Hastings Class of 2012 Forum

General Tso · Post by **General Tso** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 5:03 pm

you mean wasn't so dead set?

misteranthro · Post by **misteranthro** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 5:04 pm

swheat wrote:you mean wasn't so dead set?

Right. Mind is faster than eyes sometimes.

stonepeep · Post by **stonepeep** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:24 am

Just sent in my deposit! Now to begin the process of figuring out which lender to use for my loans, yikes.

vb007 · Post by **vb007** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 3:12 am

stonepeep wrote:Just sent in my deposit! Now to begin the process of figuring out which lender to use for my loans, yikes.

sweet, i'll see you in the fall! i'm trying to avoid thinking about finances for at least a few more weeks

stonepeep · Post by **stonepeep** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 3:23 pm

vb007 wrote:
stonepeep wrote:Just sent in my deposit! Now to begin the process of figuring out which lender to use for my loans, yikes.
sweet, i'll see you in the fall! i'm trying to avoid thinking about finances for at least a few more weeks

I think you've got the right idea there! My mom keeps telling me, "just think about it like you're buying a house." I'm still trying to get into that mindset.

mrdal · Post by **mrdal** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:47 pm

stonepeep wrote:
vb007 wrote:
stonepeep wrote:Just sent in my deposit! Now to begin the process of figuring out which lender to use for my loans, yikes.
sweet, i'll see you in the fall! i'm trying to avoid thinking about finances for at least a few more weeks
I think you've got the right idea there! My mom keeps telling me, "just think about it like you're buying a house." I'm still trying to get into that mindset.

As a homeowner myself, there is one problem you need to consider with that mindset. It's not at all like owning a house. You can always sell your house. Even now when I can't sell my house for even close to what I paid for it. I could if I wanted still sell for a huge portion of my debt. No can do with law school debt. I too am trying to get into a mindset that makes it all seem ok. But seeing it as the same as a mortgage is an analogy that is way too far off. Sorry. But if you come up with a better mindset. I'm willing to hear it.

General Tso · Post by **General Tso** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 12:39 am

mrdal wrote:
stonepeep wrote:
vb007 wrote:
stonepeep wrote:Just sent in my deposit! Now to begin the process of figuring out which lender to use for my loans, yikes.
sweet, i'll see you in the fall! i'm trying to avoid thinking about finances for at least a few more weeks
I think you've got the right idea there! My mom keeps telling me, "just think about it like you're buying a house." I'm still trying to get into that mindset.

As a homeowner myself, there is one problem you need to consider with that mindset. It's not at all like owning a house. You can always sell your house. Even now when I can't sell my house for even close to what I paid for it. I could if I wanted still sell for a huge portion of my debt. No can do with law school debt. I too am trying to get into a mindset that makes it all seem ok. But seeing it as the same as a mortgage is an analogy that is way too far off. Sorry. But if you come up with a better mindset. I'm willing to hear it.

But then again a student loan can be deferred in ways a mortgage cannot. I agree it's not a great comparison, but IMO both home loans and student loans are the best kinds of debt to take on.

mrdal · Post by **mrdal** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:41 am

As a homeowner myself, there is one problem you need to consider with that mindset. It's not at all like owning a house. You can always sell your house. Even now when I can't sell my house for even close to what I paid for it. I could if I wanted still sell for a huge portion of my debt. No can do with law school debt. I too am trying to get into a mindset that makes it all seem ok. But seeing it as the same as a mortgage is an analogy that is way too far off. Sorry. But if you come up with a better mindset. I'm willing to hear it.[/quote]

But then again a student loan can be deferred in ways a mortgage cannot. I agree it's not a great comparison, but IMO both home loans and student loans are the best kinds of debt to take on.[/quote]

I used to think so too about home loans. Now I think that was the biggest scam perpetrated on the middle class in America--the idea that owning a home is so important. I read an interesting book a while back that argued that one difference between the wealthy and the middle class is how they view money. One example concerned their homes and how they saw them. Middle class people inevitably place their home in the assets column and the wealthy place theirs (the home they live in) in the liability column. Man is this true. There is a lot of talk out there about good debt versus bad. My opinion after having been in debt for 20+ years is that it is all bad debt. The only real difference is that some is necessary and some is not. If you want a legal education it is often necessary to go into debt.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone a la Mr. Farts, but as somewhat of an expert in being in debt I am here to say that there are a lot of platitudes out there about "good debt" and "investing in your future".... Realize that these are platitudes and meaningless. Debts are debts. They must be repaid and they can be extremely limiting and very controlling.

That said, I'm taking on more than most as I am having to borrow from family to finance my family as well (extra rent, daycare, food for the kid). Good luck everyone with your choices. Just don't be suckered in by the cheerleaders in your life or the persistent naysayers.

General Tso · Post by **General Tso** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:59 am

mrdal wrote:As a homeowner myself, there is one problem you need to consider with that mindset. It's not at all like owning a house. You can always sell your house. Even now when I can't sell my house for even close to what I paid for it. I could if I wanted still sell for a huge portion of my debt. No can do with law school debt. I too am trying to get into a mindset that makes it all seem ok. But seeing it as the same as a mortgage is an analogy that is way too far off. Sorry. But if you come up with a better mindset. I'm willing to hear it.

But then again a student loan can be deferred in ways a mortgage cannot. I agree it's not a great comparison, but IMO both home loans and student loans are the best kinds of debt to take on.[/quote]

I used to think so too about home loans. Now I think that was the biggest scam perpetrated on the middle class in America--the idea that owning a home is so important. I read an interesting book a while back that argued that one difference between the wealthy and the middle class is how they view money. One example concerned their homes and how they saw them. Middle class people inevitably place their home in the assets column and the wealthy place theirs (the home they live in) in the liability column. Man is this true. There is a lot of talk out there about good debt versus bad. My opinion after having been in debt for 20+ years is that it is all bad debt. The only real difference is that some is necessary and some is not. If you want a legal education it is often necessary to go into debt.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone a la Mr. Farts, but as somewhat of an expert in being in debt I am here to say that there are a lot of platitudes out there about "good debt" and "investing in your future".... Realize that these are platitudes and meaningless. Debts are debts. They must be repaid and they can be extremely limiting and very controlling.

That said, I'm taking on more than most as I am having to borrow from family to finance my family as well (extra rent, daycare, food for the kid). Good luck everyone with your choices. Just don't be suckered in by the cheerleaders in your life or the persistent naysayers.

[/quote]

Agreed. The real estate market the last few years has been a huge scam. Day after day of 'experts' on CNN telling everyone "It's a great time to buy!" "Interest rates, never lower!" etc. People got so wrapped up in the glut of new homes, the easy financing, and the talking heads on TV that they went out and overpaid by 30-50% on their homes. Do your research and make your home a good investment...don't overpay.

As far as debt to go to grad school, that's just an unfortunate aspect of the American education system. Only way to avoid it is to either (A) be a genius and get full scholly or (B) go to a crappy, cheap school - not advisable in the prestige-whoring field of law.

stonepeep · Post by **stonepeep** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:52 pm

mrdal wrote:As a homeowner myself, there is one problem you need to consider with that mindset. It's not at all like owning a house. You can always sell your house. Even now when I can't sell my house for even close to what I paid for it. I could if I wanted still sell for a huge portion of my debt. No can do with law school debt. I too am trying to get into a mindset that makes it all seem ok. But seeing it as the same as a mortgage is an analogy that is way too far off. Sorry. But if you come up with a better mindset. I'm willing to hear it.

The underlying sentiment is simply that it's not a frivolous expense, and that there are things in life that are important and worth investing in.

mnolen · Post by **mnolen** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:31 pm

Does anyone know what happens with financial aid if your financial situation changes? For example, I lost my job about a month ago and so far I haven't been able to find a new one. I've been living off the savings that I meant to use during school. I received a grant from Hastings of about 8k.. anyone know if this is around the maximum? Should I have notified the school of my unemployed status? I'm new at all the financial aid stuff so it's still a bit confusing!

The other factor is that I'll probably be receiving veterans benefits which would waive my tuition. I just wonder what effect all of this will have on my financial aid and if they're going to take my grant away. I don't mean to complain since I know how lucky I am to not pay tuition, but I'd so much rather reduce my loans

I have a feeling they'll just redo my whole package. I've kind of been holding off on sending in the form for the vet benefits but maybe I should just go ahead and do it. I also wonder what will happen with my seat deposit since it's supposed to go toward tuition - will it go toward fees instead? So many questions!

Also - how the heck is one supposed to pick a lender? So confused.

ftwink · Post by **ftwink** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:23 am

Two separate Hastings questions:

Is it true that out-of-staters are eligible for in-state tuition after their first year?

Are both PCs and Mac's usable on campus and with exam software etc.?

underpirate57 · Post by **underpirate57** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:35 am

ftwink wrote:Two separate Hastings questions:

Is it true that out-of-staters are eligible for in-state tuition after their first year?

Are both PCs and Mac's usable on campus and with exam software etc.?

The answer to your second question is yes (coincidently, examsoft was created at Hastings). Check out this link: --LinkRemoved--

As for your first question, I think that is how it works, but I am not sure because I am a resident. So, here is another link to check out:--LinkRemoved--

blbs · Post by **blbs** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:48 am

Deposit for school and housing in the Tower paid. Still no word from USC, UCLA, or Stanford...

stonepeep · Post by **stonepeep** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:14 pm

ftwink wrote:Is it true that out-of-staters are eligible for in-state tuition after their first year?

Yes. You must be able to show that you have been living in California for one year to be eligible for in-state tuition. You need to provide copies of documents like a California driver's license, voter registration, tax returns, and/or your lease as proof of residency. I've been filling out the proof of residency forms myself and they are somewhat tedious but otherwise easy.

deadatheist · Post by **deadatheist** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:21 pm

re: residency after 1st year questions, i know a bit about this subject (establishing residency after 1st year for tuition purposes) not from firsthand experience, but through random connects with people who work on this stuff.
i'm assuming everyone knows about utilities bills and other forms of "proof" of residency, but here are some others:

1. tax forms matter, so ask the school's residency experts what forms are needed/preferred specifically for your situation (lots of diff scenarios, say you worked during summer 09 in your homestate and fall 09 in CA) to help with your CA residency
2. where you do your banking helps a lot. did you transfer or open your bank account in CA; close your account in the homestate?
3. Summer and holiday plans are huge. if you can prove you have stayed instate during nonacademic periods, you're almost golden for residency. If you return to your homestate for the summer, it's almost like an auto-ding for a residency request. Granted, people spend summers working or interning in other states (DC or NY), but if these are your homestates, you'll need to learn how these plans will affect your residency. If you at least apply for CA jobs and internships, and can provide proof of these applications (your application, correspondence with hiring parties, etc.) that can help your case.

hope that helps some to start!

deadatheist · Post by **deadatheist** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:22 pm

p.s. i don't belong in this thread,

esp not until i get my decision, but i thought that may help.

General Tso · Post by **General Tso** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:30 pm

deadatheist wrote:re: residency after 1st year questions, i know a bit about this subject (establishing residency after 1st year for tuition purposes) not from firsthand experience, but through random connects with people who work on this stuff.
i'm assuming everyone knows about utilities bills and other forms of "proof" of residency, but here are some others:

1. tax forms matter, so ask the school's residency experts what forms are needed/preferred specifically for your situation (lots of diff scenarios, say you worked during summer 09 in your homestate and fall 09 in CA) to help with your CA residency
2. where you do your banking helps a lot. did you transfer or open your bank account in CA; close your account in the homestate?
3. Summer and holiday plans are huge. if you can prove you have stayed instate during nonacademic periods, you're almost golden for residency. If you return to your homestate for the summer, it's almost like an auto-ding for a residency request. Granted, people spend summers working or interning in other states (DC or NY), but if these are your homestates, you'll need to learn how these plans will affect your residency. If you at least apply for CA jobs and internships, and can provide proof of these applications (your application, correspondence with hiring parties, etc.) that can help your case.

hope that helps some to start!

I get the others, but the banking criteria seems a bit antiquated. I have always banked online since graduating. Etrade is in VA...I haven't even visited Virginia since like 1999.

blbs · Post by **blbs** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:36 pm

deadatheist wrote:p.s. i don't belong in this thread, esp not until i get my decision, but i thought that may help.

Just left the admissions office. There was a huge box of yet to be sealed small envelopes. Not sure if they are accept/deny/wl, especially since the admit letters come in a small envelope too. So you may hear soon. Good luck.

And constitutional law with Beth Hillman is a great class to sit in on.

deadatheist · Post by **deadatheist** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:40 pm

^ thanks tease. [exits thread]

sosman · Post by **sosman** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:47 pm

I just discovered this thread! I got accepted in January and I'm really looking forward to starting at Hastings.

I went to school in the bay area, but worked in LA for quite a file. It's been seven long years since undergrad so I'm a little anxious about law school. But I checked the other day, and I still remember how to read and write so maybe things won't be so bad.

vb007 · Post by **vb007** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:08 pm

sosman wrote:I just discovered this thread! I got accepted in January and I'm really looking forward to starting at Hastings.

I went to school in the bay area, but worked in LA for quite a file. It's been seven long years since undergrad so I'm a little anxious about law school. But I checked the other day, and I still remember how to read and write so maybe things won't be so bad.

blargh, i wish i know how rite good. u'ze beat me now but i catch up.

jk, i'm heading up there from la this fall too. it should be quite a transition from engineering, but i think it'll be doable...

LACatholic · Post by **LACatholic** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:23 pm

I just paid my deposit ... looking forward to school starting in August!

parisisburning · Post by **parisisburning** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 3:35 am

for those of you accepted, congrats! im curious if you got a call from the dean or a letter in the mail notifying you of their decision?

LACatholic · Post by **LACatholic** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 8:32 am

I got no call ... just a letter (small envelope) mailed to my apt. Later on there were some emails but the first contact was through snail mail. I bet at this point, however, it would probably be something faster.

btw ... its been a long time since i've seen a reference to that documentary!

parisisburning wrote:for those of you accepted, congrats! im curious if you got a call from the dean or a letter in the mail notifying you of their decision?

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