UC Irvine c/o 2016 Applicants (2012-2013) Forum

[LaurenAyn]

Hey all! I just got back from visiting Irvine last week and I really loved it. So much of what people say about UCI here on TLS is pure B.S. - the students are happy, engaged, and have had no problem finding good jobs. Their LRAP is also very generous. I'm leaning heavily towards UCI because (a) they're offering me $50K/year; (b) I would LOVE to live in California - I grew up in the northeast/midatlantic and wanna get out of here - and (c) I would like to work in public interest, which they're super focused on compared to other top-tier schools.

HOWEVER, my parents are not pleased with this choice. I've also been offered a full ride to Wake Forest (est. $41K/year) and $30K/year to Emory, and my folks wish I'd go with one of those more "traditional" and "prestigious" options.

What do you guys think? Am I mistaken to value things like a comfortable, personalized atmosphere and beautiful climate over a longstanding name and a large alumni base? Again, my dream job would be something like working for the ACLU, definitely not in biglaw.

(FYI, my stats were: LSAT=166, GPA=3.83)

How many times have you taken the LSAT? If once (even twice), please retake. Don't waste that GPA.

Ouch! I actually did take it twice, and did slightly worse the second time so decided I should just stop while I was ahead. (I had a legitimate excuse for the drop in score though - lack of sleep the night before - which I explained in my addendum.) And there ain't no way I'm going back to the drawing board at this late our! Haha not with full ride offers under my belt already The fact that UCI sees beyond pure numbers to realize prospective students' full potential is pretty great.

Just wondering, and not to be combative, but you actually wrote an addendum in which you blamed lack of sleep for your poor performance on a standardized test? Did UCI, or any school, comment on that whatsoever in an interview or other correspondence perhaps?

-> This is incredibly rude. The purpose of the addendum is to explain any extenuating circumstances that might shed light onto apparent inconsistencies in your file. Both scores were still very good, by no means "poor performance." And no, nobody gave it a second thought. And I got hefty schollys to Vandy and GW also and got into UCLA and Hastings and UW...they understand that sometimes, things happen that are out of your control. If I hadn't used that part of my application to explain what happened, it's likely I would have got flat out rejected from some of the ones I got into. Being human shouldn't be held against you.

[nba101790]

-> This is incredibly rude. The purpose of the addendum is to explain any extenuating circumstances that might shed light onto apparent inconsistencies in your file. Both scores were still very good, by no means "poor performance." And no, nobody gave it a second thought. And I got hefty schollys to Vandy and GW also and got into UCLA and Hastings and UW...they understand that sometimes, things happen that are out of your control. If I hadn't used that part of my application to explain what happened, it's likely I would have got flat out rejected from some of the ones I got into. Being human shouldn't be held against you.[/quote]


Well the intent certainly wasn't rude, as I tried to make clear. I just don't understand (a) why you didn't cancel the test or (b) why lack of sleep makes sense on an addendum in my understanding of the tool. It's not like you can only take the LSAT once, and you've said you already had a solid score on record. If you didn't sleep the night before, why not just elect not to take the test knowing full well in advance you wouldn't preform at your best, and defer until the next session three months down the line?

I've just thought of the addendum for people with learning disabilities/anxiety and things of that nature which gives them chronic problems in posting scores commensurate with their abilities. Again, not calling you out at all.

[teiswei]

I wrote one... I improved 10 points.

[csungrl09]

I was wait-listed a couple weeks back. Anyone know when I can expect to hear back? UCI is my top choice...

I talked to someone who said that they won't even look at the wait-list until May. So we both should just keep on waiting.

[Big Dog]

The purpose of the addendum is to explain any extenuating circumstances that might shed light onto apparent inconsistencies in your file. Both scores were still very good, by no means "poor performance." And no, nobody gave it a second thought. And I got hefty schollys to Vandy and GW also and got into UCLA and Hastings and UW...they understand that sometimes, things happen that are out of your control. If I hadn't used that part of my application to explain what happened, it's likely I would have got flat out rejected from some of the ones I got into. Being human shouldn't be held against you.

You have no way of knowing that. Regardless, the addendum that you included probably did not help. Most adcoms would read it as, 'not sleeping due to nerves from the test.' Thus, not a good thing from their perspective, particularly since LS exams are one-shot deals, and everyone WILL be nervous. Just not a good reason to write an addendum, because few get a good night's sleep before the LSAT/MCAT/GMAT, etc. It's just pointing out the obvious......

Since you are in, all is good.

Best wishes to you.

I've just thought of the addendum for people with learning disabilities/anxiety and things of that nature which gives them chronic problems in posting scores commensurate with their abilities. Again, not calling you out at all.

Or you were a car accident on the way to the exam center. Or, your mother told you that she had breast cancer two days before the test. Some REAL issues....

[aarias11]

They really mean it when they say that UCI does not take kindly to "gunners" or "gunnery related behavior".

[eav1277]

So who's attending ASW?

[superhopefulwoo]

So who's attending ASW?

I'll be there - was looking for others who are coming* earlier! I'm flying in on Thursday.

[gitguy]

Anyone have any insight (hopefully something more than mere speculation) as to whether those of us who did not get a scholly offer up front might expect a little love at some point soon? Any insight as to whether SIR submission might have an impact? I'm still holding out hope.

Edit: quote

[gitguy]

So who's attending ASW?

I'll be there - was looking for other earlier! I'm flying in on Thursday.

I'll be there as well. It's down the street from my apartment. FYI, they are booked up for people who have not registered.

[boblawlob]

They really mean it when they say that UCI does not take kindly to "gunners" or "gunnery related behavior".

care to elaborate?

[bananasplit19]

FYI, they are booked up for people who have not registered.

This is the truth. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it till last Wednesday. I was told it was full and that I'd be on the waitlist, and they'd let me know on Wednesday. Don't think I'll be able to swing plane tickets and hotel on Wednesday night and stay under the $300 stipend :-/

Anyone signed up for ASW that isn't going anymore? Can I tell the adcoms I'm taking your spot?

[Merylian]

So who's attending ASW?

I'll be there! Flying in on Thursday afternoon. Any recommendations from locals for places to check out while in town? I've been trapped in the cold northeast all winter, and I can't wait to get down to Newport Beach and stick my toes in the sand. Even if it's not beach weather yet, I'm not going to miss the opportunity to enjoy the sun and watch the waves roll in.

[Hyee]

So who's attending ASW?

I'll be there - was looking for others who are coming* earlier! I'm flying in on Thursday.

I'll be there sometime Thursday before rush hour traffic kicks in with my gf. Maybe get there by 3 or something.

[Aristophanes]

So who's attending ASW?

I'll be there - was looking for others who are coming* earlier! I'm flying in on Thursday.

I'll be there sometime Thursday before rush hour traffic kicks in with my gf. Maybe get there by 3 or something.

Same here--getting there early to avoid the rush hour.

By the way, does anyone know for sure which events guests are allowed to attend? I take it that they're OK for Dean Chemerinsky's class (if they stay in the adjacent room), the moot court competition, and all the evening events?

[yupyup]

I'll be at ASW as well.

[twenty]

If I get accepted before the weekend, I'll be going. If not, I'll (edit) either be going as someone's +1, or else relinquish my bro-rights to his girlfriend. ;D

[boblawlob]

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[99.9luft]

Is it possible to ask for more money without any other scholarship as leverage?

possible. not always successful, esp. this late in the cycle. but def. possible (we've seen some positive outcomes ITT IIRC)

[unclepete]

Am I the only one still waiting on a decision?

[butyourhonor]

This is the truth. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it till last Wednesday. I was told it was full and that I'd be on the waitlist, and they'd let me know on Wednesday. Don't think I'll be able to swing plane tickets and hotel on Wednesday night and stay under the $300 stipend :-/

If you're admitted you get up $200 more at a later date.

Is it possible to ask for more money without any other scholarship as leverage?

I got an almost 50% increase in my offer by simply asking. I wouldn't lead with other offers.

[gitguy]

This is the truth. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it till last Wednesday. I was told it was full and that I'd be on the waitlist, and they'd let me know on Wednesday. Don't think I'll be able to swing plane tickets and hotel on Wednesday night and stay under the $300 stipend :-/

If you're admitted you get up $200 more at a later date.

Is it possible to ask for more money without any other scholarship as leverage?

I got an almost 50% increase in my offer by simply asking. I wouldn't lead with other offers.

An increase on your merit offer?

[thatgumyoulike]

So who's attending ASW?

I'll be there - was looking for other earlier! I'm flying in on Thursday.

I'll be there as well. It's down the street from my apartment. FYI, they are booked up for people who have not registered.

Unless you ask nicely

[Hyee]

So I think this came up before, but I ask again. How will everyone be dressing for this occasion? I'm assuming a tie isn't necessary, but jeans/tshirt won't do as well. Am I in the ballpark here? Business casual, etc? How do student generally dress on a normal day of law school? I'm from Cal so, naturally, everything goes and shoes optional.

[99.9luft]

So I think this came up before, but I ask again. How will everyone be dressing for this occasion? I'm assuming a tie isn't necessary, but jeans/tshirt won't do as well. Am I in the ballpark here? Business casual, etc? How do student generally dress on a normal day of law school? I'm from Cal so, naturally, everything goes and shoes optional.

yes, business casual. slacks, shirt, no tie.