The Official September 2017 Study Group Forum

[Alexandros]

Is it bad to ask for 2 LoRs from the same class? I took a law-based UG course and did really well. Plan to ask the professor and the law student who was a Grad Instructor for the class. The LS at my UG is T1/T14 fwiw.
Both know me decently well and are familiar with my academic performance, but the law student is more familiar with my work since he graded exams and homework in the course.

Also have a professor for another class lined up (figured I should try for 3 so I could submit them all or drop one)

I think that's fine so long you have a third LoR that's from a professor (and from a different class). It's an iffy topic whether grad students count as "faculty" or not and consensus is it's best to have 2 from profs to be safe.

Okay thanks, I figured it couldn't hurt.
Also, do you know what the etiquette regarding LORs is?
It would be nice to read them since I won't be applying until 2018-19 cycle and choose to use only 2, but I feel like that could be seen as rude or frowned upon.

I'm kind of confused about this too. But I think the deal is you should wave your right to read them on LSAC (meaning LSAC won't let you access them), but if the prof shows you the LoR or sends it to you you haven't violated anything. I'm not sure what you'd do if the prof doesn't offer to send it to you.

[twiix]

Is it bad to ask for 2 LoRs from the same class? I took a law-based UG course and did really well. Plan to ask the professor and the law student who was a Grad Instructor for the class. The LS at my UG is T1/T14 fwiw.
Both know me decently well and are familiar with my academic performance, but the law student is more familiar with my work since he graded exams and homework in the course.

Also have a professor for another class lined up (figured I should try for 3 so I could submit them all or drop one)

I think that's fine so long you have a third LoR that's from a professor (and from a different class). It's an iffy topic whether grad students count as "faculty" or not and consensus is it's best to have 2 from profs to be safe.

Okay thanks, I figured it couldn't hurt.
Also, do you know what the etiquette regarding LORs is?
It would be nice to read them since I won't be applying until 2018-19 cycle and choose to use only 2, but I feel like that could be seen as rude or frowned upon.

I'm kind of confused about this too. But I think the deal is you should wave your right to read them on LSAC (meaning LSAC won't let you access them), but if the prof shows you the LoR or sends it to you you haven't violated anything. I'm not sure what you'd do if the prof doesn't offer to send it to you.

I plan to send some websites that kind of guide them through the process and procedure, as well as some example letters just in case they don't know what to write (coming from engineering I don't think many of my peers went on to law). I was thinking that I'd subtly mention that if they have any questions about their letter I'd be happy to help them out if they wish.. but I haven't formulated the exact verbiage on how to convey this message in a non-condescending manner.

[it's allgood]

What do you guys think of asking for a LOR from someone I took 4 classes with who mentored me through multiple research conferences and projects, but it was during sophomore year?

This is what you need to do so you can get a LOR! I would absolutely ask for a LOR from that person. For those considering asking for a LOR from someone who had you for one large lecture class and you did not go to office hours and participate in class and follow up with an independent research project or some other form of mentoring, then you are asking someone to recommend you who really does not know you. If you have the time, make sure to cultivate a mentoring relationship with two professors, if not three, while you still can. That way you will have a chance of getting strong LORs.

[it's allgood]

Is it bad to ask for 2 LoRs from the same class? I took a law-based UG course and did really well. Plan to ask the professor and the law student who was a Grad Instructor for the class. The LS at my UG is T1/T14 fwiw.
Both know me decently well and are familiar with my academic performance, but the law student is more familiar with my work since he graded exams and homework in the course.

Also have a professor for another class lined up (figured I should try for 3 so I could submit them all or drop one)

I am a graduate student who has been asked to write letters of recommendation for students. I only write letters for those who do an independent study with me through my advisor--who is the department chair. When a student asks me for a letter, I write it and have my advisor submit it with any changes my advisor cares to make, so the letter is coming from the department chair but is written with someone who knows the student through their work. If the law student who was a Grad instructor for the class is open to helping you, I suggest you consider asking for them to help write a LOR for the professor to submit. TAs, grad students, etc are not equal to faculty but they can help the faculty member write a strong LOR.

[PrezRand]

These past 72 hours have been the worst days of my life. I miss the stench of my fraternity house. I cant live with my parents. I will shoot myself. I regret taking a gap year before ls already

I still have 1 week of classes

Get a job and move out then bro. But honestly I'd say just stick it out at home for your gap year and save money instead of spending it on rent.

I cant stick it out. Im working on the job right now but its tough considering i dont have a car.

[Alexandros]

Y'all know anything about like working at McKinsey or somewhere as a business analyst or something?

[PrezRand]

Y'all know anything about like working at McKinsey or somewhere as a business analyst or something?

Yeah its tough

[oopsu812]

http://lawschoolnumbers.com/jebbush2k16

Gimme dat Columbia $$

I'd be so pumped with that cycle

I wish I could get a paralegal gig for a bit before LS.

I've been doing it for six years. Hope it helps. *fingers crossed*

It's not litigation paralegal at an NPO, but I have written some grants for NPOs that got funded between UG and now.

That's very very cool! If I wanted to paralegal, I'd have to spend 2 more years at school, so no thanks!

[oopsu812]

I'm feeling pretty optimistic for LORs. I have ~1 year to figure out my LORs for grad school, and I have a couple of relationships with profs brewing. I'm basically just taking as many courses with them as possible, submitting my best work, and towards the end of this Fall semester/beginning of Winter, I'm planning on approaching them for grad school advice, as no one in my family is educated, lulz. Hoping to foster some sort of mentor/mentee thing. If I get into my 1st choice Master's, then I'll have a whole new bunch of high profile profs to target.

Jesus, I'm neurotic.

[dj9i27]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

[aurelian]

Hey all, how useful is it to use PTs 16 and under for drilling LR? I have been doing them and doing well (-1 or -2 on LR, -1 on RC), but the curve seems pretty brutal and I was wondering if they are easier than normal.

Since we are on the subject of LOR, question if any of you can answer it: how bad of an idea is to get an LoR from a study abroad prof? Has a Masters, has been teaching for 8 odd years, and is in a PhD program. Seems to like me a lot -- and don't have a ton of other options. The program is through a private program, but U.S. accredited credits (on my transcript).

Thanks a bunch for any responses!!

[Alexandros]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

[aurelian]

Y'all know anything about like working at McKinsey or somewhere as a business analyst or something?

My girlfriend works as a BA at McK. Her job seems boring as shit -- but she is extraordinarily well-compensated. She wants to do soc. sector work but has for the main part been doing boring process work on merger management, etc. I am sure if once you get into the higher ranks, it seems like less of a slog, but depending on your interests I would avoid it. If you are planning on doing corporate law, I'd much rather (and I'm pretty sure many lawyers/consultants would say the same) be a consultant at McK.

It's also extraordinarily hard to get. She went to a very prestigious university and ended up at the top of her class. Just for context, she is going to a T3 law school in the fall.

[dj9i27]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

LOOK STANNY, PEOPLE SAY I GOOD AT INTELLIGENCE.
Talked to UG bro and he said that one of my LoRs (who agreed) denied him. idk what to think.

[Alexandros]

Hey all, how useful is it to use PTs 16 and under for drilling LR? I have been doing them and doing well (-1 or -2 on LR, -1 on RC), but the curve seems pretty brutal and I was wondering if they are easier than normal.

Since we are on the subject of LOR, question if any of you can answer it: how bad of an idea is to get an LoR from a study abroad prof? Has a Masters, has been teaching for 8 odd years, and is in a PhD program. Seems to like me a lot -- and don't have a ton of other options. The program is through a private program, but U.S. accredited credits (on my transcript).

Thanks a bunch for any responses!!

Plenty useful, so long you don't *only* use PTs 16 and under.

I don't know the answer to your second question. If it's a third LoR, then I'm sure it's fine.

[aurelian]

Hey all, how useful is it to use PTs 16 and under for drilling LR? I have been doing them and doing well (-1 or -2 on LR, -1 on RC), but the curve seems pretty brutal and I was wondering if they are easier than normal.

Since we are on the subject of LOR, question if any of you can answer it: how bad of an idea is to get an LoR from a study abroad prof? Has a Masters, has been teaching for 8 odd years, and is in a PhD program. Seems to like me a lot -- and don't have a ton of other options. The program is through a private program, but U.S. accredited credits (on my transcript).

Thanks a bunch for any responses!!

Plenty useful, so long you don't *only* use PTs 16 and under.

I don't know the answer to your second question. If it's a third LoR, then I'm sure it's fine.

Will probably be a 2nd, but hopefully its not a problem. Not like I have a ton of other options anyways. Hopefully GPA/LSAT will carry me through to the win.

[Alexandros]

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[Alexandros]

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[dj9i27]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

LOOK STANNY, PEOPLE SAY I GOOD AT INTELLIGENCE.
Talked to UG bro and he said that one of my LoRs (who agreed) denied him. idk what to think.

It means ur smarter & a better student than him.

My plan is: boss who is a prof, UG thesis supervisor, and someone tbd who taught me in a class.

I hope...

You have LoRs that will remember you, I have to send my writings (which I was always commended on) for them to remember me. Still can't believe that guy denied me.

[dm1683]

Y'all know anything about like working at McKinsey or somewhere as a business analyst or something?

My girlfriend works as a BA at McK. Her job seems boring as shit -- but she is extraordinarily well-compensated. She wants to do soc. sector work but has for the main part been doing boring process work on merger management, etc. I am sure if once you get into the higher ranks, it seems like less of a slog, but depending on your interests I would avoid it. If you are planning on doing corporate law, I'd much rather (and I'm pretty sure many lawyers/consultants would say the same) be a consultant at McK.

It's also extraordinarily hard to get. She went to a very prestigious university and ended up at the top of her class. Just for context, she is going to a T3 law school in the fall.

Yeah, I wouldn't think it would be very fun but compensation, maybe a soft, and might help give me an idea of whether I went to do biglaw. I don't think consultant is an option with just an undergrad degree?

A friend of a friend with almost identical credentials is doing that, which is why I was thinking about it. (granted, don't know what their GPA was. eta: ~3.9 haha nvm.)

I think you need to have gone to a seriously prestigious UG and have great grades to do it without a grad degree.

Obv that's not an option for me with my TTT UG but Alex didn't you go to berk?

[Alexandros]

.

[dj9i27]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

LOOK STANNY, PEOPLE SAY I GOOD AT INTELLIGENCE.
Talked to UG bro and he said that one of my LoRs (who agreed) denied him. idk what to think.

It means ur smarter & a better student than him.

My plan is: boss who is a prof, UG thesis supervisor, and someone tbd who taught me in a class.

I hope...

You have LoRs that will remember you, I have to send my writings (which I was always commended on) for them to remember me. Still can't believe that guy denied me.

Yeah idk things could go wrong quickly though, I def wish I had cultivated more relationships with profs in the days of my youth. Also I will get denied too.

The one guy is a douche, fuck him. you'll be more than fine for LoRs, iirc you already have the amount you need technically right?

You still have time youngling.

I have 2, one is from a PhD candidate so stanny will hate me. 2 have committed but have been radio silence forever, also a work one can be called in.

[Anon-e-miss]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

LOOK STANNY, PEOPLE SAY I GOOD AT INTELLIGENCE.
Talked to UG bro and he said that one of my LoRs (who agreed) denied him. idk what to think.

It means ur smarter & a better student than him.

My plan is: boss who is a prof, UG thesis supervisor, and someone tbd who taught me in a class.

I hope...

You have LoRs that will remember you, I have to send my writings (which I was always commended on) for them to remember me. Still can't believe that guy denied me.

Yeah idk things could go wrong quickly though, I def wish I had cultivated more relationships with profs in the days of my youth. Also I will get denied too.

The one guy is a douche, fuck him. you'll be more than fine for LoRs, iirc you already have the amount you need technically right?

You still have time youngling.

I have 2, one is from a PhD candidate so stanny will hate me. 2 have committed but have been radio silence forever, also a work one can be called in.

Along this same line of conversation, is a postdoctoral fellow who is an assistant professor and teaches his/her own UG course seen as a "lesser" recommender than a tenured professor? Or am I splitting hairs at this point?

[Alexandros]

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

LOOK STANNY, PEOPLE SAY I GOOD AT INTELLIGENCE.
Talked to UG bro and he said that one of my LoRs (who agreed) denied him. idk what to think.

It means ur smarter & a better student than him.

My plan is: boss who is a prof, UG thesis supervisor, and someone tbd who taught me in a class.

I hope...

You have LoRs that will remember you, I have to send my writings (which I was always commended on) for them to remember me. Still can't believe that guy denied me.

Yeah idk things could go wrong quickly though, I def wish I had cultivated more relationships with profs in the days of my youth. Also I will get denied too.

The one guy is a douche, fuck him. you'll be more than fine for LoRs, iirc you already have the amount you need technically right?

You still have time youngling.

I have 2, one is from a PhD candidate so stanny will hate me. 2 have committed but have been radio silence forever, also a work one can be called in.

Along this same line of conversation, is a postdoctoral fellow who is an assistant professor and teaches his/her own UG course seen as a "lesser" recommender than a tenured professor? Or am I splitting hairs at this point?

They won't care.

[Alexandros]

inb4 no acceptances because LoR didn't drop.

inb4 DJ neurotically submits 47 LoRs.

LOOK STANNY, PEOPLE SAY I GOOD AT INTELLIGENCE.
Talked to UG bro and he said that one of my LoRs (who agreed) denied him. idk what to think.

It means ur smarter & a better student than him.

My plan is: boss who is a prof, UG thesis supervisor, and someone tbd who taught me in a class.

I hope...

You have LoRs that will remember you, I have to send my writings (which I was always commended on) for them to remember me. Still can't believe that guy denied me.

Yeah idk things could go wrong quickly though, I def wish I had cultivated more relationships with profs in the days of my youth. Also I will get denied too.

The one guy is a douche, fuck him. you'll be more than fine for LoRs, iirc you already have the amount you need technically right?

You still have time youngling.

I have 2, one is from a PhD candidate so stanny will hate me. 2 have committed but have been radio silence forever, also a work one can be called in.

Give them time and remind them if need be - they'll come through.