International Applicants 2014-15 Forum

[Hand]

So, for all intents and purposes, is it better to apply as an international, or as a permanent resident? Rather, I should say, what I am trying to decide is whether to apply this October/November as international, or wait until the December administration and apply in January as a permanent resident (that's how the timing worked with me - getting a green card some time in November). Would the former give me more of a % advantage even if my LSAT 3-4 points lower, just because of diversity?

In terms of diversity, I do not think that the fact that you are or are not a permanent resident makes any difference.

The general consensus in tls is to apply early (before Christmas), but a 3-4 pts higher LSAT should worth the waiting.

I suspect this is correct--you are a foreign national either way, residency status will not affect this. Note though that schools may be worried about your ability to pay for your education if you are not a resident, since federal loans would not be available to you (and you would need to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses), and thus about your ability to attend. If that factors into their deliberations, it would point towards its being beneficial for you to be a resident. If obtaining residency coincides with an increased LSAT score, I'd go with waiting 'till early January.

[Brady199]

Thanks! I am seriously thinking about EDing to NU. Financials are a huge concern esp with the killer exchange rate and due to non-availability of any Federal student aid/loans. Plus, NU has great BigLaw placements. Your thoughts?

Do you have solid w/e? Because NU does attach great importance to that, although working for McDonald's for a couple of years still count.
NU does have great biglaw placements, but mostly in Chicago. Where do you want to practice? If Chicago, then I'd say definitely ED NU, pretty much the worst thing that can happen is that they put you into RD pool (according to my knowledge, they don't usually ding anyone in ED pool, but they do have a reputation of deferring applicants), and if you got admitted via RD, you will most likely get some money, although not comparable to full ride. If not Chicago, hmm... a 172 can get you into NU without ED, and possibly NYU, which places better nationally than NU. Again, if money is a big issue, I don't see any reason why not ED NU.
Anyway, good luck in this cycle!

Thanks a lot man. Well I have been working 30-40 hrs/week at various law firms around here. I hope those 30 months count for something. It isn't full time. But let's see

[AOT]

.

[Hand]

I got 'm in my inbox without having to ask.

[kevin0201]

Not an American but did my undergraduate in the states. Anyone in my shoes taking the TOEFL? It doesn't seem like it's required but would it help?

[Brady199]

Not an American but did my undergraduate in the states. Anyone in my shoes taking the TOEFL? It doesn't seem like it's required but would it help?

Some schools like Duke require the TOEFL/Interview to ascertain English proficiency. But most of the top schools really don't care as if you are good enough to get 168+ LSAT scores, your English is definitely up to the mark.

I would suggest you check with each law school individually through their website or via email

[zxbn579]

Not an American but did my undergraduate in the states. Anyone in my shoes taking the TOEFL? It doesn't seem like it's required but would it help?

Same boat. No, you do not need the TOEFL. Plus, didn't you already take it to get into your UG?

[kevin0201]

Not an American but did my undergraduate in the states. Anyone in my shoes taking the TOEFL? It doesn't seem like it's required but would it help?

Same boat. No, you do not need the TOEFL. Plus, didn't you already take it to get into your UG?

Yes but TOEFL is only good for 2 years.

[Gray]

.

[Hand]

I'm like 98% sure that if you did an english language UG, you do NOT need TOEFL, period.

yeah I'm pretty sure this is correct. Only non-native speakers who have done their UG abroad require a TOEFL, at Mich and Duke (although Duke gives you the option to do an interview instead). I'm probably not gonna take the TOEFL, or apply to Mich, and opt for the interview option w/Duke, as $160 and half a day down the drain is a little too steep for just one school.

[nyanyanya]

Not an American but did my undergraduate in the states. Anyone in my shoes taking the TOEFL? It doesn't seem like it's required but would it help?

Chicago asks about toefl/ielts on the "Standardized Tests" page. Not sure if they ask everyone or only foreigners

I put my toefl score from 2009 there. The score is expired for sure, but I don't think they will ask for the transcript

[kevin0201]

I'm like 98% sure that if you did an english language UG, you do NOT need TOEFL, period.

yeah I'm pretty sure this is correct. Only non-native speakers who have done their UG abroad require a TOEFL, at Mich and Duke (although Duke gives you the option to do an interview instead). I'm probably not gonna take the TOEFL, or apply to Mich, and opt for the interview option w/Duke, as $160 and half a day down the drain is a little too steep for just one school.

Even UMich says if you received 3 years or more of education in English you don't need TOEFL. Okay I'm not gonna worry about this then!

[IsCat]

Not an American but did my undergraduate in the states. Anyone in my shoes taking the TOEFL? It doesn't seem like it's required but would it help?

Chicago asks about toefl/ielts on the "Standardized Tests" page. Not sure if they ask everyone or only foreigners

I put my toefl score from 2009 there. The score is expired for sure, but I don't think they will ask for the transcript

I sent an email to them and they said the score must be within 2 years..

I'm worrying about it since I'm still polishing my PS and my toefl score will soon be expired

[kevin0201]

So some schools let us know of the decisions via phone calls.

Does this apply the same to international applicants?

Or do they just email us instead?

[Hand]

So some schools let us know of the decisions via phone calls.

Does this apply the same to international applicants?

Or do they just email us instead?

From what I've gathered by scrolling through the applicants' threads of last year, the schools that would call you if you have a US phone number will not call you on your international number but sometimes send you an email, and others will only send your acceptance letter through regular mail. I forgot which though... if I remember correctly, NYU for one falls in the latter camp. A good number of schools also have status checkers from which you can learn the status of your application.

[Hand]

As an FYI for other international applicants, see the (mildly helpful) answers from the former dean of admissions at Penn to questions about international applicants elsewhere on this board: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=236530

tl;dr - it might be a good idea to have your letter writers comment on the quality/standing of your undergraduate institution.

[Gray]

.

[Hand]

So some schools let us know of the decisions via phone calls.

Does this apply the same to international applicants?

Or do they just email us instead?

From what I've gathered by scrolling through the applicants' threads of last year, the schools that would call you if you have a US phone number will not call you on your international number but sometimes send you an email, and others will only send your acceptance letter through regular mail. I forgot which though... if I remember correctly, NYU for one falls in the latter camp. A good number of schools also have status checkers from which you can learn the status of your application.

pretty sure NYU does acceptances via UPS package

either way it's some last century shit

eta: still love you NYU please let me in!

[Gray]

.

[Hand]

either way it's some last century shit

eta: still love you NYU please let me in!

hahaha I think a few years the admissions packet was delivered in a pizza box or something like that? That's pretty fun!

well depends, was there also a pizza in the box? if not it's kind of cruel

[nyanyanya]

either way it's some last century shit

eta: still love you NYU please let me in!

hahaha I think a few years the admissions packet was delivered in a pizza box or something like that? That's pretty fun!

well depends, was there also a pizza in the box? if not it's kind of cruel

Considering that their would send the packet from the states, it would be much better if there was not pizza inside
I waited 2 months for my admission package for undergrad via snail mail. UPS might be better, but still not quick enough for pizza imo.

[musedreverie]

Hey guys!

I took my LSAT in Feb and June this year, ended up with mid and high 160s... and I'm retaking in Sept. Not the most stellar record out there.

I did my undergrad in the UK, graduated with a high 2:1 but unfortunately got Above average from LSAC.

It's so nice to see everyone else on the same boat though, applying from overseas

Oh and btw add to the list of schools giving fee waivers, Columbia. I applied two days ago and was pleasatly surprised when i only had to pay $28... then got an email today saying my fee waiver was merit-based, based solely on my LSAT score... so I'm assuming all you 170+s got one as well!

Anyway nice to see everyone here again!

I'm Korean btw, if anyone else is applying from Korea (and assuming you too are from the South) give me a shout!

[Hand]

either way it's some last century shit

eta: still love you NYU please let me in!

hahaha I think a few years the admissions packet was delivered in a pizza box or something like that? That's pretty fun!

well depends, was there also a pizza in the box? if not it's kind of cruel

Considering that their would send the packet from the states, it would be much better if there was not pizza inside
I waited 2 months for my admission package for undergrad via snail mail. UPS might be better, but still not quick enough for pizza imo.

Also, no fee waiver from Columbia for me (despite a 170+ LSAT) btw. Haven't received any worth mentioning in fact since the first wave reported earlier.

[kevin0201]

Hey guys!

I took my LSAT in Feb and June this year, ended up with 167 and 169... and I'm retaking in Sept. Not the most stellar record out there.

I did my undergrad (LLB) at LSE in the UK, graduated with a high 2:1 but unfortunately got Above average from LSAC.

It's so nice to see everyone else on the same boat though, applying from overseas

Oh and btw add to the list of schools giving fee waivers, Columbia. I applied two days ago and was pleasatly surprised when i only had to pay $28... then got an email today saying my fee waiver was merit-based, based solely on my LSAT score... so I'm assuming all you 170+s got one as well!

Anyway nice to see everyone here again!

I'm Korean btw, if anyone else is applying from Korea (and assuming you too are from the South) give me a shout!

Hi! Fellow Korean here from Seoul.

[nyanyanya]

Also, no fee waiver from Columbia for me (despite a 170+ LSAT) btw. Haven't received any worth mentioning in fact since the first wave reported earlier.

I'd suggest waiting for another one or two weeks.
They will review ED applications first and the first acceptance on TLS last year was in December.