Top Law Schools

Haven't seen this thread yet so I thought I'd start it. I would def consider going depending if they give me money. Applied in November.

Don't you have to write one or two specific essays just for Vermont...

As I recall they don't just take your normal PS.

I'm in 1st review as of 12/7.

You do have to write two specific essays for Vermont, and you can also write a third optional one.

I'm not applying to Vermont, but I live there. If anyone has quality of life questions etc. I'd be happy to answer them.

In first review as of 12/14.

Good luck guys.

I am in final review as of 1/7. Does anyone know how long it takes between final review and receiving a decision on your file?

Rc1210 wrote:I am in final review as of 1/7. Does anyone know how long it takes between final review and receiving a decision on your file?

I have the same status. I actually visited a little while ago, and the admissions counselor I spoke with explained the whole process. He said that you have a 1st review, and then go to final review to finalize the decision made in 1st review. You can also go into committee review if the initial person who reviewed your application was not able to make a decision based on your numbers/essays. So basically, if you're in final review you should be getting a decision soon because one has already been made.

I actually want to apply here. Are they good with the $$$?

Based off of LSN it seems so. But then again, I haven't been able to tell if the scholarships are contingent on anything.

thanks clr. The waiting is killing me at this point. To those who are considering Vermont, are you thinking about doing a joint-degree?

Not applying to VLS but I am from the area...live 15 miles down the road from the school. If you have any questions about Vermont, PM me.

Looking forward to hearing back about this. Went complete on the 10th. Got their cute little booklet in the mail this weekend with 100 reasons to attend VLS and it got me a bit excited.

Just a question about the review process for those who received a decision. What is the time frame for "Final Review" after switching from "First Review"? It says a decision will be rendered shortly, but we all know how admissions offices have a different definition of "shortly" than applicants do!

I was admitted on Monday (1/24) and I was changed to "final review" on 1/8. So, apparently, it can take a while.

Rc1210 wrote:I was admitted on Monday (1/24) and I was changed to "final review" on 1/8. So, apparently, it can take a while.

Ah I see, thanks for the info! I will relax on the hourly status check-ups then.

I have currently narrowed my choices to VLS and Loyola University. I am interested in Environmental Law, which gives VLS a big plus over Loyola, but my issue with VLS is the location. I lived in a country setting in Ohio before and hated it. I get to bored in isolated locations. Should I still go to VLS because of the great Environmental Law program there? Any suggestions on my decision?

P.S. Visited Loyola University but not VLS yet

hanthorn79 wrote:I have currently narrowed my choices to VLS and Loyola University. I am interested in Environmental Law, which gives VLS a big plus over Loyola, but my issue with VLS is the location. I lived in a country setting in Ohio before and hated it. I get to bored in isolated locations. Should I still go to VLS because of the great Environmental Law program there? Any suggestions on my decision?

I live pretty close to Vermont. Some areas aren't bad, but VLS is as isolated as you can get. There really is NOTHING out there, and if you want to get to civilization you have to drive for about a half hour. I would definitely recommend visiting it to see if you think you could live there for 3 years.

clr2277 wrote:

hanthorn79 wrote:I have currently narrowed my choices to VLS and Loyola University. I am interested in Environmental Law, which gives VLS a big plus over Loyola, but my issue with VLS is the location. I lived in a country setting in Ohio before and hated it. I get to bored in isolated locations. Should I still go to VLS because of the great Environmental Law program there? Any suggestions on my decision?

I live pretty close to Vermont. Some areas aren't bad, but VLS is as isolated as you can get. There really is NOTHING out there, and if you want to get to civilization you have to drive for about a half hour. I would definitely recommend visiting it to see if you think you could live there for 3 years.

Is March a good time to Visit? I plan visiting the school and the surrounding area for 3 or 4 days to get a good feel for living there. I guess the school is 27 miles from a traffic light...wow! South Royalton has to be a little different than normal small town life because of the law school.

VLS is very rural -tiny town 2-3 bars/restaurants- but if you don't mind driving it's not a bad location, 20-30 minutes south to Hanover where Dartmouth is, 30 minutes north to Montpelier and about an hour north to Burlington. I live near Hanover and have friends who live 45 minutes away and we'll still get together for dinner, I'm just used to driving the distances.

I live 10 minutes from VLS. It's not that bad. If you hate living in rural areas it will be tough for you, but saying that there's nothing to do is inaccurate. Do you like to ski? Snowboard? Hike? Canoe? Kayak? There are plenty of outdoor activities. Hanover and Lebanon, New Hampshire have enough bars for you to find something to do. Hop on the interstate and it's 20-25 minutes. And it actually DOES get more isolated than VLS so don't be misled. If you care about environmental law, that is the place to be. Burlington's an hour and 15 minutes away, Boston is two...you could make it work if you wanted to.

Great information comrades. Thank you. One more thing: What is the nearest airport and train station to VLS?

If you can deal with small planes you can fly into Lebanon although it's a little more expensive the Burlington, our major airport, amtrack stops in White River, not sure where there other stops are. I would bet VLS's website has a getting there page that has more info then I do! When I fly out of the area I look at BTV, LEB, MHT, and even BDL although thats quite a drive

I've been in 1st review since 1/10 and I am getting sooo bored with seeing that status everytime I check it!

VLS interests me very much, given it's admission numbers, I have always wondered why it's ranked so low. Possibly because VT is a tiny market and the law school is not associated with a bigger school... pity.

Would anyone be considering the joint degree programs?

http://www.vermontlaw.edu/Academics/Deg ... of_Law.htm

http://www.vermontlaw.edu/Academics/Deg ... ngland.htm

1st review 1/10 , final review 2/14