Wisconsin 2010 Application Cycle Forum

[JCougar]

Katz has a point: it's seemingly useless and not all that generous to admit people into the class if they are very unlikely to succeed. People like this are likely to graduate at the bottom of their class. Although they are getting full rides, it's probably going to be tough for them to make much of their careers if they can't survive in law school. There's nothing wrong with giving URMs a boost, especially when it comes to LSAT score, but people with numbers as poor as that may just be better off pursuing other avenues.

[Slimpee]

Katz has a point: it's seemingly useless and not all that generous to admit people into the class if they are very unlikely to succeed. People like this are likely to graduate at the bottom of their class. Although they are getting full rides, it's probably going to be tough for them to make much of their careers if they can't survive in law school. There's nothing wrong with giving URMs a boost, especially when it comes to LSAT score, but people with numbers as poor as that may just be better off pursuing other avenues.

That's exactly why automatically labeling someone as failing based on two numbers is such a load of crap. The adcomms won't give that scholarship to someone they think will fail. Obviously there is more to the application than we know and they felt this person would succeed and be a valuable addition to the class.

[BobDole34]

Wow, I need to jump in here on a few things:

1. For the guy who has a 162/3.51 from Illinois: you're truly a 50/50 shot. I hope you've already applied. Expect to get the "Why Wisconsin" LOCI waitlist deal and if you really want to attend, drive up to Madison and meet with Mike Hall to deliver a well crafted letter.

2. To JCougar: you're correct to attend Madison over UIUC/WUSTL in this economy. Every school is getting rocked. It'd be insane to take on upwards of 50, maybe 100K more debt. You are wrong however to think the top 1/3 at either school is getting "chicago biglaw" - Illinois had about 60 firms show up to OCI. I wouldn't be surprised if you need top 10% in this economy.

3. To the person who said wisconsin games the rankings: are you fucking kidding me? Wisconsin is the poster child for a school that does THE EXACT OPPOSITE. Unlike the Indiana/WUSTL/Illinois/etc of the world that have an illogical LSAT wall (I'm thinking Indiana specifically here), where a 3.99/163 is waitlisted, but the 3.0/164 gets 25K in scholarships, Wisconsin makes you state your case and show commitment. It serves the same function as other yield protection tactics by other t1 schools, but it's far more humane and lets those who WANT Wisconsin articulate their goal.

4. I have to defend Katz here; he's not being David Duke. Black, white, purple, or red, anyone with a 148/3.1 is going to get rocked at a t1 school. I think Wisconsin can do better and recruit students of color with 155s, or 160s, not sub-150 LSATs.

[lewis louis]

Wow, I need to jump in here on a few things:

1. For the guy who has a 162/3.51 from Illinois: you're truly a 50/50 shot. I hope you've already applied. Expect to get the "Why Wisconsin" LOCI waitlist deal and if you really want to attend, drive up to Madison and meet with Mike Hall to deliver a well crafted letter.

2. To JCougar: you're correct to attend Madison over UIUC/WUSTL in this economy. Every school is getting rocked. It'd be insane to take on upwards of 50, maybe 100K more debt. You are wrong however to think the top 1/3 at either school is getting "chicago biglaw" - Illinois had about 60 firms show up to OCI. I wouldn't be surprised if you need top 10% in this economy.

3. To the person who said wisconsin games the rankings: are you fucking kidding me? Wisconsin is the poster child for a school that does THE EXACT OPPOSITE. Unlike the Indiana/WUSTL/Illinois/etc of the world that have an illogical LSAT wall (I'm thinking Indiana specifically here), where a 3.99/163 is waitlisted, but the 3.0/164 gets 25K in scholarships, Wisconsin makes you state your case and show commitment. It serves the same function as other yield protection tactics by other t1 schools, but it's far more humane and lets those who WANT Wisconsin articulate their goal.

4. I have to defend Katz here; he's not being David Duke. Black, white, purple, or red, anyone with a 148/3.1 is going to get rocked at a t1 school. I think Wisconsin can do better and recruit students of color with 155s, or 160s, not sub-150 LSATs.

If you're going to come to the defense of Katz (though I wish you wouldn't, so we could let that comment die), it's crucial you identify 2 things: 1)What Katz was saying 2)Why everyone here took issue with that.

If you did those two things I think you would realize that 1) He not only threw a defenseless (likely made-up) individuals personal business onto a public forum without their knownlege or consent (which i think is just a bit inconsiderate), he 2) by 'wishing me not', lumped me into a generic group of 'underachieving' AA. Both of which are questionable acts in nature to say the least.

Was the argument EVER made that Wisconsin could/can/should/will accept a higher caliber of URM? No.

If you are coming to the defense of the 2 acts described above, thats fine. If not, what you have done is a bit hasty.

[tamlyric]

If you're going to come to the defense of Katz (though I wish you wouldn't, so we could let that comment die), it's crucial you identify 2 things: 1)What Katz was saying 2)Why everyone here took issue with that.

If you did those two things I think you would realize that 1) He not only threw a defenseless (likely made-up) individuals personal business onto a public forum without their knownlege or consent (which i think is just a bit inconsiderate), he 2) by 'wishing me not', lumped me into a generic group of 'underachieving' AA. Both of which are questionable acts in nature to say the least.

Was the argument EVER made that Wisconsin could/can/should/will accept a higher caliber of URM? No.

If you are coming to the defense of the 2 acts described above, thats fine. If not, what you have done is a bit hasty.

This.

[02122015]

.

[lewis louis]

How long does it usually take the admissions packet to show up? I know it's the holidays, but I just got my packet from Minnesota, which was dated 12/28, and they admitted me about a week after Wisconsin did.

Does Wisconsin's Status checker update before they end you the decision letter? Also, does wisconsin have a complete status, or does it go straight to review? (Im sure this has already been addressed, but bear with me).

[superflush]

Wisconsin makes you state your case and show commitment. It serves the same function as other yield protection tactics by other t1 schools, but it's far more humane and lets those who WANT Wisconsin articulate their goal.

They essentially are yield-protecting by waitlisting more-than-qualified candidates

[coolkatz321]

Sorry, I should I have been more clear. The eye roll -- which really didn't capture the emotion I wanted to convey but was the closest thing I could find -- was for pointing at a particular person and denigrating her. Even if the more general point you're making is well-taken, did you really need to throw a specific person under the bus in order to make it? Why not just make the statement in bold and stop while you're ahead?

Eh, I don't think he is lashing out at this particular woman, rather the seemingly crazy way that Madison deals with their applicants (particularly their URM grab).

Yeah you're right, superflush; I stand corrected. Coolkatz's original post is a paradigm of compassionate and clear thinking.

No, you're right, I shouldn't have lashed out at the one particular person. I suppose it's just my own frustration with the way Wisconsin deals with URMs in the admissions process.

Anyways, I apologize.

Also, I was not grouping you into a group of underachieving URMs (or I wasn't trying to, at least). So, I doubly apologize, if that makes any sense.

[MoS]

Sorry, I should I have been more clear. The eye roll -- which really didn't capture the emotion I wanted to convey but was the closest thing I could find -- was for pointing at a particular person and denigrating her. Even if the more general point you're making is well-taken, did you really need to throw a specific person under the bus in order to make it? Why not just make the statement in bold and stop while you're ahead?

Eh, I don't think he is lashing out at this particular woman, rather the seemingly crazy way that Madison deals with their applicants (particularly their URM grab).

Yeah you're right, superflush; I stand corrected. Coolkatz's original post is a paradigm of compassionate and clear thinking.

No, you're right, I shouldn't have lashed out at the one particular person. I suppose it's just my own frustration with the way Wisconsin deals with URMs in the admissions process.

Anyways, I apologize.

Also, I was not grouping you into a group of underachieving URMs (or I wasn't trying to, at least). So, I doubly apologize, if that makes any sense.

So does this signal the end of all the Badgering posts about the comment.

[shanemahsa]

No, you're right, I shouldn't have lashed out at the one particular person. I suppose it's just my own frustration with the way Wisconsin deals with URMs in the admissions process.

Anyways, I apologize.

Also, I was not grouping you into a group of underachieving URMs (or I wasn't trying to, at least). So, I doubly apologize, if that makes any sense.

Good on ya mate... respect.

Edit: formatting error

[lewis louis]

Sorry, I should I have been more clear. The eye roll -- which really didn't capture the emotion I wanted to convey but was the closest thing I could find -- was for pointing at a particular person and denigrating her. Even if the more general point you're making is well-taken, did you really need to throw a specific person under the bus in order to make it? Why not just make the statement in bold and stop while you're ahead?

Eh, I don't think he is lashing out at this particular woman, rather the seemingly crazy way that Madison deals with their applicants (particularly their URM grab).

Yeah you're right, superflush; I stand corrected. Coolkatz's original post is a paradigm of compassionate and clear thinking.

No, you're right, I shouldn't have lashed out at the one particular person. I suppose it's just my own frustration with the way Wisconsin deals with URMs in the admissions process.

Anyways, I apologize.

Also, I was not grouping you into a group of underachieving URMs (or I wasn't trying to, at least). So, I doubly apologize, if that makes any sense.

There were never any ill feelings, coolkatz. I knew what you were trying to do, and what you weren't. Apology accepted. If im lucky enough to get into Wisconsin, i'd be glad to have you as a classmate.

Anyone know about the status'?

[lewis louis]

Gah, i hate to blow up this thread, but one more question. knowing my stats (153, 3.31 urm AA) should I submit the "Why Wisconsin?" addedum now, or wait for a waitlist? If accepted at UW, im certain to go, but i wonder what you all think the best strategy would be. Thanks!

[xanderdellus]

I spoke to the the Dean at UW twice. Both times he mentioned the phrase, "A legitimate reason to be at Wisconsin." He wouldn't elaborate, or take my bait when I suggested some possible "legitimate reasons," e.g. my wife is from WI and I will likely practice in the midwest to be close to them and I think WI is one of the most underrated schools in T1. So I don't know with any definiteness what he wants.

Regardless between those conversations, and the WL/YP, I am seriously considering sending a "Why WI" addendum. I have to decide if WI is my first choice before I do so. If I decide it is, I am DEFINITELY sending that addendum.

[robin600]

Anyone know about the status'?

my status checker doesn't say anything about snail mail just decision email sent the same day that decision made is.

[tamlyric]

No, you're right, I shouldn't have lashed out at the one particular person. I suppose it's just my own frustration with the way Wisconsin deals with URMs in the admissions process.

Anyways, I apologize.

Also, I was not grouping you into a group of underachieving URMs (or I wasn't trying to, at least). So, I doubly apologize, if that makes any sense.

Cheers, coolkatz!

Sorry about the original eye roll: to say the least, it didn't set the right tone.

[tamlyric]

Gah, i hate to blow up this thread, but one more question. knowing my stats (153, 3.31 urm AA) should I submit the "Why Wisconsin?" addedum now, or wait for a waitlist? If accepted at UW, im certain to go, but i wonder what you all think the best strategy would be. Thanks!

I say send the "Why Wisconsin?" now. Let them know how bad you want to be there and why from the outset. If possible, I think it's best to avoid the WL, and you can always send them additional letters of continued interest if the need arises later in the process.

Fwiw.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Slimpee]

Gah, i hate to blow up this thread, but one more question. knowing my stats (153, 3.31 urm AA) should I submit the "Why Wisconsin?" addedum now, or wait for a waitlist? If accepted at UW, im certain to go, but i wonder what you all think the best strategy would be. Thanks!

I say send the "Why Wisconsin?" now. Let them know how bad you want to be there and why from the outset. If possible, I think it's best to avoid the WL, and you can always send them additional letters of continued interest if the need arises later in the process.

Fwiw.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Isn't an unsolicited "Why Wisconsin" an automatic ticket to admission?

[coolkatz321]

So does this signal the end of all the Badgering posts about the comment.

Please tell me this was an intended pun. The capitalization almost confirms it.

[adonai]

I'm just curious, but coolkatz do you know the specified person of debate personally? I don't mean to respark anything, but I am curious as to if his/her stats are actually correlating to his/her grades in law school...

[MoS]

So does this signal the end of all the Badgering posts about the comment.

Please tell me this was an intended pun. The capitalization almost confirms it.

I thought everyone could use a bad joke.

[jasonpaul94317]

Well, I mean, at some point it seems that "standards" have become irrelevant, at least in terms of AA admissions. If a 148, regardless of race, can succeed at a T1 in the eyes of an admissions council, then it could be argued that the LSAT as a whole is irrelevant. High scores, while nice for US News and Report, don't mean much as far as student success during school and post-graduation.

In other words, at some point some schools stopped being concernced with simply creating solid lawyers, and took a role of "social justice" in society. Is this good or bad? Well, I guess that's for our future generations to decide.

[superflush]

Well, I mean, at some point it seems that "standards" have become irrelevant, at least in terms of AA admissions. If a 148, regardless of race, can succeed at a T1 in the eyes of an admissions council, then it could be argued that the LSAT as a whole is irrelevant. High scores, while nice for US News and Report, don't mean much as far as student success during school and post-graduation.

In other words, at some point some schools stopped being concernced with simply creating solid lawyers, and took a role of "social justice" in society. Is this good or bad? Well, I guess that's for our future generations to decide.

great argument

[lewis louis]

Gah, i hate to blow up this thread, but one more question. knowing my stats (153, 3.31 urm AA) should I submit the "Why Wisconsin?" addedum now, or wait for a waitlist? If accepted at UW, im certain to go, but i wonder what you all think the best strategy would be. Thanks!

I say send the "Why Wisconsin?" now. Let them know how bad you want to be there and why from the outset. If possible, I think it's best to avoid the WL, and you can always send them additional letters of continued interest if the need arises later in the process.

Fwiw.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Whats the best way to send it? E-mail or snail mail? Also, what would you view as the appropriate wording for such a message. thanks!

[jasonpaul94317]

Please go ahead and disregard that last post of mine. I guess that's the result of posting on TLS after consuming a few Long Island Iced Teas.

I would like to echo the above commenter's question, though. As a borderline candidate myself, I might be looking to submit an LOCI. I'm also overseas,
so really the only way of showing my interest is through a letter. I guess email is the standard procedure?