Duke OCI - Class of 2016 - Oooh Kill Em Forum

[Anonymous User]

Is anyone else getting a little bit worried by the median gpas on the offer sheet on toolkit? Some of them are much higher than I thought they would be. I just started working on my bid list and I figured I would be in much better shape being slightly above median. I think most of us will be fine, but its going to be a grind. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I was originally planning on only applying to NYC and home market, but now am probably going to use resume Launchpad and just mass mail every single market that pays well.

Somebody mentioned that those GPA's are skewed higher since people with higher GPA's get more offers. I have tried mass mailing a little, but it seems like firms won't give you an interview if you're below their cutoff. The returns are low, but I guess it is something that you have to do.

[Anonymous User]

Is anyone else getting a little bit worried by the median gpas on the offer sheet on toolkit? Some of them are much higher than I thought they would be. I just started working on my bid list and I figured I would be in much better shape being slightly above median. I think most of us will be fine, but its going to be a grind. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I was originally planning on only applying to NYC and home market, but now am probably going to use resume Launchpad and just mass mail every single market that pays well.

Somebody mentioned that those GPA's are skewed higher since people with higher GPA's get more offers. I have tried mass mailing a little, but it seems like firms won't give you an interview if you're below their cutoff. The returns are low, but I guess it is something that you have to do.

I've heard this as well, but I've been dissapointed by the help career services has provided so far.

On mass mailing, all it takes is one; insert wayne greztky quote.

[Anonymous User]

PSA: If you are below median, I would start mailing EVERYWHERE pretty soon if not immediately. Do not count on OCI as many firms, even if you get an interview, have already written you off. However, mass mailing non-primary and non-grade snobby markets that you have ties with or that do not care about ties can yield pleasant results as long as you are open to various locations.

[Anonymous User]

PSA: If you are below median, I would start mailing EVERYWHERE pretty soon if not immediately. Do not count on OCI as many firms, even if you get an interview, have already written you off. However, mass mailing non-primary and non-grade snobby markets that you have ties with or that do not care about ties can yield pleasant results as long as you are open to various locations.

Any suggestions as to markets that fit the criteria "don't care about ties?" A couple examples would be greatly appreciated!

[beachbum]

I'm sure you all have been told this ad nauseam already, but once more couldn't hurt: don't rely solely (or even mostly) on OCI/OTIP. Especially you guys below median. Now is a great time to be sending out resumes to hedge your bets. And the more targeted/specific you can get in your cover letters, the better (I'm not a big fan of the generic spamming that TLS sometimes advocates).

You guys below median: realistically, you're going to get little or nothing from OCI. Which, hey, now you can loosen up in OCI interviews, as you're essentially playing with house money. But, more importantly, you should be submitting your stuff to any firm with an email account that could possibly - however remote that possibility - consider you for a spot. Now is not the time to be picky. (I'm talking other secondary markets in your targeted region(s), firms specializing in areas of law you wouldn't otherwise gravitate towards, etc.)

Anyway, I apologize if I'm beating a dead horse here. But there's always a few people out there who overestimate their odds or otherwise fail to conduct an adequate job search outside of OCI.

[Anonymous User]

Is anyone else getting a little bit worried by the median gpas on the offer sheet on toolkit? Some of them are much higher than I thought they would be. I just started working on my bid list and I figured I would be in much better shape being slightly above median. I think most of us will be fine, but its going to be a grind. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I was originally planning on only applying to NYC and home market, but now am probably going to use resume Launchpad and just mass mail every single market that pays well.

Somebody mentioned that those GPA's are skewed higher since people with higher GPA's get more offers. I have tried mass mailing a little, but it seems like firms won't give you an interview if you're below their cutoff. The returns are low, but I guess it is something that you have to do.

Original anon here, I also figured that the people with real high GPAs were skewing some of those numbers. The sample sizes are also absurdly small. In regards to a bid list, how conservative are you being? For my top 8-10 bids, I think all but one or two I am either at or very slightly below or slightly above the listed median. Is this too conservative?

[lawyerwannabe]

I'm sure you all have been told this ad nauseam already, but once more couldn't hurt: don't rely solely (or even mostly) on OCI/OTIP. Especially you guys below median. Now is a great time to be sending out resumes to hedge your bets. And the more targeted/specific you can get in your cover letters, the better (I'm not a big fan of the generic spamming that TLS sometimes advocates).

You guys below median: realistically, you're going to get little or nothing from OCI. Which, hey, now you can loosen up in OCI interviews, as you're essentially playing with house money. But, more importantly, you should be submitting your stuff to any firm with an email account that could possibly - however remote that possibility - consider you for a spot. Now is not the time to be picky. (I'm talking other secondary markets in your targeted region(s), firms specializing in areas of law you wouldn't otherwise gravitate towards, etc.)

Anyway, I apologize if I'm beating a dead horse here. But there's always a few people out there who overestimate their odds or otherwise fail to conduct an adequate job search outside of OCI.

To piggyback on this, if you are even above median and feel pretty good about OCI, it is nice to get interviews with respectable firms in your target market that are not coming to OCI before OCI begins. The practice, in m opinion, of interviewing (ACTUALLY interviewing with real consequences, not mock interviews) was invaluable.

[lawyerwannabe]

Is anyone else getting a little bit worried by the median gpas on the offer sheet on toolkit? Some of them are much higher than I thought they would be. I just started working on my bid list and I figured I would be in much better shape being slightly above median. I think most of us will be fine, but its going to be a grind. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I was originally planning on only applying to NYC and home market, but now am probably going to use resume Launchpad and just mass mail every single market that pays well.

Somebody mentioned that those GPA's are skewed higher since people with higher GPA's get more offers. I have tried mass mailing a little, but it seems like firms won't give you an interview if you're below their cutoff. The returns are low, but I guess it is something that you have to do.

Original anon here, I also figured that the people with real high GPAs were skewing some of those numbers. The sample sizes are also absurdly small. In regards to a bid list, how conservative are you being? For my top 8-10 bids, I think all but one or two I am either at or very slightly below or slightly above the listed median. Is this too conservative?

There are so many factors that go into making a successful bid list. One factor not considered are firms that have a number of interview slots that you want an interview with that you will not get outside your top x number of bids because they are popular. As long as you have a realistic chance at getting an offer from them, why not bid them to maximize your number of bids? For example I got one firm with like my 30th bid but did not get two firms that I put in my top 10. IIRC if you ranked MoFo fourth or lower, you did not get an interview with them.

Also, protip. Go to hospitality sweets. Even if you do not get interviews with some of those firms, you can still get CBs AND offers.

[Anonymous User]

PSA: If you are below median, I would start mailing EVERYWHERE pretty soon if not immediately. Do not count on OCI as many firms, even if you get an interview, have already written you off. However, mass mailing non-primary and non-grade snobby markets that you have ties with or that do not care about ties can yield pleasant results as long as you are open to various locations.

Any suggestions as to markets that fit the criteria "don't care about ties?" A couple examples would be greatly appreciated!

I would say firms in states without a big time law school who will look favorably upon the Duke brand and are not parochial. Think like the middle of the country and southwest IMO.

[Anonymous User]

since we have some vets offering advice in here (thanks!) IYOP does URM or work experience make a difference for below median folks?

[Anonymous User]

PSA: If you are below median, I would start mailing EVERYWHERE pretty soon if not immediately. Do not count on OCI as many firms, even if you get an interview, have already written you off. However, mass mailing non-primary and non-grade snobby markets that you have ties with or that do not care about ties can yield pleasant results as long as you are open to various locations.

Any suggestions as to markets that fit the criteria "don't care about ties?" A couple examples would be greatly appreciated!

I would say firms in states without a big time law school who will look favorably upon the Duke brand and are not parochial. Think like the middle of the country and southwest IMO.

Middle of the country? Really? I always thought it was tough to break into those markets without ties.

[Anonymous User]

since we have some vets offering advice in here (thanks!) IYOP does URM or work experience make a difference for below median folks?

I am just a student but yes it makes a big difference. One of my buddies is URM and was bottom 15ish% at CCN, landed at least one market offer in NYC and probably the best firm in a large secondary market (atl/mia/philly etc). However, he also is very charismatic and probably crushed his interview/callbacks

[Anonymous User]

PSA: If you are below median, I would start mailing EVERYWHERE pretty soon if not immediately. Do not count on OCI as many firms, even if you get an interview, have already written you off. However, mass mailing non-primary and non-grade snobby markets that you have ties with or that do not care about ties can yield pleasant results as long as you are open to various locations.

Any suggestions as to markets that fit the criteria "don't care about ties?" A couple examples would be greatly appreciated!

I would say firms in states without a big time law school who will look favorably upon the Duke brand and are not parochial. Think like the middle of the country and southwest IMO.

Middle of the country? Really? I always thought it was tough to break into those markets without ties.

There may be some places that are hard to break into in that region. The gist of my post was meant to convey the fact that your search should be wide in scope. Really, apply anywhere you think you would be remotely happy working and living.

[Anonymous User]

There may be some places that are hard to break into in that region. The gist of my post was meant to convey the fact that your search should be wide in scope. Really, apply anywhere you think you would be remotely happy working and living.

Got it! Wilmington Delaware, get ready to be hit hard!

[Anonymous User]

well below median here w/no journal as of yet (I'm definitely nervous about OCI) anyone who didn't get a journal from the first waive hear any news yet?? or do you know when the other kids have to decide?

I am right there with you, well define "well below median"... Anyways, I hope there are a few more exclusive journal invites out there since no email has gone out saying they are done inviting!

I was given 10 days to decide on the exclusive invite. The non-exclusives has considerably shorter deadlines. I don't think you should give up hope yet.

[Anonymous User]

Got a non-DLJ journal and have a 3.45. 3 interviews lined up before OCI begins. Haven't mass mailed anything yet and feel very nervous about all of this. Not really sure what a true "median" GPA is. How should I feel about OCI? Thanks all and good luck!

[Anonymous User]

Got a non-DLJ journal and have a 3.45. 3 interviews lined up before OCI begins. Haven't mass mailed anything yet and feel very nervous about all of this. Not really sure what a true "median" GPA is. How should I feel about OCI? Thanks all and good luck!

also got a non-dlj "exclusive" journal. have a 3.34. My advisor says the true median is a 3.3, but I don't think he realizes that just because each classes median is a 3.3 doesn't mean the overall is a 3.3. Whatever, at this point all we can do is bid smart, mass mail, interview well, and pray for some luck or to at least dodge some bad luck.

[Anonymous User]

Got a non-DLJ journal and have a 3.45. 3 interviews lined up before OCI begins. Haven't mass mailed anything yet and feel very nervous about all of this. Not really sure what a true "median" GPA is. How should I feel about OCI? Thanks all and good luck!

You should not feel great. You should not feel awful. If you are a strong interviewer, I would be pretty surprised if you came up empty. There are really only a handful of firms in NYC that will write you off solely because of your GPA.

Also, your targeting mailing is fine IMO. Three interviews before OCI with your GPA. You are putting yourself in a good position to succeed.

[Anonymous User]

Got a non-DLJ journal and have a 3.45. 3 interviews lined up before OCI begins. Haven't mass mailed anything yet and feel very nervous about all of this. Not really sure what a true "median" GPA is. How should I feel about OCI? Thanks all and good luck!

also got a non-dlj "exclusive" journal. have a 3.34. My advisor says the true median is a 3.3, but I don't think he realizes that just because each classes median is a 3.3 doesn't mean the overall is a 3.3. Whatever, at this point all we can do is bid smart, mass mail, interview well, and pray for some luck or to at least dodge some bad luck.

Median GPA is almost assuredly around a 3.31 - 3.33. That is the range I also heard bounced around. So, with that in mind, saying 3.3 is the median is really pretty accurate and fine.

[Anonymous User]

Any idea of other approximate grade cutoff/ranges anon above who confirmed median?

[Anonymous User]

Any idea of other approximate grade cutoff/ranges anon above who confirmed median?

Confirm is a strong word. Everything I know is simply word of mouth and speculation. The only other cutoff that there seems to be a consensus regarding would be top-third is somewhere in the mid-high 3.4s to low 3.5s.

[Anonymous User]

In general, how do transfer students fare at OCI? How should I bid to maximize interviews and employment opportunities? I appreciate your help in advance.

[Anonymous User]

Career counselor told me that 3.45 is top 3rd. Career counselor also told me that a GPA just shy of 3.6 is top quarter.

[Anonymous User]

Any upperclassmen care to report their conversion rate for screeners to callbacks, or, more simply, what the typical number of callbacks is? Past Duke OCI threads make it seem like most people get around 15-20 screeners and 5 or fewer callbacks. I have 6 screeners coming up before OCI and want to manage my expectations (i.e., am I doing something seriously wrong if I end up with no callbacks from those or is that par for the course).

[sflyr2016]

I have to decide by tonight on whether or not to transfer. Does it make any sense to leave UF top 8% and Law Review for Duke to target Fl, specifically Miami, biglaw? Your input is greatly appreciated.