U. of Florida c/o 2015 Applicants (2011-2012 cycle) Forum

[pinkcamellia]

How much harder is it to get in out of state?

It's not any harder. I was an out of state applicant with an LSAT at median and a GPA at the 75th percentile and I got in with $. They're mostly concerned with your numbers, but they look closely at the personal statement as well. I would include something in your statement about why you want to attend UF/practice law in Florida.

I was going to ask this. How much of my PS should include this? I already have my PS pretty much done so I would just have to add this in. Likely my LSAT score is going to by on the lower end but my GPA should be solid (around 3.7), so I would assume this could be a plus for my situation?

It doesn't have to be a significant portion of your PS, but I would make a strong statement as to why UF and Florida are the best places for you. Just use your common sense, I'd say - they'll notice if you just tack something on at the end like, "...and I believe I can achieve these things at University of Florida."

Your 3.7 is above median but not above the 75%, so when you take the LSAT I'd shoot for a 162+ so you'll be above both medians. If you don't get a 162 or higher, don't despair. If you go through last year's thread, there are quite a few reverse-splitters (low LSAT, high GPA) who got in, but they usually didn't receive their offer of admission as quickly as those with higher LSAT scores. Study hard and apply early, and I think you'll be in an excellent position

[jaysgirl42671]

Checking in from the big town of Brandon, FL.

Good luck, everyone!

[THE_U]

Can anyone explain the difference between a regular personal statement and UF's "academic statement?"

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Can anyone explain the difference between a regular personal statement and UF's "academic statement?"

I used the same personal statement that I sent to other schools. I think they want you to emphasize your academic strengths, but your resume and transcripts really say all there is to know in that area.

[THE_U]

I want to make my application as good as possible, as my LSAT is likely to be really low. Should I just use my regular PS or rewrite it? I agree with you about everything they need to know being on my resume/transcripts, so I'm not even sure what I'd write about. Maybe cut some stuff out and add in a little more academic stuff?

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

I want to make my application as good as possible, as my LSAT is likely to be really low. Should I just use my regular PS or rewrite it? I agree with you about everything they need to know being on my resume/transcripts, so I'm not even sure what I'd write about. Maybe cut some stuff out and add in a little more academic stuff?

Sure. Tie in your personal statement to your academic goals. I assume your personal statement is already pretty related to your goals in life.

[FeelTheHeat]

I want to make my application as good as possible, as my LSAT is likely to be really low. Should I just use my regular PS or rewrite it? I agree with you about everything they need to know being on my resume/transcripts, so I'm not even sure what I'd write about. Maybe cut some stuff out and add in a little more academic stuff?

Sure. Tie in your personal statement to your academic goals. I assume your personal statement is already pretty related to your goals in life.

TOO COOL FOR TLS M I RITE

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

giving out advice is different from spending all day in the fantasy football thread m'dear. Have anything productive to say or are you just trolling?

[FeelTheHeat]

My academic statement as the same as my regular one...that was just laziness though, it's probably better to tailor it if UF is one of your main targets.

[ElCoqui]

Planning to apply, application is ready, but waiting for October's test results.

[UMiamiCane]

And the waiting begins for me! I just submitted my app last night and the supplemental data and paid today.

Fingers crossed

[UMiamiCane]

Is there anyone who applied last year who can say how long it took their status checker to change?

Is there anyone applying this year that has any questions about Gainesville?

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Is there anyone who applied last year who can say how long it took their status checker to change?

Is there anyone applying this year that has any questions about Gainesville?

a LONG time. I believe I was "pending" for almost a month and a half. Got in right after Thanksgiving.

[UMiamiCane]

Thanks! I guess I should stop checking it three times a day then

Edit to add: I going to observe a class, get a tour, and meet with someone in admissions next week- what is the proper attire for this? It's not an interview, so I wasn't sure if a suit would be too much.

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Thanks! I guess I should stop checking it three times a day then

Edit to add: I going to observe a class, get a tour, and meet with someone in admissions next week- what is the proper attire for this? It's not an interview, so I wasn't sure if a suit would be too much.

I went in casual clothes. It's all very laid back. You'll most likely be getting a tour from a student, so I would say a suit is definitely too much. Business casual would be fine.

[seancris]

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[beezy08]

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[thelawschoolproject]

Anyone interested in their joint JD/Criminal Justice/Criminology Degree?

[UMiamiCane]

Anyone interested in their joint JD/Criminal Justice/Criminology Degree?

I wasn't aware there was a joint JD Criminal Justice degree. I saw the joint JD Criminology, but I'd like to do the criminal justice certificate program.

[seancris]

I'm going through last year's thread, a lot of people (who submitted around October 12th) starting having their status changed to "under review" on October 26th. November 4th people got "review complete, final decision pending."

The first guy in the thread got "Letter issued" (acceptance) on November 16th. More on Nov. 19th. Nov 23rd, etc. Seems like all or most letters issued before February/March were acceptance letters.

Just wanted to post and give people last year's time frame as a reference, at least for early applicants with above median numbers. Hopefully some of us will see our status change this week!

[prettyinpink02]

Thanks! I guess I should stop checking it three times a day then

Edit to add: I going to observe a class, get a tour, and meet with someone in admissions next week- what is the proper attire for this? It's not an interview, so I wasn't sure if a suit would be too much.

When are you touring?

[UMiamiCane]

Thanks! I guess I should stop checking it three times a day then

Edit to add: I going to observe a class, get a tour, and meet with someone in admissions next week- what is the proper attire for this? It's not an interview, so I wasn't sure if a suit would be too much.

When are you touring?

I went yesterday! I liked how the students there seemed very happy with their choice to attend UF. And my tour guide (a student) was very helpful and honest too. I didn't like how large the class size was, though I did peak in some 2L classes and a writing class which were much smaller.

[pinkcamellia]

Thanks! I guess I should stop checking it three times a day then

Edit to add: I going to observe a class, get a tour, and meet with someone in admissions next week- what is the proper attire for this? It's not an interview, so I wasn't sure if a suit would be too much.

When are you touring?

I went yesterday! I liked how the students there seemed very happy with their choice to attend UF. And my tour guide (a student) was very helpful and honest too. I didn't like how large the class size was, though I did peak in some 2L classes and a writing class which were much smaller.

I totally saw you in the office! Glad you had a good tour.

You'll see pretty huge 1L sections at most schools - it's just the way it is. I like it because I got to know a lot of people very quickly.

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

I actually think the class size is pretty small. Mainly because even though there are 300 1L's, you only ever really see your section. You can either love or hate 100 people REALLY FAST haha.

[seancris]

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