it too.

Lol seriously though, assuming your GPA is above 3.2ish (over maybe lower) I think H is definitely in the cards if you break 170. I read somewhere on TLS that they are only like maybe 15-20 AAs in a given year who break that threshold.

[shump92]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

It won't matter for private schools in the T14. Alumni really bankroll them and they won't stop doing that enough for it to matter. But for all of the top state schools, this could be a big problem.

PS: Do you guys think I should retake? I have to be as frugal as possible but would likely have a huge jump from my 168. My gut is statistical significance.

I got a 167 and I'm deadset on re-taking bro. Being a URM with a 170+ is like (analogy for having something good/exclusive in a competitive field)

My favorite is having your cake and eating it too.

Lol seriously though, assuming your GPA is above 3.2ish (over maybe lower) I think H is definitely in the cards if you break 170. I read somewhere on TLS that they are only like maybe 15-20 AAs in a given year who break that threshold.

I think there was some inadvertent equivocation here. I read the first AA as affirmative action and then had a separate question relating to me benefitting from that process. I'm still a minority, but am not black. My stats are in the original post ITT.

[cdotson2]

Lol seriously though, assuming your GPA is above 3.2ish (over maybe lower) I think H is definitely in the cards if you break 170. I read somewhere on TLS that they are only like maybe 15-20 AAs in a given year who break that threshold.

"7,789 law school applicants who had both LSAT scores of 165 or above and UGPA of 3.5 or above. Of that number, just 63 were black. Only 236 were Hispanic or Puerto Rican."

https://www.utexas.edu/vp/irla/Documents/ACR%20LSAC.pdf

[PoopNpants]

How do you guys feel about the Supreme Court taking another look at Fischer vs. U of T? Anyone else think this might be the last cycle with AA?

It won't matter for private schools in the T14. Alumni really bankroll them and they won't stop doing that enough for it to matter. But for all of the top state schools, this could be a big problem.

PS: Do you guys think I should retake? I have to be as frugal as possible but would likely have a huge jump from my 168. My gut is statistical significance.

I got a 167 and I'm deadset on re-taking bro. Being a URM with a 170+ is like (analogy for having something good/exclusive in a competitive field)

My favorite is having your cake and eating it too.

Lol seriously though, assuming your GPA is above 3.2ish (over maybe lower) I think H is definitely in the cards if you break 170. I read somewhere on TLS that they are only like maybe 15-20 AAs in a given year who break that threshold.

I think there was some inadvertent equivocation here. I read the first AA as affirmative action and then had a separate question relating to me benefitting from that process. I'm still a minority, but am not black. My stats are in the original post ITT.

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

[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.

[PoopNpants]

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