Duke Class of 2013 Forum

[Bosque]

If y'all cannot figure out who I am (once you meet me), you don't DESERVE to know who I am.

[paralegal]

Masochistic, Bosque -

At ASW, I received a spread sheet entitled "Class of 2009 Post Graduation Employment." I also received another spread sheet entitled "Second Year Summer Employment Report for the Class of 2010." I'm interested in seeing a spread sheet listing the statistics for the "Class of 2010 Post Graduation Employment."

Could you post that info or could you post a link to that info?

Thank you....

[paralegal]

At ASW, I received a spread sheet entitled "Class of 2009 Post Graduation Employment." I also received another spread sheet entitled "Second Year Summer Employment Report for the Class of 2010." I'm interested in seeing a spread sheet listing the statistics for the "Class of 2010 Post Graduation Employment."

Could you post that info or could you post a link to that info?

2nd part of my question:

My 1st choice for employment is the DC market. I've heard the DC market is difficult to break into ITE. Duke has placed well into the DC market in the past; ITE how is Duke holding up? My 2nd choice is NYC?

Thanks for your comments....

[prezidentv8]

If y'all cannot figure out who I am (once you meet me), you don't DESERVE to know who I am.

Same for me, I think I'm exceedingly easy to figure out.

[thickfreakness]

So, I don't know if any of you are still keeping up with the current cycle anymore, but Duke sent an e-mail out today to all remaining waitlisters basically saying the odds of acceptance into our class are practically non-existent. Then, they give the option to be considered under an ED contract for the class of 2014, promising a decision by mid-July if one opts in for consideration before July 9th.

Thoughts?

Edit: My only concern is that I hope they don't start a massive ED panic next cycle to try and manipulate medians (a-la UVA this cycle). I think it's a good thing that they prefer candidates who have both high GPAs AND competitive LSAT scores.

[paralegal]

I think it's a good thing that they prefer candidates who have both high GPAs AND competitive LSAT scores.

I don't think Duke will change their preferences for high GPAs and competitive LSAT scores. That's been their "model" for years.

A Duke Law student who is a SA at this biglaw firm said that she heard that Duke received a record number of applications this year, over 8,000, and that an acceptance to Duke is becoming more and more competitive each cycle. In the past, Michigan has done something similar by offering acceptances to some students late in the cycle and deferring them to marticulate the following summer (and I would assume that would be a binding offer). Other than scholarship considerations, having an acceptance to Duke by mid July of this year and deferring to marticulate next year.... could be a good deal....

Duke's holding up pretty well ITE re placing into major legal markets....due to small class size and national reach (more geographical diversity: meaning less competition for jobs in certain markets). A Duke acceptance and starting a year from now....I see that as a real plus...

[beantowngunnahh]

I think it's a good thing that they prefer candidates who have both high GPAs AND competitive LSAT scores.

I don't think Duke will change their preferences for high GPAs and competitive LSAT scores. That's been their "model" for years.

A Duke Law student who is a SA at this biglaw firm said that she heard that Duke received a record number of applications this year, over 8,000, and that an acceptance to Duke is becoming more and more competitive each cycle. In the past, Michigan has done something similar by offering acceptances to some students late in the cycle and deferring them to marticulate the following summer (and I would assume that would be a binding offer). Other than scholarship considerations, having an acceptance to Duke by mid July of this year and deferring to marticulate next year.... could be a good deal....

Duke's holding up pretty well ITE re placing into major legal markets....due to small class size and national reach (more geographical diversity: meaning less competition for jobs in certain markets). A Duke acceptance and starting a year from now....I see that as a real plus...

Paralegal....you're starting.....to make me depressed....about the state of the economy......

I do have a question for you. Judging from your experiences, what is the general QOL for associates at your firm? Do these people seem happy to you?

[paralegal]

Paralegal....you're starting.....to make me depressed....about the state of the economy......

Duke's holding up pretty well ITE re placing into major legal markets....due to small class size and national reach (more geographical diversity: meaning less competition for jobs in certain markets).

I do have a question for you. Judging from your experiences, what is the general QOL for associates at your firm? Do these people seem happy to you?

The associates are very happy here. They put in long hours and sometimes work late into the evenings and/or on the weekends depending upon trials, deadlines.... but this office is an "intellectual powerhouse," and the cases are soooo interesting and the legal strategizing that goes on is incredibly fulfilling and intellectually stimulating. You feel so privileged to be a part of this.

[Bosque]

Paralegal....you're starting.....to make me depressed....about the state of the economy......

Duke's holding up pretty well ITE re placing into major legal markets....due to small class size and national reach (more geographical diversity: meaning less competition for jobs in certain markets).

I do have a question for you. Judging from your experiences, what is the general QOL for associates at your firm? Do these people seem happy to you?

The associates are very happy here. They put in long hours and sometimes work late into the evenings and/or on the weekends depending upon trials, deadlines.... but this office is an "intellectual powerhouse," and the cases are soooo interesting and the legal strategizing that goes on is incredibly fulfilling and intellectually stimulating. You feel so privileged to be a part of this.

Paralegal, mind if I ask where you work? You can PM me if you want. (Or don't, I won't be offended if you don't want to disclose that).

I am just curious because I am an EE and am looking at IP firms for next summer. (Assuming of course I don't come back to the firm I am working at this summer. They don't do IP here, but they are really making me fall in love with the place.)

[paralegal]

This email re the ED option to reserve waitlisters was posted in another thread.... I've copied the most significant parts....


This has been an unusual year in many respects. The quality and size of our applicant pool (up nearly 25% over last year) was unprecedented, and we waitlisted many strong candidates in the hope that we would be able to admit some of them. Because of the surprisingly strong response to our initial offers of admission, we have been unable to do so.

Because the chances are slim that we will be able to make any additional offers of admission for 2010, we'd like to offer another option for you to consider. That you have remained on our waitlist to this point suggests that you have a strong interest in attending Duke Law. If Duke is your unequivocal top choice, you may convert your current application to a binding Early Decision application for 2011 by submitting this form: http://www.law.duke.edu/admis/downloads ... cation.pdf. If you do so by July 9, you will receive a decision on your 2011 application by July 16. (You may submit the Early Decision form after July 9, but the decision will be made later in the summer.)

The usual caveats of Early Decision application apply: This is only appropriate if Duke is clearly your first choice of law school and you don't anticipate the need to compare offers of financial aid from other schools. If admitted, you must immediately withdraw all your applications with other law schools for fall 2010, and refrain from submitting additional applications for 2011.

Obviously, this option is not suitable for everyone, especially if you are not prepared to delay your law school matriculation for a year. However, given the unusual nature of this year's admission cycle, we hope that offering another opportunity to consider will be helpful to some of our applicants.

If you'd like to be considered as an Early Decision applicant for 2011, please submit the form (http://www.law.duke.edu/admis/downloads ... cation.pdf) to us by e-mail or fax. You don't need to take any specific action if you wish to remain in consideration for fall 2010, though we continue to welcome any updates or additional information you may wish to send. If you reach the point where you are no longer able to consider an offer of admission from Duke for this fall, please let us know.

Thank you for your patience through this lengthy admission process. We appreciate your interest in Duke Law School.

Sincerely,

Mark Hill
Director of Admissions

[Reedie]

I wonder how far over enrolled they still are at this point.

[someones alt]

So does anyone actually see themselves using all of the money allotted for COL? If you took out full loans, it's 66,912-46,930 (tuition). So, 19,882/12 (months) gives you $1,656 to live off of monthly until next August when you get some more loans. Assuming you're paying about $650 for an apartment, which seems like it's average for a single bedroom in Durham, that gives you $1,000 a month if you're on a 12 month lease and paying for your apartment over the summer.

I'm used to living on below half of that in Texas while in undergrad, and I feel like since I'm w/ a roommate and my rent is cheaper than the example I'll be living like a king. Especially if I find a subletter for the summer months. I really hope I'm not forgetting some costly monthly expense because I've already made plans to hit up Chipotle everyday, and yes I know guacamole costs extra and idc, put it on.

[Bosque]

So does anyone actually see themselves using all of the money allotted for COL? If you took out full loans, it's 66,912-46,930 (tuition). So, 19,882/12 (months) gives you $1,656 to live off of monthly until next August when you get some more loans. Assuming you're paying about $650 for an apartment, which seems like it's average for a single bedroom in Durham, that gives you $1,000 a month if you're on a 12 month lease and paying for your apartment over the summer.

I'm used to living on below half of that in Texas while in undergrad, and I feel like since I'm w/ a roommate and my rent is cheaper than the example I'll be living like a king. Especially if I find a subletter for the summer months. I really hope I'm not forgetting some costly monthly expense because I've already made plans to hit up Chipotle everyday, and yes I know guacamole costs extra and idc, put it on.

Where are you finding $650 a month for a single? That seems low.

And what about utilities? Books? Other school supplies (highlighters, paper, pens, ect.)?

[Jericwithers]

So does anyone actually see themselves using all of the money allotted for COL? If you took out full loans, it's 66,912-46,930 (tuition). So, 19,882/12 (months) gives you $1,656 to live off of monthly until next August when you get some more loans. Assuming you're paying about $650 for an apartment, which seems like it's average for a single bedroom in Durham, that gives you $1,000 a month if you're on a 12 month lease and paying for your apartment over the summer.

I'm used to living on below half of that in Texas while in undergrad, and I feel like since I'm w/ a roommate and my rent is cheaper than the example I'll be living like a king. Especially if I find a subletter for the summer months. I really hope I'm not forgetting some costly monthly expense because I've already made plans to hit up Chipotle everyday, and yes I know guacamole costs extra and idc, put it on.

Where are you finding $650 a month for a single? That seems low.

And what about utilities? Books? Other school supplies (highlighters, paper, pens, ect.)?

I'm getting my 1bd for $710 with cable (some people spoil themselves with guac, I choose HBO). I'm not taking out the full loan amount either, but I can see some people using the full amount based on their accustomed life styles (and whoever you are--be my buddy).

[Reedie]

I am paying 530/month on a 10 month lease for a studio. I'm taking out the full loan amount, though if I find that to be too much I may adjust downward.

[someones alt]

I'm paying $450 a month for a two bedroom with a roommate in Colonial Village. I was just estimating for the 1bedroom.

Edit: Highlights? Freal? Thats like twenty bucks. And books are a once a semester fee.

[Reedie]

Boy, I have to hand it to the Duke admissions people: I think they are possibly the most creative crew in the T14. I think their priority track thing is brilliant. But this EA on next year thing is even more clever. I mean think:

"Problem": C/O 2013 turns out to be your most competitive on record, due to the economy (and possibly other factors I don't know anything about). Consequently you have a waitlist filled with people who might normally be admit targets, right within the numbers you are looking for. The numbers for C/O 2013 will be great, but then again so will everyone's.

So, instead of wasting all of these applicants on one year, you incentivize the waitlist people to move on to next year, with a binding early action in July! Now you can lock up a bunch of good candidates and boost your stats for C/O 2014 whereas your peer institutions will JUST benefit from the rush in their numbers for C/O 2013. Awesome! Well played Dean Hoye.

[Jericwithers]

Boy, I have to hand it to the Duke admissions people: I think they are possibly the most creative crew in the T14. I think their priority track thing is brilliant. But this EA on next year thing is even more clever. I mean think:

"Problem": C/O 2013 turns out to be your most competitive on record, due to the economy (and possibly other factors I don't know anything about). Consequently you have a waitlist filled with people who might normally be admit targets, right within the numbers you are looking for. The numbers for C/O 2013 will be great, but then again so will everyone's.

So, instead of wasting all of these applicants on one year, you incentivize the waitlist people to move on to next year, with a binding early action in July! Now you can lock up a bunch of good candidates and boost your stats for C/O 2014 whereas your peer institutions will JUST benefit from the rush in their numbers for C/O 2013. Awesome! Well played Dean Hoye.

Who is going to fall for it though? I see no benefit in doing this EA thing (but then again I'm already admitted so there isn't the stress factor).

[Reedie]

Who is going to fall for it though? I see no benefit in doing this EA thing (but then again I'm already admitted so there isn't the stress factor).

If you are planning on going to a school you like much less than Duke this year, the idea of waiting a year to go to a better school without having to reapply everywhere again might be pretty compelling. If they reject you, nothing changes.

[Jericwithers]

Who is going to fall for it though? I see no benefit in doing this EA thing (but then again I'm already admitted so there isn't the stress factor).

If you are planning on going to a school you like much less than Duke this year, the idea of waiting a year to go to a better school without having to reapply everywhere again might be pretty compelling. If they reject you, nothing changes.

Yes but if you are willing to wait a year why not just re-take the LSAT and reapply every where? I guess I can see why people wouldn't want to do that, but by doing WL-EA they are getting a less than optimal deal.

[Reedie]

Yes but if you are willing to wait a year why not just re-take the LSAT and reapply every where? I guess I can see why people wouldn't want to do that, but by doing WL-EA they are getting a less than optimal deal.

There is no guarantee your LSAT will improve. You could reapply on the theory that next year will be easier, but then you will need to explain that in apps (which might not look good).

[Jericwithers]

Yes but if you are willing to wait a year why not just re-take the LSAT and reapply every where? I guess I can see why people wouldn't want to do that, but by doing WL-EA they are getting a less than optimal deal.

There is no guarantee your LSAT will improve. You could reapply on the theory that next year will be easier, but then you will need to explain that in apps (which might not look good).

Very true. I guess I'm a gambler because I would still retake.

[paralegal]

If Duke is your unequivocal top choice, you may convert your current application to a binding Early Decision application for 2011

This is only appropriate if Duke is clearly your first choice of law school

I met a lot of people at ASW who had applied ED to Duke.... in other words, Duke was clearly their first choice....
and they had GPAs and LSATs that made them very competitive at many other top law schools.

the point of this ED opportunity.....is that Duke is your "optimal deal" ..... it's your first choice....

[Reedie]

If Duke is your unequivocal top choice, you may convert your current application to a binding Early Decision application for 2011

This is only appropriate if Duke is clearly your first choice of law school

I met a lot of people at ASW who had applied ED to Duke.... in other words, Duke was clearly their first choice....
and they had GPAs and LSATs that made them very competitive at many other top law schools.

the point of this ED opportunity.....is that Duke is your "optimal deal" ..... it's your first choice....

I'm generally skeptical of EDs, but in this case it makes much more sense to me. Normally you have to ED *before* you really know how schools will gauge your app, and thus what kind of options you will realistically have. This time you can ED *after* having been through the process, knowing that Duke represents your best option.

[paralegal]

This time you can ED *after* having been through the process, knowing that Duke represents your best option.

absolutely.....and then defer for a year ITE......excellent....