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Got denied to a school where my GPA and LSAT is above their 75%. Can I ask them why I got denied? Is it common for people to ask, is it appropriate?

I know for undergrad, we could and they could give us specific reasons, like the GPA being below their standard, but what about law school?

I know it's hard to hear this so early in your career, but just move on.

zot1 wrote:I know it's hard to hear this so early in your career, but just move on.

No, the thing is, there has been an incident where my identity has been stolen, someone used my Social Security in the past. I'm paranoid that I might have some criminal record through fraud/identity theft I don't know about, and the admissions denied my application because of it.

Admissions only looks at your application. They don't look at your background check.

zot1 wrote:Admissions only looks at your application. They don't look at your background check.

Oh, thanks! I guess the Bar does that then..

beluckycrimson wrote:

zot1 wrote:I know it's hard to hear this so early in your career, but just move on.

No, the thing is. There has been an incident where my identity has been stolen, someone has used my Social Security in the past. I'm paranoid that I might have some criminal record through fraud I don't know about, and the admissions denied my application because of it.

It's nearly impossible your admissions decision was based on something like this. You have much better avenues for finding out if someone has used your identity for some potential criminal activity than asking the school that just denied you admission. You're certainly allowed to ask if they discovered something in your record beyond what you reported, but it frankly comes off as a bit desperate and sad because obviously you're effectively pleading, "why didn't you like me?!"

There is nothing that bars you from asking, and unless you're thinking of reapplying next cycle it'll likely cause you no harm, but it's just not a good look.

UVA2B wrote:

beluckycrimson wrote:

zot1 wrote:I know it's hard to hear this so early in your career, but just move on.

No, the thing is. There has been an incident where my identity has been stolen, someone has used my Social Security in the past. I'm paranoid that I might have some criminal record through fraud I don't know about, and the admissions denied my application because of it.

It's nearly impossible your admissions decision was based on something like this. You have much better avenues for finding out if someone has used your identity for some potential criminal activity than asking the school that just denied you admission. You're certainly allowed to ask if they discovered something in your record beyond what you reported, but it frankly comes off as a bit desperate and sad because obviously you're effectively pleading, "why didn't you like me?!"

There is nothing that bars you from asking, and unless you're thinking of reapplying next cycle it'll likely cause you no harm, but it's just not a good look.

Thanks.

beluckycrimson wrote:Got denied to a school where my GPA and LSAT is above their 75%. Can I ask them why I got denied? Is it common for people to ask, is it appropriate?

I know for undergrad, we could and they could give us specific reasons, like the GPA being below their standard, but what about law school?

It would be more productive for you to check out your personal statement, resume, etc. Also maybe reach out to your recommenders to make sure they didn't hose you.

Dcc617 wrote:

beluckycrimson wrote:Got denied to a school where my GPA and LSAT is above their 75%. Can I ask them why I got denied? Is it common for people to ask, is it appropriate?

I know for undergrad, we could and they could give us specific reasons, like the GPA being below their standard, but what about law school?

It would be more productive for you to check out your personal statement, resume, etc. Also maybe reach out to your recommenders to make sure they didn't hose you.

I had a pre-law advisor, and few of my peers and relatives to review my PS, resume, etc. So, I feel pretty confident with my application.


I wouldn't question my Recommenders since why would they hose me? Wouldn't they just say "no" or say something like "it would be better for you to ask someone who knows your more" if they didn't want to give me at least a positive recommendation?

beluckycrimson wrote:

Dcc617 wrote:

beluckycrimson wrote:Got denied to a school where my GPA and LSAT is above their 75%. Can I ask them why I got denied? Is it common for people to ask, is it appropriate?

I know for undergrad, we could and they could give us specific reasons, like the GPA being below their standard, but what about law school?

It would be more productive for you to check out your personal statement, resume, etc. Also maybe reach out to your recommenders to make sure they didn't hose you.

I had a pre-law advisor, and few of my peers and relatives to review my PS, resume, etc. So, I feel pretty confident with my application.


I wouldn't question my Recommenders since why would they hose me? Wouldn't they just say "no" or say something like "it would be better for you to ask someone who knows your more" if they didn't want to give me at least a positive recommendation?

Maybe. But something happened. Maybe you got yield protected. Maybe LSAC has the wrong numbers for you. Maybe your recommenders want to see you fail.

Or maybe it's just a one off bad luck sort of thing. I'd go through and check to make sure there's no giant boo boo. Then wait and see what happens with your other schools.

Do you still have applications you haven't submitted yet? In that case, I would be tempted to ask in case it was something fixable (like a negative LOR you could just stop using).

Even if you ask now, they might not discuss it with you until after the cycle is over.

I am going to run counter to the consensus here.

There is no potential downside to politely asking for feedback on your rejection. Similar to a job interview, now that you have been rejected there is no risk in asking for details unless you intend to apply again next cycle. If it's bugging you just try it but don't expect to get a real answer.

mudiverse wrote:I am going to run counter to the consensus here.

There is no potential downside to politely asking for feedback on your rejection. Similar to a job interview, now that you have been rejected there is no risk in asking for details unless you intend to apply again next cycle. If it's bugging you just try it but don't expect to get a real answer.

To clarify, don't ask "why did you reject me". You should frame it "what could i do to improve my application?" Dont assume you deserved to be admitted.

I don't see the harm in asking, but definitely take the above advice and frame it as "What could I do to improve my application?"

Your chances of going to this school now are nonexistent anyway. There's a decent chance your rejection was a yield protect, and if you'd decide forego law school this year and reapply next year, your asking could be seen as a sign of real interest in a school that likely rejected you because they thought you wouldn't attend if admitted.

Folks, specially the 0Ls, it's never too early to learn to get rejected. In the legal profession, there's just too much competition and you will get rejected for trivial things.

Yes, OP may have great numbers, but perhaps the school already met the quota of students with those numbers that they were willing to accept.

Asking a question is worth it if you'll get an answer. If you call admissions, chances are you wont even talk to the person who reviewed your application. So really, it is a waste of time and it makes you look completely desperate.

But if it's going to make you feel better inside somehow, then go for it. But be advised, it's only going to get worse moving forward. So if you can't handle a school rejection, I really do wish you the best of luck as you endure greater failures moving on.