Duke University School of Law C/O 2019 Applicants Forum

[JusPassItToWill]

So... just to clarify. If I selected "Merit Only", do I still need to schedule the interview? Will it affect any scholarships I could potentially get if I don't do it?

[lymenheimer]

So... just to clarify. If I selected "Merit Only", do I still need to schedule the interview? Will it affect any scholarships I could potentially get if I don't do it?

People who even do merit+need aren't required to interview. If you don't want to then don't do it. But it may affect scholarship re: commitment to the school (as our guinea pig suggested). But the best ppl to ask are fin aid office.

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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[theconsigliere]

had my interview today and was asked:

-what do you do in your spare time?
-talk about your work as a research assistant.
-what are you looking for in a law school?
-(as a follow up to the previous question) what is something you did (not) like about your UG that you hope Duke (doesn't) have/do/etc.?
-is there anything you'd like to note about your finances that isn't in the NeedAccess app?
What questions do you have about Duke or about the scholarship process?

it was pretty casual

[reynholm]

I had my financial aid interview today, and it was somewhat unexpected in the sense that it kind of felt like an actual admissions interview - I got asked a lot of questions about my application and experiences, and while they were fairly standard, I still felt a bit tense because I did not prepare ahead of time for "admission-type" questions at all. It made sense to me in hindsight because I suppose this interview is probably a way for the financial aid committee to assess you for merit-based aid as well, but I didn't realize this beforehand and therefore felt a little unprepared.

After the questions, the interviewer briefly ran through the financial aid process and gave me the chance to ask a few questions. Overall, it was pleasant and casual (the fact that I didn't actually submit my forms before scheduling the interview wasn't an issue at all), but I think a little bit of preparation before the interview will probably help you feel more comfortable.

Feel free to PM me if you want to know the specific questions asked!

[salander]

Did all of you do a Why Duke?

I did.

[WinterComing]

For those who have already done your interview, did you get any kind of confirmation email? I scheduled mine in their online system, but haven't heard anything. It's supposed to be tomorrow.

[WinterComing]

For those who have already done your interview, did you get any kind of confirmation email? I scheduled mine in their online system, but haven't heard anything. It's supposed to be tomorrow.

Never mind. I logged into my account to confirm the time.

[burtsbeesfanatic]

Heh, botched attempt at an interview this morning. Apparently they tried to Skype me but couldn't, I was just sitting at my coffee table waiting until I figured I'd call their admissions office to see what was up. Hopefully they can reschedule me sooner rather than later.

[WinterComing]

Update: Just submitted my Fafsa/NeedAccess and scholarship application. It says "Your next step should be to schedule or decline the online scholarship interview." So it looks like I was wrong and you should complete before scheduling an interview...A phone call to fin aid still might be credited to confirm.

Is this for merit scholarships or just to answer questions about financial need?

Its the scholarship interview. Assumed to be for fin aid stuff moreso than merit. If you will be wanting merit+need, youll see this option when you submit your application (again, itll make sense when you get your information when admitted).

Just finished my Skype interview. I thought it went really well. He asked me about my extracurricular activities while I was in undergrad, I presume to get a sense of how involved I would be at Duke. He also asked Why Duke and Why Law. Plus, we talked about the scholarship process and my level of need.

At least from my experience, I think the advice from Lymenheimer bolded above is a bit misleading. My interview was split pretty much 50-50 on questions that seemed to pertain to merit and those directed at need, so I'd definitely be well prepared for both. That said, because you've already been admitted, the stress level here, at least for me, was much less, and the interview was really conversational.

[lymenheimer]

Its the scholarship interview. Assumed to be for fin aid stuff moreso than merit. If you will be wanting merit+need, youll see this option when you submit your application (again, itll make sense when you get your information when admitted).

Just finished my Skype interview. I thought it went really well. He asked me about my extracurricular activities while I was in undergrad, I presume to get a sense of how involved I would be at Duke. He also asked Why Duke and Why Law. Plus, we talked about the scholarship process and my level of need.

At least from my experience, I think the advice from Lymenheimer bolded above is a bit misleading. My interview was split pretty much 50-50 on questions that seemed to pertain to merit and those directed at need, so I'd definitely be well prepared for both. That said, because you've already been admitted, the stress level here, at least for me, was much less, and the interview was really conversational.

Assumed to be for fin aid stuff moreso than merit.

Assumed to be

Also, it wasn't advice. Wasn't telling him how to prepare or anything, was just trying to answer his question based off of the limited knowledge about the interview (this is the first/second year they're doing it like this). That was also before multiple interviewers came and gave their experiences...so yea see again re:assumed to be

[RZ5646]

How long does "under review" usually last?

edit: for PT

[WhiteHouse]

How long does "under review" usually last?

Mine has lasted 100 days

[LS19]

How long does "under review" usually last?

Mine has lasted 100 days

UR1 12/8. Still there

[clarf]

How long does "under review" usually last?

Mine has lasted 100 days

UR1 12/8. Still there

Ditto. Anyone know if they've been releasing non-PT decisions?

[James.K.Polk]

How long does "under review" usually last?

Mine has lasted 100 days

9/28 here.

[Tycho]

How long does "under review" usually last?

Mine has lasted 100 days

UR1 12/8. Still there

Ditto. Anyone know if they've been releasing non-PT decisions?

They have been. Myself and a few others in this thread got in non-PT. That said, they may have released relatively few so definitely hang in there.

[spauldingno]

For everyone interviewing with financial aid: make sure your Skype profile is set-up to allow calls from people not in the contact list (really easy fix in preferences).

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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[Duggiiee]

Priority Reserve, PT, 170/3.7

Ow.

That is really surprising. Did you write the supplemental essays?

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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[chickensoup1234]

I don't really take that statement at face value... I mean, it is informational for them, not only you...it demonstrates you really want to go to Duke. So.. I would say certainly take them up on that offer if you wanna get in

[strawberrieee]

Priority Reserve, PT, 170/3.7

Ow.

That is really surprising. Did you write the supplemental essays?

Yep.

The email says "If you are able to visit Duke Law in the coming weeks, you are welcome to schedule an optional interview with the office of admissions to discuss your candidacy." On the visiting page, it says interviews are informational and do not affect admissions. I take it this interview is no different?

Do you know whether they suggested that to anyone on the PT Reserve list or to you only?

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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[chickensoup1234]

I think that's correct... I see it as another touch point with admissions