UCI (UC Irvine) c/o 2015 Applicants (2011-2012 cycle) Forum

[uci2013]

And in clarification to the clerkship numbers discussion that came up earlier in this thread, we are third behind Yale and Stanford in the percentage of the class receiving federal clerkships. While the size of the class helps in this regard, this is a awesome news and something for UCI to be proud of.

http://newsandinsight.thomsonreuters.co ... _UC_Irvine_/

[Green Glass Windows]

Congrats to everyone who got in today!!! I'm a 2L and happy to answer any questions if you have them. Hope to see most of you in the fall.

Thanks! I'm just wondering, what's it like living in the area? Where do most of the law students live, and how expensive is it?

I also think it's really cool that it's such a new school, but I'm also wondering how different that makes it? Have you found that it has made anything easier/harder than you expected?

[uci2013]

Congrats to everyone who got in today!!! I'm a 2L and happy to answer any questions if you have them. Hope to see most of you in the fall.

Thanks! I'm just wondering, what's it like living in the area? Where do most of the law students live, and how expensive is it?

I also think it's really cool that it's such a new school, but I'm also wondering how different that makes it? Have you found that it has made anything easier/harder than you expected?

In regard to what it is like living in the area, more specific questions might help. I would guess more than half the students live on campus, as I do. I am in Verano Place and it takes me less than 10 minutes to walk to class. There is some on campus housing that is more like a 20-25 minute walk and some of those students choose to drive and park rather than walk it (law books are pretty heavy). There are lots of apartments nearby if you have pets and want to live off campus, and one group if students rented an amazing apartment near the beach in Newport. On campus there are the truly subsidized apartments that rent for around $500-$600 a bedroom, and some apartments that are for profit, furnished, but are considered below market (although you can do better on your own if you want to) - those are around $900-$1100 a bedroom but have more amenities. Off campus one bedroom apts range from $1200-$1600/mo and 2 bedrooms range from $1700-$2200 a month or so, and you can do better than that if you are willing to live in Costa Mesa or Tustin. We have some students who commute from South County (Dana Point area), San Diego, Riverside and LA - I don't recommend commuting but others don't mind it so it's a personal choice.

It is rather suburban - pluses being the typical suburban pluses, negatives being the typical suburban negatives. I think the biggest negative to being suburban is a lack of externship opportunities within walking distance. So if you don't have a car it might be hard to get the experiences you want, unless you find another student with a car who you can carpool with. But it is a good place to focus on law school for 3 years, and everyone here is really friendly and supportive. And there is something to be said for being able to walk home at night without any fear - Irvine is super safe.

The newness of the school has been more a plus than a minus so far. You have the ability to help shape the school. However, that does mean a lot more work, as you have to help make things happen if you want them. The small class size means great access to professors, to student services, to career services, etc. There are some negatives - there are fewer upper level classes available than at some schools because as of right now there are only about 150 of us enrolling in them instead of 500+ that is typical in most schools. That being said, I haven't had an issue finding classes to take - but some students have found the offerings sparse in their areas of interest. And it would be nice to have more of a student lounge/student center than we have. I think we are quickly outgrowing our student lounge space. But the weather is really nice in So Cal and the Courtyard serves as a gathering place as well.

You do lack an alumni network - that hasn't been an issue in terms of finding jobs, I don't think. But where it hurts is you lack the reviews of summer jobs from past interns for many positions you might be interested in. This will be better for your class as you will have access to 3 classes who have done 1L internships and by the tie you are 2Ls who have done OCI and will even have some alumni contacts.

Really, the only thing I would want to change if I could is to take UC Irvine and place it in a more urban setting - but that is a personal preference thing. And if doing so would change the atmosphere here, then I would keep the school right here in OC. The best thing about UCI is the people. My classmates are amazing, with diverse experiences and are really kind, helpful, and enthusiastic. The vibe is special. And I really hope that continues to be the case.

[American_in_China]

Still nothing on my front. Congrats to everyone that got accepted. I wonder if it's too early to write a LOCI (yes I know it is).

[Green Glass Windows]

@uci2013 Thanks for all the great info! Sounds like there are lots of housing choices and whatnot, and those are some aspects of a new school I hadn't considered. I've definitely got a lot to think about. It sounds like a great place though!

[chrisk]

I'm excited about getting accepted today, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable footing the 45-55k/year bill. I looked at the website and didn't really see a lot in terms of scholarships aside from need based which I'm not sure I'll get much of. I don't really know much about the scholarship/aid process for state schools. Does anyone know what kind of aid, if any, you can expect going to UCI, UC Davis etc.?

[joetheplumber]

yea, any news on the scholarship front? Sucks to be a fourth year. At least 3rd year got 33% off. Do we at least get 25%

[skitlets]

yea, any news on the scholarship front? Sucks to be a fourth year. At least 3rd year got 33% off. Do we at least get 25%

There's no blanket scholarship like there were for previous classes. I do think 15-20 students will be given a full ride.

On that note, did anyone receive scholarship information in their email? Mine was a plain acceptance. When I spoke to Janice at the West Coast law fair, she did say that scholarships would be sent along with acceptances. I'm hoping the official mail packet will bring more good news.

[shumon]

yea, any news on the scholarship front? Sucks to be a fourth year. At least 3rd year got 33% off. Do we at least get 25%

There's no blanket scholarship like there were for previous classes. I do think 15-20 students will be given a full ride.

On that note, did anyone receive scholarship information in their email? Mine was a plain acceptance. When I spoke to Janice at the West Coast law fair, she did say that scholarships would be sent along with acceptances. I'm hoping the official mail packet will bring more good news.

My acceptance email did not include any scholarship information as well.
The email did say over the next few weeks/months i ll hear more from them. I guess we ll hear about the scholarships then? or maybe like you said, our official acceptance letter might have something about scholarships.

[chrisk]

^ I sure hope so! A solid scholarship would definitely move UCI up my list!

[btw384]

Admitted via email! So, so excited.

This shakes up my application cycle quite a bit.

[horrorbusiness]

more acceptances are going out today! just heard from a friend.

got admitted via email yesterday, and got my snail mail acceptance letter today. no scholly info - it said that financial information is forthcoming and should arrive soon.

[BigJohnso]

Submitted my withdrawal yesterday (got into chi ED), got an email back saying they were about to send me acceptance. Looks like more going out today!! Good luck all!

[paulshortys10]

more acceptances are going out today! just heard from a friend.

got admitted via email yesterday, and got my snail mail acceptance letter today. no scholly info - it said that financial information is forthcoming and should arrive soon.

And if you don't know now you know niggggaaahhh

Some money and a good placement in the new rankings should convince me to choose UCI over the other schools on my list that haven't even looked at me yet.

[Beachbum89]

Finally got my acceptance letter today after getting the admit email almost three weeks ago. No scholarship info in the letter so hopefully that comes later as the thought of attending any UC law school without a scholarship scares me after the ridiculous tuition increases I've experienced as an undergrad at UCI.

[ionoiforgot]

So...I've been in review for more than 6 weeks I believe; they received my CAS report on 11/02 and already had a "YES" for my other documents. Should I bug them with a LOCI?

Congrats by the way to all those accepted!

[Beachbum89]

So...I've been in review for more than 6 weeks I believe; they received my CAS report on 11/02 and already had a "YES" for my other documents. Should I bug them with a LOCI?

Congrats by the way to all those accepted!

When I took a tour with an admissions rep in November she said a few decisions would go out before the holidays but not to expect one until the new year.

[joetheplumber]

Also got my acceptance letter today. No mention on scholarship. Also hoping they will send it later.

[coldshoulder]

Does UCI not do status checkers? I never received one.

[Green Glass Windows]

Does UCI not do status checkers? I never received one.

No, they said something about status checkers being too impersonal or something. I just got the complete email and then the admit email.

[American_in_China]

Does UCI not do status checkers? I never received one.

No, they said something about status checkers being too impersonal or something. I just got the complete email and then the admit email.

I like that about them; prevents me from status checking like a nutjob lol. Plus, Irvine gives a definite time frame- 4 to 6 weeks after complete they will have told you. So I got to chill for a month. Now I'm starting to get worried, lol.

[eleventhnight]

^ I sure hope so! A solid scholarship would definitely move UCI up my list!

Same here. Definitely waiting to hear back with the scholarship offer haha

[soitgoes9]

I'm excited to have gotten into Irvine; its nice to have an option in California.
Two questions for anyone who may be more in the know then me: I am interested in PI does anyone know about loan repayment assistance, I found mention of it on the website but I did not see any details on how it works.
Secondly, How much is there to do in Irvine I've lived in cities for years how much is there to do in Irvine, in terms of live music, cheep international food, ect.
Any information would be helpful--thanks!

[paulshortys10]

I'm excited to have gotten into Irvine; its nice to have an option in California.
Two questions for anyone who may be more in the know then me: I am interested in PI does anyone know about loan repayment assistance, I found mention of it on the website but I did not see any details on how it works.
Secondly, How much is there to do in Irvine I've lived in cities for years how much is there to do in Irvine, in terms of live music, cheep international food, ect.
Any information would be helpful--thanks!

Irvine is completely dead.

[sancher1]

Irvine is completely dead.

As an ug senior at UCI I can say there's some truth behind that. A 10 min drive fixes this. Newport / Huntington beach nightlife is fun.