SMU C/O 2017 (2013-2014 Applicants) Forum

[bound]

Anyone know if they offer travel stipends for ASW? I'm going to be in Dallas this month for a visit, but I definitely want to go back for ASW so I can meet all of you fine people

As for stipends, I don't recall as I was unable to attend mine. But if you're going to be in Dallas on a weekday, you can get a tour of the campus from a student and chat with them about things while you're there.

That's the plan. Just wanted to head back for the April one so I could meet potential classmates/find roomies!

[johnclark21]

Has anyone in the last batch off acceptances got anything in the mail, email, or a phone call? Just curious if anyone's gotten anything other than a status checker update.

[bound]

Has anyone in the last batch off acceptances got anything in the mail, email, or a phone call? Just curious if anyone's gotten anything other than a status checker update.

I got a phone call. They said that the admit packages were going out this week.

[mx23250]

Has anyone in the last batch off acceptances got anything in the mail, email, or a phone call? Just curious if anyone's gotten anything other than a status checker update.

I got a phone call. They said that the admit packages were going out this week.

Same. Got the call Monday and was told the admit packet would be mailed on Tuesday, so I'm hoping it will arrive today or tomorrow.

[jd2017.8]

Has anyone in the last batch off acceptances got anything in the mail, email, or a phone call? Just curious if anyone's gotten anything other than a status checker update.

I got a phone call. They said that the admit packages were going out this week.

Same. Got the call Monday and was told the admit packet would be mailed on Tuesday, so I'm hoping it will arrive today or tomorrow.

----

My packet is at the house-- I'm still at work. But, just wanted to let you know you can expect to see them soon . I am relatively local though, so it might take an extra day or two. (And yes - Like others, I got a phone call. Surprised me - quick turnaround)

[johnclark21]

Dang. I never got a phone call Oh well, status says I'm admitted, so hopefully I'll be getting that packet in the mail.

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[kobe1020]

Long time lurker here, so heres my first post. Just got my admissions packet in the mail with scholarship info. 30k/yr with 'good standing'. Based on this and other threads, I think I already know the answer to my question, but in your opinion, would you take a full ride at Baylor or a 30k/yr at SMU. The only reason I'm asking is because graduating debt free sounds so good. Hoping to practice in Dallas, but not set on a certain practice (want to go into law school open minded). Thanks!

i will go to SMU if i were you. Waco sounds like a horrible place for me to spend three years when you are already in hell studying in law school. Plus Dallas provides you limitless opportunity to network when comparing it to Waco.

Use that full-ride to get more money from SMU, but with anything goes above 30k a year comes a harsh top 1/3 stip.

what are your numbers? Congrats on 30k

[jd2017.8]

Long time lurker here, so heres my first post. Just got my admissions packet in the mail with scholarship info. 30k/yr with 'good standing'. Based on this and other threads, I think I already know the answer to my question, but in your opinion, would you take a full ride at Baylor or a 30k/yr at SMU. The only reason I'm asking is because graduating debt free sounds so good. Hoping to practice in Dallas, but not set on a certain practice (want to go into law school open minded). Thanks!

Congratulations on your options!!! I think they are both great schools that are well-respected in the legal community and will open doors upon graduation if you perform well, which it seems they both think you will. SMU probably has a leg up with tall building lawyer in Dallas, although Baylor lawyers are prominent here too and will support each other. I do think Dallas is a neat city, but that only matters if you're going to allow yourself time to socialize externally a lot and take advantage of it. Honestly, I do not know SMU's internal dynamic as well as Baylor's, so I can't opine there. Baylor has a killer approachable faculty and the student body is competitive, but with a spirit of camaraderie. Baylor's third year is stressful, but prepares you very well if you want to be a litigator. If your interest is transactional, it might be a more difficult atmosphere and SMU might make more sense. Graduating debt free would be amazing. (I'm assuming Baylor's full ride has a higher requirement than good standing, it is probably sustainable, but I'd keep that in mind)

Go with your gut, I don't think you can go wrong. Congratulations again!

[squee116]

Just got the call. Accepted. ;D

[kobe1020]

Just got the call. Accepted. ;D

they work during the weekend? wow

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[kalvano]

You shouldn't pick a law school based on what type of law you think you want to practice. It should be cost and employment prospects.


Also, not Baylor.

[JRO1989]

You shouldn't pick a law school based on what type of law you think you want to practice. It should be cost and employment prospects.


Also, not Baylor.

Hey Kalvano,

I'd appreciate it if you'd let me get your thoughts on something:

I'm from SA and would kind of like to come back after LS but am fine with either Houston or Dallas. There's a really high possibility I'll be choosing between SMU and UH and now that I know about scholarships too, I can also say they're going to cost basically the same...

Well, it seems that (at least last year) the graduates from each school had really similar employment prospects but that UH still has a less competitive class (something like 3.6/162 vs 3.47/160)...

So, it's making me start to think it might actually be a little easier (less competitive) to get good jobs right now from UH. Do you think that might be right? Or do you think that last year was misleading or a bad example or is there something else I'm not considering?

[kalvano]

I'm not sure I follow. Are you correlating job prospects with entering class medians?

[JRO1989]

I'm not sure I follow. Are you correlating job prospects with entering class medians?

Sorry I know that's a convoluted post...

No, I'm looking at those ABA disclosures and seeing that last year it looks like UH says it sent about the same % of the class to biglaw as SMU. And then when I consider how the UH students just aren't quite as strong (GPA/LSAT) as SMU students, it makes it seem like it might be easier to rank well at UH...and therefore possibly easier to attain those jobs from there...

And wondering if that sounds like it might be right to you

[kalvano]

Ah, I get it. No, that's not how it works. I know people who destroyed the LSAT who didn't do well at law school. One of the top people in my class did not do so well in undergrad.

Also, statistically, the differences in those numbers aren't that significant. Go to the school with the better prospects for what you want to do.

[JRO1989]

Ah, I get it. No, that's not how it works. I know people who destroyed the LSAT who didn't do well at law school. One of the top people in my class did not do so well in undergrad.

Also, statistically, the differences in those numbers aren't that significant. Go to the school with the better prospects for what you want to do.

Cool, thanks for responding, and I see what you're saying. One other thing...like I said, I kind of like the idea of returning to SA (though I know that's not a great possibility). But, do a good amount of SMU grads leave Dallas even if they don't leave TX? Or at least probably more than UH grads leave Houston? I ask because it seems like no one gives a crap about UH outside of Houston lol. Sound right?

[kalvano]

Our job board had / has several San Antonio opportunities. Not Biglaw, but smaller firms. I think SMU would be fine for San Antonio as long as you have ties / connections.

[JRO1989]

Our job board had / has several San Antonio opportunities. Not Biglaw, but smaller firms. I think SMU would be fine for San Antonio as long as you have ties / connections.

Cool, thanks a lot

[jswranch]

I want to introduce myself after subscribing to this thread. Will be busy putting together my resume and statements this week.

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[crchildress]

Anybody else have their status date change?

[bound]

I think I'm going to do the April ASD! I got my scholarship today...90K with good academic standing. Very pleased