University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

[Matokah]

Good luck tomorrow to everyone!

[20160810]

Just submitted my McGeorge application for the c/o 2012.

[stuffedburrito]

Please feel free to contact me or post questions in this thread if anyone is interested in applying to McGeorge. I am currently a 1L at McGeorge and I'll be glad to answer any questions. Let me know .

[americangirlinparis]

Same goes for me - I'm a "1D" (first year, day division...McGeorge doesn't call us 1Ls for some reason) and I'd be more than willing to answer questions people might have about the application process or what the first year is like so far.
We had quite the strong Class of 2011 presence on the thread here last year and many of us are now friends in "real life". I'm sure many of my classmates would be more than willing to answer your questions about McGeorge.

Good luck with the application process to all 0Ls!

[Ipsa Dixit]

I'm a 2L (day division aka 2D) and can answer questions as well.

Burrito and AmericanGirl, what sections are you guys in? Just curious.

[americangirlinparis]

I'm a 2L (day division aka 2D) and can answer questions as well.

Burrito and AmericanGirl, what sections are you guys in? Just curious.

Hey Ipsa! I'm section B - woo.

[Ipsa Dixit]

Cool beans. They split the profs up so the sections of last year do not coincide with this year.

If I recall correctly, this year's B section has Pingree and Salcido, who I had my first year I heard you guys are doing RAP in Property right now. I'm sure that is lots of "fun."

[stuffedburrito]

I'm a 2L (day division aka 2D) and can answer questions as well.

Burrito and AmericanGirl, what sections are you guys in? Just curious.

Hey Ipsa! I'm section B - woo.

Section A =)

[Ipsa Dixit]

I was in section A last year

I don't know if any of the section A profs from last year teach section A this year though.

[20160810]

How do you like life in Oak Park?

[Ipsa Dixit]

I don't live in Oak Park.

I frequent a coffee shop several blocks from campus.

The area is fine during the day. I just wouldn't be straying far from campus after dark.

[americangirlinparis]

I live on campus and I'd just second what was said - I wouldn't go walking around the neighborhood after dark. It's rough, for sure, but during the day things are fine and campus safety does a good job of patrolling the area.

[CWF V]

Because Oak Park is relatively small and there are tons of living options nearby (UC Davis Med Center, midtown, downtown, Land Park, etc..), you can easily live near the campus while still feeling close to the area.

Oak Park is definitely the hood. Walks at night are out of the question. Go 10-15 blocks, though, and you hit some great areas.

[20160810]

I don't live in Oak Park.

I frequent a coffee shop several blocks from campus.

The area is fine during the day. I just wouldn't be straying far from campus after dark.

Milange?

I ask the question half-jokingly as I grew up about a mile away in Land Park. Serious question for you guys? How competitive is McGeorge? Do you intend to keep working in Sac? What percentage of the graduating class can get biglaw or close to it in Sac?

[Ipsa Dixit]

McGeorge is pretty relaxed. It's competitive in a more fair competition way, not really a cut throat way.

I don't know what percentage of graduates go into "biglaw." Probably not many.

I want to stay in the Sacramento area after I graduate. We'll see what happens.

[stuffedburrito]

I don't live in Oak Park.

I frequent a coffee shop several blocks from campus.

The area is fine during the day. I just wouldn't be straying far from campus after dark.

Milange?

I ask the question half-jokingly as I grew up about a mile away in Land Park. Serious question for you guys? How competitive is McGeorge? Do you intend to keep working in Sac? What percentage of the graduating class can get biglaw or close to it in Sac?

Competitiveness

Ipsa's correct. McGeorge students are not cutthroat at all. Every student that I've encountered is more than willing to help. The reason may be because of the amicable atmosphere fostered by McGeorge. First of all, first year professors do not grade on a curve like most other law schools. Second, and more importantly, McGeorge actually encourages students to work together - rather than against each other - by, for example, offering events to bring students together and promote camaraderie. I'm sure that almost every McGeorge student you encounter will agree that students are very helpful, friendly, and approachable. A little caveat: Like Ipsa mentioned, just because McGeorge isn't cutthroat doesn't mean it's not competitive. You still need to work your ass off, though minus the feeling that each student is out to rip your head off.


BigLaw

I'm not sure what percentage of graduates is hired by big law firms, but I can tell you that if you are in the top 10-15% (or even top 20%) of the class or make it to one of the two law reviews offered at McGeorge, you have a good chance of landing that $125K job straight out of school. McGeorge has a very good reputation in Northern California, so landing a decent job is the least of your worries if you actually put in the time during law school. After 10 weeks as a 1L, I'm already noticing the importance of networking. So guess what you've gotta do, besides earning the top grades in your class, for that dream job? Network, network, and NETWORK! McGeorge offers many alumni events throughout the year. Also, take advantage of the clubs on campus and other organizations and events around the city. You'll be surprised on how many opportunities are out there if you just spend a little bit of time searching.


Sacramento

Sacramento is a great city. Personally, I wouldn't mind living and working here for another 3-5 years after graduation. It's a bit small, especially since I'm from LA, but it's got everything I need at close proximity (the nightlife isn't bad at all). So experience and take a closer look at the city before you decide whether or not you would want to practice in Sactown. It sure changed my perspective.

[dede1129]

I am currently in the U.S. Army and I am interested in applying for McGeorge School of Law but I was curious as the realistic criteria they go by as far as Undergraduate GPA and LSAT Scores, ect.

[Ipsa Dixit]

I am currently in the U.S. Army and I am interested in applying for McGeorge School of Law but I was curious as the realistic criteria they go by as far as Undergraduate GPA and LSAT Scores, ect.

What are your scores?

[dede1129]

I have not taken the LSAT yet. I have a 3.8 GPA.

[Ipsa Dixit]

The GPA is high for the school so get a decent LSAT and write a decent personal statement and I imagine you're easily in. You'd probably get some scholarship money as well (the higher your LSAT, the more scholarship $$ you'd likely get.) Also, they will negotiate on scholarship money.

You can see the 2008 incoming class profile to get an idea of the average range of scores: --LinkRemoved--

[dede1129]

Oh great, thanks for the website too.

[belladona]

I am awaiting results of admission. I am VERY worried becuase I have such low LSAT scores.

From previous experience have you encountered anyone with a low lsat score?


I have a 3.9 and got a 152 on the LSAT. I have a ton of service hours but I do not know how they weigh that.

thanks!

[Ipsa Dixit]

I don't know if I have encountered people with low LSAT scores at my school because I've never really bothered discussing LSAT scores with anyone.

Your guess is as good as mine in terms of your chances. If they waitlist you or take a long time to get back to you, I'd suggest writing a letter to the dean of admission to express your continuing interest in the school.

[Ken]

Belladona, welcome to TLS!

With your very high GPA I think you have above a 50% chance of getting in. However, what might help is if you did poorly on your SAT and since you did well on your GPA, you could send in an addendum conveying that you have a history of doing poorly on standardized tests and based on your high GPA, they obviously do not predict your performance. This type of addendum requires your submitting your (not great) SAT scores. If you did well on your SAT, then just forget this and lets keep our fingers crossed.

[belladona]

Acutally that is not a bad idea. I did do terrible on both the ACT and the SAT when I was in highschool. I have always been a great student but those test just are terrible for me.

I have already submitted my app and am just waiting...


Do you know what my changes are of getting in if I am waitlisted?


oh and do you know is MCgeorge prefers students from instate or out of state? or does it not matter bc it is a private school?

THanks!