Texas 2013 Forum

[mcflooter06]

Just booked myself a cruise to at the end of July. I will come into school all nice, relaxed, and ready to work.. (and if you see a severely sunburned redhead the first week of school, thats me, and its ok to laugh.)

sweet! i'm going on one in 10 days, for my anniversary!! i hope the relaxation lasts till august, man.

A cruise isn't a bad idea... anyone have any great cruise planning websites or sweet deals?

I found some awesome deals on Priceline. The best deals are in August (where you'll also save a ton on airfare compared to July), you can get cruises for $200 and up. I paid $400 for mine.

There are some cruises leaving Galveston if you wanted to avoid flying to a port, too.

[JordynAsh]

Is it worth it to actually sign up for one of these things if you get the V&E scholarship? I've read a couple posts, and it seems that these courses are not worth it at all, but would it look bad to turn down the V&E scholarship?

I hope it doesn't, cause I think I'm gonna have to. f0bolous! let's do it on the same day so they can spread their dislike between us.

hahaha.. noooo am i the only one doing it?

I might do it as I got one of the scholarships. Also interested in opinions of whether turning it down would look bad to V&E.

[bigred82]

Just booked myself a cruise to at the end of July. I will come into school all nice, relaxed, and ready to work.. (and if you see a severely sunburned redhead the first week of school, thats me, and its ok to laugh.)

I am going to the Rockies to hike up a mountain towards the end of July, so you won't be the only sunburnt redhead at orientation.

[yournamehere]

Is it worth it to actually sign up for one of these things if you get the V&E scholarship? I've read a couple posts, and it seems that these courses are not worth it at all, but would it look bad to turn down the V&E scholarship?

I hope it doesn't, cause I think I'm gonna have to. f0bolous! let's do it on the same day so they can spread their dislike between us.

hahaha.. noooo am i the only one doing it?

I might do it as I got one of the scholarships. Also interested in opinions of whether turning it down would look bad to V&E.

My opinion is that if you went to the trouble of applying, and you got the scholarship, you should go, unless there are circumstances like not being able to take time off from work or not being able to afford a hotel stay. My guess is that V&E has a bunch of money that someone earmarked to spend on the program, and they have to spend it every year, so they need to fill slots.

Will it look bad if you turn it down? I sincerely don't know. Does V&E have the HR personnel to keep track of these things?

We had a happy hour / dinner type function that they had for all the law preview scholarship winners and the summer clerks. I met a couple V&E people there, but there's been nothing in the way of follow-up since then.

Again, Law Preview isn't completely useless. I did get something out of it. It's just a substantial time investment for dubious returns.

[sternc]

Does anyone know the normal schedule for a 1L? I mean number of classes per day, how long an average class is, if its m-f or m-thurs, how the sections are decided upon, large group, small groups, etc. I know all the classes we will be taking, but I am wondering about some of the specifics. Any responses are appreciated.

[catharsis]

Does anyone know the normal schedule for a 1L? I mean number of classes per day, how long an average class is, if its m-f or m-thurs, how the sections are decided upon, large group, small groups, etc. I know all the classes we will be taking, but I am wondering about some of the specifics. Any responses are appreciated.

i heard that almost all of the classes are m-th with friday's off but some people still do have classes on friday (just not very many).

the class i visited in on was only a civ pro class that lasted an hour or so. im sure Esc will chime in and give us the specifics

[Pearalegal]

Not to be contrary to catharsis, but when I met with a 1L a month or so ago, she told me there were no classes for 1Ls on Fridays. Maybe because we're allowed to take an elective 2nd semester, those classes might fall on a Friday?

They give details on Freshlaw, I think but...I think the societies are put together fairly randomly (I'm sure they try to get a mix of out of state/in state or whatever).

What I've been told (and please correct me if I'm wrong) is that there are eight sections, of 50 students in each class. Then that group of 50 is split in half for your small section, who you take all your classes with.

[Esc]

well, since I was summoned...

for the core classes, monday through thursday is typical, fridays are usually only if they can't fit the class in the schedule or something weird happens. Most people have two classes that are 4 days a week, 50 minutes, and one class that is 3 days a week, 1 hr 15 minutes. Then there is LRW. LRW is changing from 1 to 2 credits for your class year, so I don't know if they will put it in one big 2 hour 30 minute session once a week or break it up into two 1 hour 15 minute classes.

No one knows how the sections are assigned exactly, I think I remember sometime a while ago I heard that they try to make each section roughly equal in terms of demographics, GPA/LSAT, etc. The sections certainly seem roughly equivalent, although they all have their own individual quirks and reputations. As far as what classes everyone will be taking, a lot of that seems to depend on how they can organize the schedule. The small section is logistical hell for the administration since it effectively doubles the number of professors they need to teach 1Ls in the Fall. What ends up happening, of course, is that all the sections are taking different classes - Sections 2 and 4 took the exact opposite classes each semester - which can make discussing classes with members of other sections somewhat awkward, as might be expected.

Pearalegal - you're getting the sections confused with the societies. There are 4 "big sections" of ~90-100. Each big section takes all its classes together, except for the one "small section" class, where the big section is further divided into 4 smaller sections of ~23-25 for purposes of that class and LRW only. Each big section comprises two societies, but the societies only function for social events, and serve no class purposes.

[nukelaloosh]

well, since I was summoned...

for the core classes, monday through thursday is typical, fridays are usually only if they can't fit the class in the schedule or something weird happens. Most people have two classes that are 4 days a week, 50 minutes, and one class that is 3 days a week, 1 hr 15 minutes. Then there is LRW. LRW is changing from 1 to 2 credits for your class year, so I don't know if they will put it in one big 2 hour 30 minute session once a week or break it up into two 1 hour 15 minute classes.

No one knows how the sections are assigned exactly, I think I remember sometime a while ago I heard that they try to make each section roughly equal in terms of demographics, GPA/LSAT, etc. The sections certainly seem roughly equivalent, although they all have their own individual quirks and reputations. As far as what classes everyone will be taking, a lot of that seems to depend on how they can organize the schedule. The small section is logistical hell for the administration since it effectively doubles the number of professors they need to teach 1Ls in the Fall. What ends up happening, of course, is that all the sections are taking different classes - Sections 2 and 4 took the exact opposite classes each semester - which can make discussing classes with members of other sections somewhat awkward, as might be expected.

Pearalegal - you're getting the sections confused with the societies. There are 4 "big sections" of ~90-100. Each big section takes all its classes together, except for the one "small section" class, where the big section is further divided into 4 smaller sections of ~23-25 for purposes of that class and LRW only. Each big section comprises two societies, but the societies only function for social events, and serve no class purposes.

Click Here: http://www.utexas.edu/law/depts/sao/aca ... 09grid.pdf

ESC was right---two sessions of LRW....one on Friday. If I'm reading the schedule correctly, of course.

[philosoraptor]

Esc is always right.

[catharsis]

Esc is always right.

TITCR.

[rputt3256]

well, since I was summoned...

for the core classes, monday through thursday is typical, fridays are usually only if they can't fit the class in the schedule or something weird happens. Most people have two classes that are 4 days a week, 50 minutes, and one class that is 3 days a week, 1 hr 15 minutes. Then there is LRW. LRW is changing from 1 to 2 credits for your class year, so I don't know if they will put it in one big 2 hour 30 minute session once a week or break it up into two 1 hour 15 minute classes.

No one knows how the sections are assigned exactly, I think I remember sometime a while ago I heard that they try to make each section roughly equal in terms of demographics, GPA/LSAT, etc. The sections certainly seem roughly equivalent, although they all have their own individual quirks and reputations. As far as what classes everyone will be taking, a lot of that seems to depend on how they can organize the schedule. The small section is logistical hell for the administration since it effectively doubles the number of professors they need to teach 1Ls in the Fall. What ends up happening, of course, is that all the sections are taking different classes - Sections 2 and 4 took the exact opposite classes each semester - which can make discussing classes with members of other sections somewhat awkward, as might be expected.

Pearalegal - you're getting the sections confused with the societies. There are 4 "big sections" of ~90-100. Each big section takes all its classes together, except for the one "small section" class, where the big section is further divided into 4 smaller sections of ~23-25 for purposes of that class and LRW only. Each big section comprises two societies, but the societies only function for social events, and serve no class purposes.

commence neurotic questioning:

I was under the impression from law school friends @ other schools that the amount of reading per class is typically 3/4 hours....if we have one class 4 days a week does that still hold true? or since they are shorter classes and more frequent does that mean that the workload is less heavy?

what was your typical class schedule like? what was your nightly study schedule like?

[Pearalegal]

Pearalegal - you're getting the sections confused with the societies. There are 4 "big sections" of ~90-100. Each big section takes all its classes together, except for the one "small section" class, where the big section is further divided into 4 smaller sections of ~23-25 for purposes of that class and LRW only. Each big section comprises two societies, but the societies only function for social events, and serve no class purposes.

sorry, I must have gotten confused with what the girl was telling me.

[Esc]

commence neurotic questioning:

I was under the impression from law school friends @ other schools that the amount of reading per class is typically 3/4 hours....if we have one class 4 days a week does that still hold true? or since they are shorter classes and more frequent does that mean that the workload is less heavy?

what was your typical class schedule like? what was your nightly study schedule like?

My class schedule was essentially the same as what was posted on that other link and as I mentioned above. Studying varies by person and by point in the semester - I would advise that you use whatever study method worked well in undergraduate.

There's no hard and fast on how much studying one needs to do to keep up with the class work throughout the semester. For some classes you can just read the assignments and go off of class notes. For others (especially if the professor sucks/is confusing) you may have to read the casebook + supplements all semester just to keep your head above the water.

My typical class schedule was just like the one mentioned before. My study "schedule" if you can call it that, varied immensely. I mostly just tried to keep current in readings while putting priority on LRW papers and other assignments due throughout the semester, while reviewing and outlining whenever I had a chance. The best advice I can give is to do as much review as early as possible, because the memos and papers required for LRW and your small section take up an enormous amount of time (to do them well that is). Don't be the guy who only starts outlining over Thanksgiving.

[merrickherron]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

[UTaylor526]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

Not a ridiculous question. I was wondering the same.

[adrib]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

welcome! i hope someone will be along to answer this, as I have no idea....I pondered this before, and thought about just putting on a suit jacket, but I don't want to look like a gunner before I ever show up.

[de5igual]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

welcome! i hope someone will be along to answer this, as I have no idea....I pondered this before, and thought about just putting on a suit jacket, but I don't want to look like a gunner before I ever show up.

i thought it was just a pic for internal purposes (e.g., for profs to see who's in the class); a separate school id pic is taken once you get there. someone please tell me this is the case as I've already sent in a cropped facebook pic

[catharsis]

Oh God the worrying has begun.. and im part of that group as well

*re-summoning Esc!*

[Esc]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

its just for professors to recognize you in class. wear whatever. just make sure its a frontal headshot and don't post a picture of your wanker

[JordynAsh]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

its just for professors to recognize you in class. wear whatever. just make sure its a frontal headshot and don't post a picture of your wanker

You mean this isn't recommended??

[yournamehere]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

its just for professors to recognize you in class. wear whatever. just make sure its a frontal headshot and don't post a picture of your wanker

You mean this isn't recommended??

actually i know a guy who did this, got 3 A+ and 1 A- last semester.

[kittenmittons]

Hi all, first time poster. I can't believe I've reached the point where I care about this, but are there standards (other than 2x2) for this head shot they're requesting with our LOI? Is it just something for a student ID and no big deal, or is this something that they include for interviewers to look at down the road? Again, apologies for having to ask such a ridiculous question but I really wasn't sure whether I should put effort into this or not.

its just for professors to recognize you in class. wear whatever. just make sure its a frontal headshot and don't post a picture of your wanker

You mean this isn't recommended??

actually i know a guy who did this, got 3 A+ and 1 A- last semester.

That's one prestigious wanker

[Estrellas]

Do any of you know of any decent furnished apartments close to campus? I won't be able to make it to Austin before school begins, and I won't have a car to haul around a bunch of furniture. Damn you, Pittsburgh. Why do you have to be so far from Austin?

[philosoraptor]

Do any of you know of any decent furnished apartments close to campus? I won't be able to make it to Austin before school begins, and I won't have a car to haul around a bunch of furniture. Damn you, Pittsburgh. Why do you have to be so far from Austin?

Salvation Army ftw? That's my plan, with creatively stacked cardboard boxes as a fallback.