0L Ladies - Female C/O 2019 Applicants Forum

[Scalvert]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

Bags: Something relatively plain, leather if you like, NO LOGOS (they're alienating. If it's something small like the Kate Spade logo, I think you're fine, but don't go for a LV or something with Coach stamped all over it). Also, go for a darker/more neutral color.

PS. It might be worth getting a pair of flats too--you can keep them in your bag and switch shoes (before you walk into an interview or anything) so you're not running around in heels all day.

I can't afford Kate Spade, much less LV so I was in no danger of making that mistake! I ended up buying a Nine West tote (on sale!) http://m.macys.com/shop/product/nine-we ... ryID=66126

[texasellewoods]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

Bags: Something relatively plain, leather if you like, NO LOGOS (they're alienating. If it's something small like the Kate Spade logo, I think you're fine, but don't go for a LV or something with Coach stamped all over it). Also, go for a darker/more neutral color.

PS. It might be worth getting a pair of flats too--you can keep them in your bag and switch shoes (before you walk into an interview or anything) so you're not running around in heels all day.

I can't afford Kate Spade, much less LV so I was in no danger of making that mistake! I ended up buying a Nine West tote (on sale!) http://m.macys.com/shop/product/nine-we ... ryID=66126

Kate Spade actually has some great sales online, up to 70% off their purses! I have a large leather tote from them for about $200 that I adore and I got two cross bodies for friends' christmas presents this year for like $80 each. Obviously still pricy, but much better than their full prices if you want to treat yourself I'm also SUPER into the target knock off purses, all of the class with none of the cash

As for work purses, I have a black MK cross body thats held up wonderfully. structured leather, small gold details but nothing crazy, subtle logo. Holds wallet, phone, keys, glasses, chapstick but not much else. Used it for a financial internship with a black leather folder to hold papers (highly recommend these for interviews). For my summer internship I used a white tote from Francescas to hold my laptop and folder. Not the nicest, but was appropriate for the casual workplace I was in.

Basically, I think its most appropriate to match the style of the office. Interviews, big law jobs, and PD offices will all have very different vibes, so just try to match what others have! Then when you make partner buy yourself a Judith Leiber

[texasellewoods]

checking in (after stalking basically all of this thread)

I have a super slow last semester (KJDs, hi) after the busiest one ever in the fall + apps. So currently online (window) shopping that Christmas money into upgrades for a more "big-girl" wardrobe. Old work wear posts from the blog Extra Petite are great for business casual, even if you're non-petite I'd recommend.

Also, in instances where coordination is needed urgently, Target. Target flats. Target heels. Target bags. In Target we trust.

Going back to the female friendships thing - are any of y'all in sororities? How is that viewed in admissions/in the law school environment?

Yesssss! Of course its another Elle Woods username. Especially relevant to the wardrobe consideration- extracurricular and even casual class wear is a big difference from that UG life at a very Greek school... Cherishing my leggings and XL tee shirts while there's still time. I was very involved too and its prominent in my resume; I'm certain some will scoff in judgement but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

ugh yes I commiserate so hard. I'm trying to wean myself off lulu before I get swallowed in student debt haha.
Were you exec/pan or a fun position? I never held an official position but lived for rush

[3pianists]

At the schools I've interviewed I've asked each of them whether they consider the school to be a supportive environment for women

Were you the one who suggested this question originally? I was just about to start combing this thread in search of that post, because I've asked it in every interview and campus visit and love the conversations it's started. So thanks!

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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[Hildegard15]

At the schools I've interviewed I've asked each of them whether they consider the school to be a supportive environment for women

Were you the one who suggested this question originally? I was just about to start combing this thread in search of that post, because I've asked it in every interview and campus visit and love the conversations it's started. So thanks!

Yep that was me! Back before I nuked all my posts. I'm so glad you've found it helpful!

[clurrburr]

ugh yes I commiserate so hard. I'm trying to wean myself off lulu before I get swallowed in student debt haha.
Were you exec/pan or a fun position? I never held an official position but lived for rush

Elected position just below exec, so fun. Considerable responsibility/influence but without having to be on exec, which, god, no. Pour one out for the pan girls managing rush who try to communicate how massive of an undertaking it is!

Yay other sorority girls! Haha I almost made my username an Elle woods reference too (what like its hard?) I was on exec for two years so it was def a huge part of my college experience. I have two years WE so that prob balances it out, but my strategy has always been to talk it up. As silly as it can be perceived I always talk about the legit skills I got from being in a sorority/having a serious and demanding leadership position. If a law school takes me less seriously because of it then I probably don't want to be there anyway. Also an old boss who's had an amazing legal career told me he likes to see job applicants who have high GPAs but were also in Greek Life, since it indicates they're probably well rounded and sociable. (Sassy hair flip emoji)

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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[lebongenre]

Another sorority girl here! I was super involved in UG and it's pretty much my only EC/leadership and was fairly prominent in my app. So far, my cycle's going well, and it became a really positive conversation point in one of my interviews. Hopefully, the law schools keep showing us Greeks love

[jumbo2016]

Also in a sorority!! Social chair for a year, which isnt actually on exec for us but easily the most involved non-exec cabinet position so-much-so that I attended exec meetings anyway. I talk about it at a lot of interviews because it involved planning events for over 300 people and managing a huge budget, and lots of problem solving(like the time the buses didn't show up for formal that was great.) One of my law school interviewers specifically mentioned it as a reason for me being considered for merit based awards. Also considering the numbers of CEOs and legislators that were involved in Greek life, it can't be something that hurts your resume. You might be interviewing with a sister!

[slippin_jimmy]

Also in a sorority! I mostly shirked responsibility, worked on philanthropies, etc.

[lebongenre]

Also in a sorority!! Social chair for a year, which isnt actually on exec for us but easily the most involved non-exec cabinet position so-much-so that I attended exec meetings anyway. I talk about it at a lot of interviews because it involved planning events for over 300 people and managing a huge budget, and lots of problem solving(like the time the buses didn't show up for formal that was great.) One of my law school interviewers specifically mentioned it as a reason for me being considered for merit based awards. Also considering the numbers of CEOs and legislators that were involved in Greek life, it can't be something that hurts your resume. You might be interviewing with a sister!

Ahh that bolded is such a great point! I had never thought of that until one of my interviewers mentioned that she was in a sorority, too

[slippin_jimmy]

At the schools I've interviewed I've asked each of them whether they consider the school to be a supportive environment for women

Were you the one who suggested this question originally? I was just about to start combing this thread in search of that post, because I've asked it in every interview and campus visit and love the conversations it's started. So thanks!

Yep that was me! Back before I nuked all my posts. I'm so glad you've found it helpful!

I've also tried to make it a point to ask - I totally agree, you can tell a lot about a school by how they respond, IMO.

[texasellewoods]

At the schools I've interviewed I've asked each of them whether they consider the school to be a supportive environment for women

Were you the one who suggested this question originally? I was just about to start combing this thread in search of that post, because I've asked it in every interview and campus visit and love the conversations it's started. So thanks!

Yep that was me! Back before I nuked all my posts. I'm so glad you've found it helpful!

I ask it too!! Thanks hilde <3

[RedWhite&Blonde]

checking in (after stalking basically all of this thread)

I have a super slow last semester (KJDs, hi) after the busiest one ever in the fall + apps. So currently online (window) shopping that Christmas money into upgrades for a more "big-girl" wardrobe. Old work wear posts from the blog Extra Petite are great for business casual, even if you're non-petite I'd recommend.

Also, in instances where coordination is needed urgently, Target. Target flats. Target heels. Target bags. In Target we trust.

Going back to the female friendships thing - are any of y'all in sororities? How is that viewed in admissions/in the law school environment?

Yesssss! Of course its another Elle Woods username. Especially relevant to the wardrobe consideration- extracurricular and even casual class wear is a big difference from that UG life at a very Greek school... Cherishing my leggings and XL tee shirts while there's still time. I was very involved too and its prominent in my resume; I'm certain some will scoff in judgement but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

ugh yes I commiserate so hard. I'm trying to wean myself off lulu before I get swallowed in student debt haha.
Were you exec/pan or a fun position? I never held an official position but lived for rush

Also Elle Woods username and in a sorority. Our recruitment starts today. And I was on exec! Not saying which position (PM me if you want to know) because that would out me.

[jumbo2016]

checking in (after stalking basically all of this thread)

I have a super slow last semester (KJDs, hi) after the busiest one ever in the fall + apps. So currently online (window) shopping that Christmas money into upgrades for a more "big-girl" wardrobe. Old work wear posts from the blog Extra Petite are great for business casual, even if you're non-petite I'd recommend.

Also, in instances where coordination is needed urgently, Target. Target flats. Target heels. Target bags. In Target we trust.

Just saw this and wanna say I totally feel it (the bolded). I'm done with being social chair, done with apps, quit my on-campus job (worked for the call center it SUCKKED. I'm gonna babysit this semester) and I'm only taking two classes to save money. I don't even know what I'm gonna do with myself. I'm a rho gamma so I don't even have recruitment practices and stuff.

[texasellewoods]

So so happy to see all my greek sisters <3 don't want to list the name of mine on a forum but HINT HINT we love dolphins

[clurrburr]

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[jumbo2016]

Haha we like to fly kites

AHHH same

[clurrburr]

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[nervousfirsttimer]

Is it possible that women have a small admissions advantage at schools that have a higher percentage of men?

[jumbo2016]

Is it possible that women have a small admissions advantage at schools that have a higher percentage of men?

I've read on here that there's no boost for being female even though at most top schools women are underrepresented. IDK how true that is

[Hildegard15]

Is it possible that women have a small admissions advantage at schools that have a higher percentage of men?

I've read on here that there's no boost for being female even though at most top schools women are underrepresented. IDK how true that is

I'm inclined to agree with what Jumbo mentioned. It doesn't seem like schools care too much about having women be underrepresented.

[Draconem]

We like Christmas colors and lyres.

P.S. Hi, everyone.

[ouais_ouais]

No PD love ITT?

New here and PD is all I want. The poll was closed by the time I found this amazing thread though