University of Pennsylvania Law School C/O 2018 Applicants Forum

[Tr3]

No movement today? Perhaps tomorrow or Friday?

#DecisionFriday seems to be the trend.

[mindthegap]

No movement today? Perhaps tomorrow or Friday?

#DecisionFriday seems to be the trend.

I'd be really happy with #AnyMovementAtAllFriday. Every single one of my applications is currently stagnant so an UR2 would probably cause palpitations.

[nickhalden]

No movement today? Perhaps tomorrow or Friday?

They've been good about letting us know when a decision day is via @PennLawAdmissions. Decisions come out in batches, with Friday being typical. They have been tweeting out the day before a decision day.

[Life2good893]

Just an FYI:

For anyone who hasn't received a decision yet- I have been UR2 since 12/17, and I decided to submit a Why Penn essay late (basically after realizing they make a difference; who the hell knew?). I sent it in last night, and they did add it to my file.

So if you sent in your application without a Why Penn, you can still send one in.

I think a lot of people shoot themselves in the foot by not writing the why x school essay. Its extra work, but even a generic one helps.

I'm also curious about the impact of visiting a school. I think it makes a difference, but that is only my personal experience.

You think a generic one works? I thought that would have negative value.....didn't submit Why Essays to any schools that I wasn't confident I would really love. So only ended up with two Why Essays for my top two choices.

[nickhalden]

You think a generic one works? I thought that would have negative value.....didn't submit Why Essays to any schools that I wasn't confident I would really love. So only ended up with two Why Essays for my top two choices.

It probably depends on how generic. I hate to write this in the Penn thread, but I think you can write a good and genuine Why X for any school. Every school has attributes that appeal to you personally, academically, and professionally. Even if forced to attend Cooley, you would find attributes about it that you enjoy (huge library, etc). Writing a Why X is as simple as identifying how a school's particular attributes align with your interests and goals.

That being said, Why X's also serve a a marketing tactic. To write even a generic one you have to do a modicum of research into the school. Speaking for myself, that research did a lot to convince me about the merits of Penn. What had been a dispassionate recognition of Penn as an "Upper T14 Ivy League" became a real enthusiasm for the programs and people of Penn - and that's largely because of the research initiated by the "Why Penn" prompt.

[ChemEng1642]

You think a generic one works? I thought that would have negative value.....didn't submit Why Essays to any schools that I wasn't confident I would really love. So only ended up with two Why Essays for my top two choices.

It probably depends on how generic. I hate to write this in the Penn thread, but I think you can write a good and genuine Why X for any school. Every school has attributes that appeal to you personally, academically, and professionally. Even if forced to attend Cooley, you would find attributes about it that you enjoy (huge library, etc). Writing a Why X is as simple as identifying how a school's particular attributes align with your interests and goals.

That being said, Why X's also serve a a marketing tactic. To write even a generic one you have to do a modicum of research into the school. Speaking for myself, that research did a lot to convince me about the merits of Penn. What had been a dispassionate recognition of Penn as an "Upper T14 Ivy League" became a real enthusiasm for the programs and people of Penn - and that's largely because of the research initiated by the "Why Penn" prompt.

+1

[ravel]

You think a generic one works? I thought that would have negative value.....didn't submit Why Essays to any schools that I wasn't confident I would really love. So only ended up with two Why Essays for my top two choices.

It probably depends on how generic. I hate to write this in the Penn thread, but I think you can write a good and genuine Why X for any school. Every school has attributes that appeal to you personally, academically, and professionally. Even if forced to attend Cooley, you would find attributes about it that you enjoy (huge library, etc). Writing a Why X is as simple as identifying how a school's particular attributes align with your interests and goals.

That being said, Why X's also serve a a marketing tactic. To write even a generic one you have to do a modicum of research into the school. Speaking for myself, that research did a lot to convince me about the merits of Penn. What had been a dispassionate recognition of Penn as an "Upper T14 Ivy League" became a real enthusiasm for the programs and people of Penn - and that's largely because of the research initiated by the "Why Penn" prompt.

I think it is a way around actual YP. Admissions deans say that they do not YP but look for suitable and unsuitable candidates. Someone with a 180 will most likely not sound as enthusiastic as someone at the median applying to UPenn and there they have their excuse as to why they just "happen" to admit people around a median lower than other schools. It's not YP; it's a "coincidence" based on "suitability".

[Skool]

That being said, Why X's also serve a a marketing tactic. To write even a generic one you have to do a modicum of research into the school. Speaking for myself, that research did a lot to convince me about the merits of Penn. What had been a dispassionate recognition of Penn as an "Upper T14 Ivy League" became a real enthusiasm for the programs and people of Penn - and that's largely because of the research initiated by the "Why Penn" prompt.

This is like a MVPD version of Pascal's Wager and the problem of knowing it's in your best interest to believe, but still not being able to believe.

Solution: do the things a believer would do. At the end of it, you'll probably be a believer! Sounds legit.

Note to adcoms browsing TLS: Penn really is my first choice for reasons discussed in my "Why Penn" essay.

[nickhalden]

That being said, Why X's also serve a a marketing tactic. To write even a generic one you have to do a modicum of research into the school. Speaking for myself, that research did a lot to convince me about the merits of Penn. What had been a dispassionate recognition of Penn as an "Upper T14 Ivy League" became a real enthusiasm for the programs and people of Penn - and that's largely because of the research initiated by the "Why Penn" prompt.

This is like a MVPD version of Pascal's Wager and the problem of knowing it's in your best interest to believe, but still not being able to believe.

Solution: do the things a believer would do. At the end of it, you'll probably be a believer! Sounds legit.

Hahah I really like that comparrison. I mean most who end up on TLS are interested primarily in cost and employment figures, neither of which are the stuff of a compelling Why X statement. Penn doesn't necessarily need you to end up a believer. The research you have to do for a good Why X will reveal the programs and people of X that may make the difference in your decision - if Penn gives you $$$ and Chicago gives you $ or if Penn gives you $ and Emory gives you $$$.

[sblock60]

Any idea what it means to go under review 3 times? It's my dream school and I am ED2, but my numbers are definitely lower and just went under review for the third time yesterday.

[bodie9]

Lol it took only 6 days for my ED application to go from UR1 to UR2. I am soooo rejected.

[whsokolove]

Submitted 1/4 but didn't go complete until 1/16. Still no UR. Can't be good...

[daedalus2309]

When was the last time you guys checked your horoscopes?

[OhBoyOhBortles]

Just now. My intuitive abilities are extra sensitive today and I should use these abilities to care for those with whom I am closest. Very glad I looked into that. I now realize that my coworkers look extra bored, tired, and frustrated today. I should care for them. Anyone know of a good cat video I can send around the office?

[fra]

Just now. My intuitive abilities are extra sensitive today and I should use these abilities to care for those with whom I am closest. Very glad I looked into that. I now realize that my coworkers look extra bored, tired, and frustrated today. I should care for them. Anyone know of a good cat video I can send around the office?

I wish that you were my coworker. My coworkers never share cat videos. They just use up my coffee creamer and then put the empty carton back in the fridge.

[NotASpecialSnowflake]

You think a generic one works? I thought that would have negative value.....didn't submit Why Essays to any schools that I wasn't confident I would really love. So only ended up with two Why Essays for my top two choices.

It probably depends on how generic. I hate to write this in the Penn thread, but I think you can write a good and genuine Why X for any school. Every school has attributes that appeal to you personally, academically, and professionally. Even if forced to attend Cooley, you would find attributes about it that you enjoy (huge library, etc). Writing a Why X is as simple as identifying how a school's particular attributes align with your interests and goals.

That being said, Why X's also serve a a marketing tactic. To write even a generic one you have to do a modicum of research into the school. Speaking for myself, that research did a lot to convince me about the merits of Penn. What had been a dispassionate recognition of Penn as an "Upper T14 Ivy League" became a real enthusiasm for the programs and people of Penn - and that's largely because of the research initiated by the "Why Penn" prompt.

+1

[OhBoyOhBortles]

PLA Twitter showing no signs of life. Not a good sign for another #DecisionFriday

Maybe #DecisionMonday next week?

[nickhalden]

PLA Twitter showing no signs of life. Not a good sign for another #DecisionFriday

Maybe #DecisionMonday next week?

I'm not giving up hope yet. They didn't announce the 12/18 decision day until that morning. I'd be okay with a Monday decision day. Not okay with waiting until next Friday haha

[ThePinkRanger]

PLA Twitter showing no signs of life. Not a good sign for another #DecisionFriday

Maybe #DecisionMonday next week?

I'm not giving up hope yet. They didn't announce the 12/18 decision day until that morning. I'd be okay with a Monday decision day. Not okay with waiting until next Friday haha

Keep the faith.

[leslieknope]

Checking in. Finally complete today after submitting 1/7. I'm trying not to read too much into it taking so long to complete in comparison to the spreadsheet, but neurotics gonna neurotic.

[nickhalden]

The thread has been really quiet this week, particularly for UR1 and UR2s. I don't know what that would indicate, though I hope they're getting a lot of work done this week so the next several will be decision-heavy. Last year decision days were definitely more frequent.

[Tigerlily74]

The thread has been really quiet this week, particularly for UR1 and UR2s. I don't know what that would indicate, though I hope they're getting a lot of work done this week so the next several will be decision-heavy. Last year decision days were definitely more frequent.

+1

I didn't realize just how awful the waiting game could be until Penn decided to play with my emotions...

[mindthegap]

Complete - 12/18
UR1 - 1/5
UR2 - 1/22
Huzzah, the Penn gods have heard my pleas for movement and answered in kind.

[nickhalden]

Looks like today won't be Decision Friday. Maybe Monday or Tuesday next week? Check out how large the 1.16 Decision Day was (below). Maybe they're waiting to do another wave like that? There's a lot of UR2s so I'm guessing that there will be a Decision Day sometime next week.

Pending 64
Accepted (Date) 29
Rejected (Date) 3
Waitlisted (Date) 18

UR2
C/o 1/23 - DiniMae, altf4
C/o 1/22 - mindthegap
C/o 1/21 - bodie9, boomlawyered
C/o 1/16 - bluegrassbro, WhiskeyAndCupcakes
C/o 1/15 - curlietop86, fra, alloverthat, wowchromosome, Edlund, sheishkabob, shakenbake, DrSpaceman, 2666, jlwx
C/o 1/14 - Mrocky2, terrier27, cc78
C/o 1/12 - tincan678, rebexness, accessislife, Dulman (1.16), Dream_weaver32 (1.16), NOLAboy, lane, NoLieAbility (1.16), KissMyAxe (1.16), hithereyou (UR3 1/20)
C/o 1/9 - Shelbinole (1.16), tk17 (1.16), ChemEng1642 (1.16), Beanie14
C/o 1/8 - ThePinkRanger, axel.foley, UknownMartian (1.16), foles, LSCHI, nickhalden, 4LTsPointingNorth (1.16), wheresthethesis, SacredCow (1.16), fireflies, Cantwaitanylonger, Sakari
C/o 1/6 - af0890, Ris19 (1.9), purple04 (1.9), jemthey17 (1.9), Tigerlily74, LawBron James (1.16), DetroitRed, adman921, RGN121999 (1.16), OhBoyOhBortles, bhowton (1.16), Economics Bro, whereselizabeth (1.16)
C/o 1/5 - griffin3575, Lions1913, usernotfound (1.16), capsoccer, woodselle
C/o 12/24 - lilith66 (1.9)
C/o 12/23 - ms2014 (1.16), daedalus2309
C/o 12/22 - lapata, morimoto1991 (1.16), twitterati (1.16), mmd32 (1.9), irontryad (1.9), Winston1984 (1.16), Huskies133, Lightworks, Wipfelder, kingpin101 (1.16), luo, paragonloop, NotASpecialSnowflake (1.16), jhskim, BobbyWarz (1.9)
C/o 12/19 - lester (1.16), liz9332 (1.16), ElizabethKB (1.9), Mack.Hambleton (1.16), lashley (1.9)
C/o 12/17 - coldsteady (1.16), BruiserWoods, sneezus, lc39 (1.9), NimChimpsky (1.16), butSeriously (1.16), gentlemanscholar
C/o 12/16 - Hillz, Auxilio (1.9), everything_bagel (1.9), try.honesty (1.9), ]tonysoprano (1.9), Bluelizard
C/o 12/15 - flomotion (1.16), qgprhtnf, aka1
C/o 12/12 - MC819 (1.16)
C/o 12/11 - kfb2112
C/o 12/10 - p89sean16 (1.9), middlebear (1.9), Brady199 (1.16), bmo, w0w (1.9), downbeat14 (1.16)
C/o 12/8 - LetsGoMets (1.16), sneakyleo, xylocarp (12.18), XKCD386, jawsjawsjaws, (1.9) pulstar1 (12.18), strugglebus (12.18), yot11 (12.18), bobleman300 (12.18), psychmusic (12.18),

Decision
C/o 1.26
C/o 1.16 lester, Winston1984, LetsGoMets, flomotion, MC819, RGN121999, UknownMartian, tk17, ChemEng1642, 4LTsPointingNorth, KissMyAxe, Brady199, coldsteady, NimChimpsky, butSeriously, twitterati, usernotfound, liz9332, Shelbinole, LawBron James, SacredCow, bhowton, whereselizabeth, SacredCow, NoLieAbility, downbeat14, Dulman, Dream_weaver32
C/o 1.9 p89sean16, middlebear, Auxilio, everything_bagel, try.honesty, tonysoprano, Ris19, purple04, ElizabethKB, lashley, mmd32, jemthey17, w0w, jawsjawsjaws, lilith66, BobbyWarz,
C/o 12.18 xylocarp, pulstar1, strugglebus, yot11, bobleman300, psychmusic

All information is self-reported by TLS users and subject to error. For corrections, please PM me.

[jlwx]

Looks like today won't be Decision Friday. Maybe Monday or Tuesday next week? Check out how large the 1.16 Decision Day was (below). Maybe they're waiting to do another wave like that? There's a lot of UR2s so I'm guessing that there will be a Decision Day sometime next week.


Accepted (Date)
Rejected (Date)
Waitlisted (Date)

UR2
C/o 1/22 - mindthegap
C/o 1/16 - bluegrassbro, WhiskeyAndCupcakes
C/o 1/15 - curlietop86, fra, alloverthat, wowchromosome, Edlund, sheishkabob, shakenbake, DrSpaceman, 2666
C/o 1/14 - Mrocky2, terrier27, cc78
C/o 1/12 - tincan678, rebexness, accessislife, Dulman (1.16), Dream_weaver32 (1.16), NOLAboy, lane, NoLieAbility (1.16), KissMyAxe (1.16)
C/o 1/9 - Shelbinole (1.16), tk17 (1.16), ChemEng1642 (1.16), Beanie14
C/o 1/8 - ThePinkRanger, axel.foley, UknownMartian (1.16), foles, LSCHI, nickhalden, 4LTsPointingNorth (1.16), wheresthethesis, SacredCow (1.16), fireflies, Cantwaitanylonger
C/o 1/6 - af0890, Ris19 (1.9), purple04 (1.9), jemthey17 (1.9), Tigerlily74, LawBron James (1.16), DetroitRed, adman921, RGN121999 (1.16), OhBoyOhBortles, bhowton (1.16), Economics Bro, whereselizabeth (1.16)
C/o 1/5 - griffin3575, Lions1913, usernotfound (1.16), capsoccer, woodselle
C/o 12/23 - ms2014 (1.16)
C/o 12/22 - lapata, morimoto1991 (1.16), twitterati (1.16), mmd32 (1.9), irontryad (1.9), Winston1984 (1.16), Huskies133, Lightworks, Wipfelder, kingpin101 (1.16), luo, paragonloop, NotASpecialSnowflake (1.16)
C/o 12/19 - lester (1.16), liz9332 (1.16), ElizabethKB (1.9), Mack.Hambleton (1.16), lashley (1.9)
C/o 12/17 - coldsteady (1.16), BruiserWoods, sneezus, lc39 (1.9), NimChimpsky (1.16), butSeriously (1.16)
C/o 12/16 - Hillz, Auxilio (1.9), everything_bagel (1.9), try.honesty (1.9), ]tonysoprano (1.9), Bluelizard
C/o 12/15 - flomotion (1.16), qgprhtnf, aka1
C/o 12/12 - MC819 (1.16)
C/o 12/11 - jlwx
C/o 12/10 - p89sean16 (1.9), middlebear (1.9), Brady199 (1.16), bmo
C/o 12/8 - LetsGoMets (1.16), sneakyleo, xylocarp (et al.) (12.18)

Decision
C/o 1.16 lester, Winston1984, LetsGoMets, flomotion, MC819, RGN121999, UknownMartian, tk17, ChemEng1642, 4LTsPointingNorth, KissMyAxe, Brady199, coldsteady, NimChimpsky, butSeriously, twitterati, usernotfound, liz9332, Shelbinole, LawBron James, SacredCow, bhowton, whereselizabeth, SacredCow, NoLieAbility, Dulman, Dream_weaver32
C/o 1.9 p89sean16, middlebear, Auxilio, everything_bagel, try.honesty, tonysoprano, Ris19, purple04, ElizabethKB, lashley, mmd32, jemthey17
C/o 12.18 xylocarp (et al.)

I'm c/o 1/15.