Northwestern 2011 Applicants Forum

[mr_toad]

"A batch of JD decisions is going out today. Stay tuned for notification info!"
26 minutes ago via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet Reply

http://twitter.com/#!/nulawadmissions

I hope they enjoyed reading my 'held' essays as much as I enjoyed writing them!

[dddhhh]

So, it is March 11th. Financial aid, please.

Also, what day of the week was the 11th last year? Was it email or mail?

·         All award recipients will be notified via email.

[Magnolia]

"A batch of JD decisions is going out today. Stay tuned for notification info!"
26 minutes ago via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet Reply

http://twitter.com/#!/nulawadmissions

welp, there goes my productivity for the day

[srvyorgeneral]

Personally, I thought the CPE form was a smart tactic of NU's... basically they ask for the exact criteria they are looking for, instead of have everyone send in LORs that are all over the place and may not even convey any useful information for the adcomm to work with.

For me it was a matter of respect for my LOR writers. In addition to the fact that one of my LORs basically covered the exact same information as the CPE (albeit less formulaic), I felt that it would be an unnecessary burden, particularly since I wasn't 100% positive that NU was the only place I wanted to go. I think it's one thing to ask applicants to jump through a bunch of hoops (i.e. essays, more essays, visiting for interviews etc.) but quite another to ask the letter writers to do something unique to a specific school. These people are busy professionals and have plenty to do already, so it seems unfair to place a school-specific burden on them, too. Until schools start requesting the LSAC evaluations across the board, I think that the CPE request is somewhat discourteous.

[splitmuch]

For as much as they care about work experience, you'd think they would be nice enough to my employer to not completely destroy my productivity with such twitter updates . My email=REFRESH REFRESH REFRESH.

[dddhhh]

nulawadmissions First batch of notifications going out shortly. More on the way, as well as decisions for our LLM program.

[Bumi]

Personally, I thought the CPE form was a smart tactic of NU's... basically they ask for the exact criteria they are looking for, instead of have everyone send in LORs that are all over the place and may not even convey any useful information for the adcomm to work with.

For me it was a matter of respect for my LOR writers. In addition to the fact that one of my LORs basically covered the exact same information as the CPE (albeit less formulaic), I felt that it would be an unnecessary burden, particularly since I wasn't 100% positive that NU was the only place I wanted to go. I think it's one thing to ask applicants to jump through a bunch of hoops (i.e. essays, more essays, visiting for interviews etc.) but quite another to ask the letter writers to do something unique to a specific school. These people are busy professionals and have plenty to do already, so it seems unfair to place a school-specific burden on them, too. Until schools start requesting the LSAC evaluations across the board, I think that the CPE request is somewhat discourteous.

Agreed. I was planning not to apply because of the CPE requirement until I read on TLS that the CPE wasn't as mandatory as the NU application makes it out to be. Now that I'm admitted I'm glad I did apply, but it makes me wonder if their selectivity and student quality numbers would be improved a bit if they dropped that ridiculous thing. Not everyone reads TLS to know that NU admits people who don't follow their CPE rules.

Then again, as it stands now, I have to like that a portion of my classmates at NU will be people who refuse to comply with stupid rules.

[WarioLaw]

Given that LSAC evaluations basically serve the same function as the CPE (asking for pointed information), I was a bit confused about this added layer of bureaucracy. Even though Northwestern is probably at the top of my list, I just submitted my LORs/evaluations and hoped that this would provide a sufficient view of my competency and character. I was admitted so either they looked past this omission or what I provided served its purpose.

[kch3684]

I was a good kid and didn't submit LOR's but didn't want to bug my boss so I didn't submit CPE either...was held and since it had been months since he wrote my LOR I didn't feel too bad asking my boss to now do the CPE. I hoping since I got held w/o either an interview or a CPE that with both those in (I'm interviewing in March) that it'll push me into the admit pile.

[kobebeef]

Just received my status update email. Got in but no scholarship information attached via their online portal. Is there a separate form to fill out like other schools? Or are decisions rendered separately without?

When do I know that I'm stuck with sticker?

[jrose5]

Just received my status update email. Got in but no scholarship information attached via their online portal. Is there a separate form to fill out like other schools? Or are decisions rendered separately without?

When do I know that I'm stuck with sticker?

You have 5 business days to complete the fin. aid application, including the NeedAccess and the NU form (2 short essays required). You will also eventually need to turn in a FAFSA, but not for fin. aid consideration purposes. You can see all this on the admitted students website. Money awards are based off a combination of merit and need, not strictly one or the other. Hope that helps.

[bbermud]

I was a good kid and didn't submit LOR's but didn't want to bug my boss so I didn't submit CPE either...was held and since it had been months since he wrote my LOR I didn't feel too bad asking my boss to now do the CPE. I hoping since I got held w/o either an interview or a CPE that with both those in (I'm interviewing in March) that it'll push me into the admit pile.

im kinda in the same boat as you...didnt submit LOR/CPEs the first time around and was put on hold. i have a question. i updated my lsac application to northwestern and added one of the LOR that was on file there. someone told me though that NU doesnt accept updates the second time around with LSAC. is that true?

[d34d9823]

In. Feel honored since I didn't do any of the school-specific stuff.

[mango2281]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

[splitmuch]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

Mind sharing your splitterness?

Mine is semi ridiculous (hence the name) and still waiting to hear...

[jrose5]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

Congratulations!

Though, with NU, if you had substantial WE, that could easily override your splitter stats.

[srvyorgeneral]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

A huge congrats!

Question for y'all (which I asked a while back). My status checker is STILL drawing a blank on the complete date (has been this way since late February) "Your application was received on 01/09/2011 and is complete as of." Worth emailing my admissions point of contact to see what gives? Or should I just be patient?

[splitmuch]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

A huge congrats!

Question for y'all (which I asked a while back). My status checker is STILL drawing a blank on the complete date (has been this way since late February) "Your application was received on 01/09/2011 and is complete as of." Worth emailing my admissions point of contact to see what gives? Or should I just be patient?

I would email, mine updated to complete 2 days after received.

[mango2281]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

Mind sharing your splitterness?

Mine is semi ridiculous (hence the name) and still waiting to hear...

3.2 / 173
Even more pleasantly surprised because I didn't submit any school specific material, nor had an interview.
I have about 1 1/2 years of WE (research lab). I'm not sure what pushed me over the edge, but whatevs- I'm going to have trouble sleeping tonight! (It's 4am here in Seoul)

[splitmuch]

3.2 / 173
Even more pleasantly surprised because I didn't submit any school specific material, nor had an interview.
I have about 1 1/2 years of WE (research lab). I'm not sure what pushed me over the edge, but whatevs- I'm going to have trouble sleeping tonight! (It's 4am here in Seoul)

Well, congrats!

[neonx]

Congratulations, recent admits! How long have you guys been complete/under review?

[bep244]

OMGOMGOMGOMG
Admitted via status checker a few minutes ago!
As a splitter, I had been totally expecting a waitlist. Ecstatic!!

A huge congrats!

Question for y'all (which I asked a while back). My status checker is STILL drawing a blank on the complete date (has been this way since late February) "Your application was received on 01/09/2011 and is complete as of." Worth emailing my admissions point of contact to see what gives? Or should I just be patient?

Mine was doing the same thing since late February. It just updated today to say complete as of 3/10. I don't think it's an issue, but I guess it couldn't hurt to contact them if you're worried.

[antonin]

Personally, I thought the CPE form was a smart tactic of NU's... basically they ask for the exact criteria they are looking for, instead of have everyone send in LORs that are all over the place and may not even convey any useful information for the adcomm to work with.

For me it was a matter of respect for my LOR writers. In addition to the fact that one of my LORs basically covered the exact same information as the CPE (albeit less formulaic), I felt that it would be an unnecessary burden, particularly since I wasn't 100% positive that NU was the only place I wanted to go. I think it's one thing to ask applicants to jump through a bunch of hoops (i.e. essays, more essays, visiting for interviews etc.) but quite another to ask the letter writers to do something unique to a specific school. These people are busy professionals and have plenty to do already, so it seems unfair to place a school-specific burden on them, too. Until schools start requesting the LSAC evaluations across the board, I think that the CPE request is somewhat discourteous.

I am also not happy with the CPE. I have two years of WE, and provided two letters of recommendation from academic professors. Now that I am on hold, I feel the need to add a CPE. Asking my original LOR writers seems misplaced since they are asking for Career/work related insight, not academic.
Asking my supervisor is also risky though: there is opportunity for growth within the company, and I am considering a deferral or staying there if I am not accepted to a school that I will be comfortable with. Asking them for a CPE now, I have a feeling will put the alternative of acquiring a better position in the company at hold.

[splitmuch]

Congratulations, recent admits! How long have you guys been complete/under review?

+1

[jrose5]

Personally, I thought the CPE form was a smart tactic of NU's... basically they ask for the exact criteria they are looking for, instead of have everyone send in LORs that are all over the place and may not even convey any useful information for the adcomm to work with.

For me it was a matter of respect for my LOR writers. In addition to the fact that one of my LORs basically covered the exact same information as the CPE (albeit less formulaic), I felt that it would be an unnecessary burden, particularly since I wasn't 100% positive that NU was the only place I wanted to go. I think it's one thing to ask applicants to jump through a bunch of hoops (i.e. essays, more essays, visiting for interviews etc.) but quite another to ask the letter writers to do something unique to a specific school. These people are busy professionals and have plenty to do already, so it seems unfair to place a school-specific burden on them, too. Until schools start requesting the LSAC evaluations across the board, I think that the CPE request is somewhat discourteous.

I am also not happy with the CPE. I have two years of WE, and provided two letters of recommendation from academic professors. Now that I am on hold, I feel the need to add a CPE. Asking my original LOR writers seems misplaced since they are asking for Career/work related insight, not academic.
Asking my supervisor is also risky though: there is opportunity for growth within the company, and I am considering a deferral or staying there if I am not accepted to a school that I will be comfortable with. Asking them for a CPE now, I have a feeling will put the alternative of acquiring a better position in the company at hold.

Wow, my casual statement has generated quite a bit of response.

I guess I think it was a smart idea in that it makes things easier for the NU adcomm (not us, of course). I had my research adviser fill one out, and considering the fact that I had already gotten him to write me general LORs for my other schools, I really felt like I was asking for a lot... I had to work up the nerve to request him to do it, but I was fortunate to work with an extremely nice person so asking wasn't too difficult.

That said, I understand why people with real jobs (as opposed to a part research time job in college) might have difficulties and personal considerations that make asking for a CPE hard...