Top Law Schools

So I have a unique situation, i think, and could use some advice.
I'm not going to be specific in regards to the school, but let's say it's a T15-20 school.
It is the only school I applied to, and I really do like the school, and love the people there. They know that they're the only school I applied to (no i didn't just come out and say it, they just know because of the nature of my application and background. Also, in case you're wondering, no it's not something weird like I'm a bubble boy, the only way that the situation I am in could be interpreted would be in a way that reflects positively on me). In my first conversation with the school they indicated I was on the cusp of admission (mostly due to the fact that I applied just before the deadline), and would most likely be admitted from the wait list.

At this point in time I had ~3.55 gpa(very strong/top tier UG) and a ~160 lsat, with some super strong and unique EC's. Since I wasn't very happy that I was on the cusp I retook the lsat in June and ended up scoring a 175, which is great, and I am super happy since, as I was expecting, I was immediately offered a spot. But.... with not a cent of financial aid. Going in with the previous numbers I expected this might be the case, but now I feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick. Is there a chance that they would offer me no aid since they know that I'm not shopping around? Is there anyway I can broach getting some financial help? Am I wrong to think that with these numbers I might usually get some aid? I really really want to go to this school, so please keep that in mind. I appreciate any help you can be.

-J

unfortunately, you have no other top tier admissions to leverage a higher package from said school. plus, it's already late in the game and they've probably ran out of money by now. it is worth an effort, and you should definitely attempt to milk them for all their worth, but if they don't budge i highly recommend sitting this year out and reapplying in september to a top 10 school, with heavy scholarships to be expected in the 15-30+ range. don't waste those numbers.

hope this helps.

Ask for aid. Use examples from LSN. The worst they can say is no.

But it may have less to do with you only applying there and more to do with all the financial aid already having been distributed beforehand. A lot of schools ran out of aid money in February or so.

Yes.

More thank likely, this late late in the game, they are out of $$$.

Wait and re-apply as early as possible next year if $$$ is a major concern.

Also apply to other peer schools for leverage.

Since the replies are indicating that more aid this year is unlikely, is it possible to ask for aid out of next year's pot to use for my 2L and 3L? Basically, can I ask for aid after matriculating?

-J

rdwrer wrote:Since the replies are indicating that more aid this year is unlikely, is it possible to ask for aid out of next year's pot to use for my 2L and 3L? Basically, can I ask for aid after matriculating?

-J

Nope, the only purpose of scholarship money is to attract students who wouldn't otherwise come (got into better schools, got money from peer or lower schools, etc). Why would they waste money on you after you've already committed?

I've heard before that you can get scholarships your 2L and 3L year, but someone more knowledgable than I will have to confirm that.

scholarships (IF, extended) would be completely dependent on ls ranking, which is absolutely not guaranteed by his gpa/lsat. the only form of aid he is able to bank on with what he has now is entrant $$. therefore, he should definitely wait until september and reapply since there is a slim-to-none chance of him getting aid this cycle.

oi, well, thanks guys. I appreciate the help. Could you tell me what kind of $$$ i might be looking at next year with these numbers?

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I didn't actually know about lsn, so thanks for the heads up. And thanks to everyone else for the help, really appreciate it.

-J

paz wrote:i highly recommend sitting this year out and reapplying in september to a top 10 school, with heavy scholarships to be expected in the 15-30+ range. don't waste those numbers.

I strongly recommend you follow this advice, unless you can get substantial money out of them this year.

thanks, i'll keep you updated. Now the only issue is broaching the subject.

Reapply as early as possible in the upcoming cycle. This time, apply to several other peer schools. Use offers from peer schools as leverage. Take the money and run.

From what I heard, the only "leverage" usable for 2L/3L aid, or to up what you already got 1L, is to whoop ass and take names, fill out transfer apps, get in to some higher ranked schools (a LOT higher ranked), and leverage any scholly offers from them, or the offers themselves, for scholly money. However, this prob won't work for you since you are already in T20-land.

I'd wait and reapply, but that's just me.