NYU c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017) Forum

[kkdk]

Hey folks. Happy 2017. NYU 3L RTK here. Happy to answer any questions on NYU, if that's helpful!

Thanks for all the answers you've already posted! I'm a current RTK applicant hoping to make it to the interviews, so I was really excited to read about some of your experiences (also, side note: Bryan Stevenson spoke at my UG institution a few years ago and really moved me when he spoke as well. I read his book a few months ago, which only deepened my admiration, and then I freaked out when I found out he teaches at NYU. Not really sure what the point of this comment is other than to say I'm a fan too )

What has been the hardest thing about an RTK scholar? And conversely, what--for you personally--is the best part of being RTK?

Hardest thing, hands down, is making sure you stay true to who you are. Roots more or less tend to have very similar views, but that does not mean they are homogenous automatons. The hardest thing is ensuring you are not influenced by groupthink. Be open to new ideas, stay critical of them and of your own dogmas, but it's important to not be convinced for the sake of acceptance. I've had my awareness raised in beautiful ways on so many topics I hadn't considered before, and that's a great thing. I learned a lot from my fellow Roots. But I also have very different approaches to certain things than they do (for example, I tend to hew closer to negotiated outcomes and 'working within the system', because of my experiences before LS and my chosen field is one that is time-sensitive. I'm in environmental/climate policy, so my POV is I don't have 50, 60 years to change the system. Many Roots are far more revolutionary and are 'principled' about undoing entire systems because they don't work, and I'm the last person to say they're wrong to think so.) It's easy to want to agree because you see eye-to-eye on so many other issues. The hardest thing is knowing when you're agreeing because you truly believe in what's being said, and agreeing just to fit in with the crowd.

The best thing is the solidarity and community you have. I mentioned before how I wasn't super close with my fellow Roots (with a few exceptions), but I do feel a sense of solidarity with them. That we are in this, whatever 'this' is, together and that when things get tough, I'm not alone. To have a group like curated for you and waiting for you right before LS begins is a huge deal, especially because making lasting friendships in the law school environment isn't easy. And you always get a few Roots in each 1L section and when things are being said that are insensitive or offensive, it's nice to feel courage and support when you speak up.

And of course, it makes knowing whom to pre-game with a LOT easier

[kkdk]

How many Human rights/ international focused RTK are there? Would you say that it's as common as the public defender route?

There's a solid amount. At least 2-3 people per class are focused on HR, and IHL to a degree. People who are into socioeconomic justice via direct services, and PD types, make up the bulk every year though. Think half. The other 10 are a smattering of impact lit people, policy/politics, IHL/human rights. There's always one that is very unique (think, working for a civil rights firm or plaintiff's side class action work, or working as an attorney for a socially-minded start up, etc.).

[pleasesendhelp]

Officially checking in now that Dec scores are out

LSAT > 50%
GPA = 50%

[fortunecookie1]

Checking in now that I've finally gone UR2... UR1 12/2, UR2 1/2
GPA right below 25%, LSAT right above 75%
Hopefully this means they're moving on median applicants and less extreme splitters!

[pipipipi]

My application has been under review since 11/11/2016, but haven't heard anything from them.
Is this normal? Any suggestions?

[pipipipi]

Checking in now that I've finally gone UR2... UR1 12/2, UR2 1/2
GPA right below 25%, LSAT right above 75%
Hopefully this means they're moving on median applicants and less extreme splitters!

How do you know it is UR1 or UR2?
Mine only says "under review"....is this UR0.......

THnaks1

[galeatus]

Checking in now that I've finally gone UR2... UR1 12/2, UR2 1/2
GPA right below 25%, LSAT right above 75%
Hopefully this means they're moving on median applicants and less extreme splitters!

How do you know it is UR1 or UR2?
Mine only says "under review"....is this UR0.......

THnaks1

If your thingy changed from "complete" to "Under Review" for the first time, then that's UR1
If your thingy remains "Under Review" but the date changes from your UR1 date to something else, then that's UR2

Also I went UR1 in November as well and haven't heard anything back either, but I think we go UR2 within the next couple of weeks, and (fingers crossed) get a decision before Feb.

[whatupbrobro]

Hey everyone should I nudge about new lsat posted and no-intent to retake in February or let them just update my app when they do? Also please advise for not only NYU but in general. If anyone has experience, how soon do they complete file after they receive updated lsat?

[ashrice13]

My application has been under review since 11/11/2016, but haven't heard anything from them.
Is this normal? Any suggestions?

Same UR1 date. Definitely normal. The timing of UR changes (so far) seems to be all over the board for everyone.

[pipipipi]

My application has been under review since 11/11/2016, but haven't heard anything from them.
Is this normal? Any suggestions?

Same UR1 date. Definitely normal. The timing of UR changes (so far) seems to be all over the board for everyone.

Checking in now that I've finally gone UR2... UR1 12/2, UR2 1/2
GPA right below 25%, LSAT right above 75%
Hopefully this means they're moving on median applicants and less extreme splitters!

How do you know it is UR1 or UR2?
Mine only says "under review"....is this UR0.......

THnaks1

If your thingy changed from "complete" to "Under Review" for the first time, then that's UR1
If your thingy remains "Under Review" but the date changes from your UR1 date to something else, then that's UR2

Also I went UR1 in November as well and haven't heard anything back either, but I think we go UR2 within the next couple of weeks, and (fingers crossed) get a decision before Feb.

Thank you both for the explanation!

[ad34964n]

Just for those who want a prediction based entirely off of anxiety, madness and conjecture....

c/o 2019 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/6
c/o 2018 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/7
c/o 2017 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/8

...all I'm saying is... today's Wednesday

[NotAGolfer]

Just for those who want a prediction based entirely off of anxiety, madness and conjecture....

c/o 2019 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/6
c/o 2018 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/7
c/o 2017 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/8

...all I'm saying is... today's Wednesday

[ashrice13]

Just found someone on last years thread who had the same UR1 date as me but didn't get an acceptance until late March.

Ugh.

[01panm]

Just for those who want a prediction based entirely off of anxiety, madness and conjecture....

c/o 2019 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/6
c/o 2018 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/7
c/o 2017 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/8

...all I'm saying is... today's Wednesday

As someone who's 12 hours ahead of Eastern time...I didn't feel like sleeping tonight anyways.

[SybillAnnDorsett]

Just found someone on last years thread who had the same UR1 date as me but didn't get an acceptance until late March.

Ugh.

at least they got an acceptance? I don't know... trying to find a silver lining for ya, Ash.

[Assasindowntheavenue]

Just for those who want a prediction based entirely off of anxiety, madness and conjecture....

c/o 2019 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/6
c/o 2018 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/7
c/o 2017 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/8

...all I'm saying is... today's Wednesday

So no wave today, but are we expecting one this week probably?

[PDX4343]

My application status is still listed as 'processing', but I had a date change today. Is that normal?

[brinicolec]

Just sitting around twiddling my thumbs hoping that my theory that I'm in a "Probably not, but let's wait and see what December takers offer" pile is incorrect lol.

[kkdk]

Hey folks. Happy 2017. NYU 3L RTK here. Happy to answer any questions on NYU, if that's helpful!

Thanks for posting. RTK people we get as interns and volunteers where I work are great. I would be so excited to be a part of that group. And thanks for all the work you put into making the world better. No, really.

My questions: 1. You mentioned resumes, people with work experience. When you review apps, is it one's overall package (resume, essays, recommendations, etc.) that carries more weight as to whom you call back for an interview, or is it the strength of one's numbers (LSAT/GPA), or both? Obviously admission is gonna care about both, and come down a lot to the latter. But I wonder if RTK thinks, "hey, you're already in, I don't care if you are a 180/4.0 or a 160/3.0, I care what you've done and what you're going to do for this program." Comments?

2. Is the quality, breadth, or depth of work experience most important in your collective mind, or all three? For example, does it look better to have varied, interesting experiences across, public, private, and non-profit sectors, or does it look better to have a proven track record of devotion to a particular issue and a commitment to practicing it in the future (like Mr. Environmentalism)?

Glad you have a good impression of us!

1. It's definitely total package. LSAT/GPA won't matter unless they are outlier numbers. A 150 might raise some concerns and questions about coping with 1L, a 180 might be a plus. Similarly a 3.0 might lead a reviewer to examine whether the major was very tough or at a school notorious for deflation (like my alma mater), and a 4.0 might lead a reviewer to do the same, examine whether the major was comparatively non-rigorous and at a school where grades can be inflated. Your application also tends to be reviewed or sent around for third, fourth, fifth reads before interviews are handed out. An app that is heavy on environmentalism, for example, would probably be sent to the enviro Root, or maybe reviewers will come up to that Root and say, "hey is this person legit given you have a good sense of what commitment/achievement looks like in this field? But by and large, once you're in NYU, the RTK committee has an independent evalaution system in which numbers are almost the last thing we look at. Personally, I look for compelling personal narratives, dedication, and consistency. Because the Root demands a 10 year commitment, which is the better part of one's youth/career, it's no small ask. Folks who came into this already committed are more likely to not balk at 10 years.

2. It's all three, for sure. Quality is hard to judge. Just because you were at ACLU for four years, doesn't mean you did better work than someone who spearheaded a non-profit in a foreign country that isn't well known outside that country. Cachet and branding always give way to substantive work and who meaningfully impacted communities they chose to serve. Variability can be a good thing, but I find consistency tends to win out. Just look at the scholar bios. People have been doing something that has a common theme for a long time before getting the Root. The greens have always been into it, the women's rights advocates have always been doing that, etc. Even those with varied experiences have also strung those together with a common theme. It's a little corny, but I think a good question you ask should yourself is "What is my ethos?"

[20171lhopeful]

Hey folks. Happy 2017. NYU 3L RTK here. Happy to answer any questions on NYU, if that's helpful!

Thanks for posting. RTK people we get as interns and volunteers where I work are great. I would be so excited to be a part of that group. And thanks for all the work you put into making the world better. No, really.

My questions: 1. You mentioned resumes, people with work experience. When you review apps, is it one's overall package (resume, essays, recommendations, etc.) that carries more weight as to whom you call back for an interview, or is it the strength of one's numbers (LSAT/GPA), or both? Obviously admission is gonna care about both, and come down a lot to the latter. But I wonder if RTK thinks, "hey, you're already in, I don't care if you are a 180/4.0 or a 160/3.0, I care what you've done and what you're going to do for this program." Comments?

What schools were you choosing btwn and why did NYU/Root win? Outside of the full tuition,what is the biggest advantage that the Root has had?

2. Is the quality, breadth, or depth of work experience most important in your collective mind, or all three? For example, does it look better to have varied, interesting experiences across, public, private, and non-profit sectors, or does it look better to have a proven track record of devotion to a particular issue and a commitment to practicing it in the future (like Mr. Environmentalism)?

Glad you have a good impression of us!

1. It's definitely total package. LSAT/GPA won't matter unless they are outlier numbers. A 150 might raise some concerns and questions about coping with 1L, a 180 might be a plus. Similarly a 3.0 might lead a reviewer to examine whether the major was very tough or at a school notorious for deflation (like my alma mater), and a 4.0 might lead a reviewer to do the same, examine whether the major was comparatively non-rigorous and at a school where grades can be inflated. Your application also tends to be reviewed or sent around for third, fourth, fifth reads before interviews are handed out. An app that is heavy on environmentalism, for example, would probably be sent to the enviro Root, or maybe reviewers will come up to that Root and say, "hey is this person legit given you have a good sense of what commitment/achievement looks like in this field? But by and large, once you're in NYU, the RTK committee has an independent evalaution system in which numbers are almost the last thing we look at. Personally, I look for compelling personal narratives, dedication, and consistency. Because the Root demands a 10 year commitment, which is the better part of one's youth/career, it's no small ask. Folks who came into this already committed are more likely to not balk at 10 years.

2. It's all three, for sure. Quality is hard to judge. Just because you were at ACLU for four years, doesn't mean you did better work than someone who spearheaded a non-profit in a foreign country that isn't well known outside that country. Cachet and branding always give way to substantive work and who meaningfully impacted communities they chose to serve. Variability can be a good thing, but I find consistency tends to win out. Just look at the scholar bios. People have been doing something that has a common theme for a long time before getting the Root. The greens have always been into it, the women's rights advocates have always been doing that, etc. Even those with varied experiences have also strung those together with a common theme. It's a little corny, but I think a good question you ask should yourself is "What is my ethos?"

[PDX4343]

My application status is still listed as 'processing', but I had a date change today. Is that normal?

Nevermind, application is officially under review now. I seemed to have skipped the 'completed' step.

[jonofalltrades]

Glad you have a good impression of us!

1. It's definitely total package. LSAT/GPA won't matter unless they are outlier numbers. A 150 might raise some concerns and questions about coping with 1L, a 180 might be a plus. Similarly a 3.0 might lead a reviewer to examine whether the major was very tough or at a school notorious for deflation (like my alma mater), and a 4.0 might lead a reviewer to do the same, examine whether the major was comparatively non-rigorous and at a school where grades can be inflated. Your application also tends to be reviewed or sent around for third, fourth, fifth reads before interviews are handed out. An app that is heavy on environmentalism, for example, would probably be sent to the enviro Root, or maybe reviewers will come up to that Root and say, "hey is this person legit given you have a good sense of what commitment/achievement looks like in this field? But by and large, once you're in NYU, the RTK committee has an independent evalaution system in which numbers are almost the last thing we look at. Personally, I look for compelling personal narratives, dedication, and consistency. Because the Root demands a 10 year commitment, which is the better part of one's youth/career, it's no small ask. Folks who came into this already committed are more likely to not balk at 10 years.

2. It's all three, for sure. Quality is hard to judge. Just because you were at ACLU for four years, doesn't mean you did better work than someone who spearheaded a non-profit in a foreign country that isn't well known outside that country. Cachet and branding always give way to substantive work and who meaningfully impacted communities they chose to serve. Variability can be a good thing, but I find consistency tends to win out. Just look at the scholar bios. People have been doing something that has a common theme for a long time before getting the Root. The greens have always been into it, the women's rights advocates have always been doing that, etc. Even those with varied experiences have also strung those together with a common theme. It's a little corny, but I think a good question you ask should yourself is "What is my ethos?"

That's really good info. I've got middling scores for NYU but a lot of work experience, so of course you told me what I wanted to hear

Thanks!

[TudoBem]

Just for those who want a prediction based entirely off of anxiety, madness and conjecture....

c/o 2019 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/6
c/o 2018 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/7
c/o 2017 - First new year DLS wave on Wednesday, 1/8

...all I'm saying is... today's Wednesday

I guess the next wave is next Wednesday 1/11. I hope for earlier.

[sandbuggs]

Anyone know how I can change my phone number? I did it for the LSAC site, and I went UR2 after that, but the phone number on the status check site is still my old number.

[brinicolec]

Anyone know how I can change my phone number? I did it for the LSAC site, and I went UR2 after that, but the phone number on the status check site is still my old number.

Email them.