NU Apps '11-'12 - Good Luck Hold Candidates!!!! <3 Forum

[tmon]

I came for the pictures of Chicago food. Didn't find those, but this is amazing info, crumps. Good luck to all you guys applying!

My only advice is that if you want scholarship money, you have to do the financial aid essay. I didn't do it because I was like "pffffffff, surely that's not required." Yeah, no scholarship for me. Ah well.

I'm not seeing where this essay is asked for. Any link or more info on where the prompt is?

[Samara]

I've been justifying my procrastination by the CPEs not being currently released for 2012, but that's no excuse. Oddly, the CPE form is up for the accelerated JD application. It's the same form, right? I didn't see anything specific to the accelerated program.

?? Isn't the CPE form like the LOR form for LSAC in that it's not dated to one single cycle (for example, you don't have to wait for applications to open in order to give your LOR the correct form because it's always the same)? If so, there is an online version and a pdf version (LinkRemoved) available already on the NU blog.

Yeah, I figure the online version is easiest. Can recommenders complete the online form now even though apps aren't available yet?

[d34d9823]

I came for the pictures of Chicago food. Didn't find those, but this is amazing info, crumps. Good luck to all you guys applying!

My only advice is that if you want scholarship money, you have to do the financial aid essay. I didn't do it because I was like "pffffffff, surely that's not required." Yeah, no scholarship for me. Ah well.

I'm not seeing where this essay is asked for. Any link or more info on where the prompt is?

They'll send you that info when you get in.

[crumpetsandtea]

For tmon -- [from the NU blog]

...First and foremost, please continue to be aware that the CPE is an optional submission, which is accepted in lieu of any letters of recommendation. Now that we've cleared that up...

...The truth: you can pretty much submit whatever you want to us, but we prefer the CPE. However, if you have an awesome LOR and you feel your application just wouldn't be complete without it, then go ahead and send it. Though please be aware that we will NOT be holding applications as incomplete for either CPEs or LORs, as both are now optional components. Translation: build in time for submission, otherwise your application may be reviewed without it....

AKA, no you don't have to have an LOR, but if you leave it off and still want some sort of recommendation on your file you MUST utilize the CPE. Also this is for the 2010-2011 cycle clearly.

For Samara--

I already asked my current employer to fill out the online version and she's completed it. You can call and ask them though, to be sure. Hopefully they're taking them...it would be strange if they weren't, considering that the cycle is starting and it's a questionnaire, so it's impossible to ask someone to fill it out without the actual form, unlike a letter that the LOR drafts on their own.

[JamMasterJ]

Mmmmmmmmmm. Now I want a dog smothered in ketchup for lunch.

Ketchup does not belong on hot dogs

Okay, this is Indianapolis, not Chicago, but it's the best hot dog you can have! (Pictured: pretzel dog)

I'm in Indy. Where can I get one of those?

[Eichörnchen]

For tmon -- [from the NU blog]

...First and foremost, please continue to be aware that the CPE is an optional submission, which is accepted in lieu of any letters of recommendation. Now that we've cleared that up...

...The truth: you can pretty much submit whatever you want to us, but we prefer the CPE. However, if you have an awesome LOR and you feel your application just wouldn't be complete without it, then go ahead and send it. Though please be aware that we will NOT be holding applications as incomplete for either CPEs or LORs, as both are now optional components. Translation: build in time for submission, otherwise your application may be reviewed without it....

AKA, no you don't have to have an LOR, but if you leave it off and still want some sort of recommendation on your file you MUST utilize the CPE. Also this is for the 2010-2011 cycle clearly.

For Samara--

I already asked my current employer to fill out the online version and she's completed it. You can call and ask them though, to be sure. Hopefully they're taking them...it would be strange if they weren't, considering that the cycle is starting and it's a questionnaire, so it's impossible to ask someone to fill it out without the actual form, unlike a letter that the LOR drafts on their own.

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

[rinkrat19]

I came for the pictures of Chicago food. Didn't find those, but this is amazing info, crumps. Good luck to all you guys applying!

My only advice is that if you want scholarship money, you have to do the financial aid essay. I didn't do it because I was like "pffffffff, surely that's not required." Yeah, no scholarship for me. Ah well.

I'm not seeing where this essay is asked for. Any link or more info on where the prompt is?

You don't get the prompt for the scholly essays until later. They are NOT required to go along with your application. In fact, you get emailed a totally separate URL where you sign in and submit your essays.

From the 2011 admitted student site:

Applying for Financial Aid - JD Candidates

Financial aid at Northwestern Law takes many forms, including scholarships, grants, and loans. You absolutely must apply for financial aid in order to be considered for any kind of financial assistance, including scholarships or grants. All of our scholarships/grants are awarded on a combined basis of need and merit, so if you do not submit a financial aid application, you will never be considered for a scholarship. There are 3 components to a complete financial aid application:

• A 2011-2012 Need Access application (available online after January 2, 2011)
• Scholarship and Grant Supplemental Application *
• A 2011-2012 FAFSA (our school code is 001739)

* The essay questions posed in the Scholarship and Grant Supplemental Application are as follows:

Please describe in detail how Northwestern Law will uniquely help you reach your short-term and long-term career goals. (300-500 words)
Northwestern Law administers an extensive program of scholarships and grants, all of which are awarded on a combined basis of merit and financial need. Please assess your position for merit aid and discuss your financial need for aid. (300-500 words)

The deadline for submitting your complete financial aid application is March 1 at 5 pm CST, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will consider you for scholarship/grant assistance once we have received both your Need Access application and your Scholarship and Grant Supplemental Application. We do not need your FAFSA for scholarship consideration, but we cannot give you a complete financial aid package (which includes loan funding options) until we receive your FAFSA. If you complete your financial aid application by the March 1 deadline, we will provide you with a preliminary aid package before the April 30 tuition deposit deadline.

For further information and instructions on applying for financial aid, please view the Admitted Student Financial Aid Email, our FAQs on financial aid, and the Tuition and Financial Aid website.

Obviously I don't know if the essay prompts will change for this year.

[Xifeng]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

[Samara]

Mmmmmmmmmm. Now I want a dog smothered in ketchup for lunch.

Ketchup does not belong on hot dogs

Okay, this is Indianapolis, not Chicago, but it's the best hot dog you can have! (Pictured: pretzel dog)

I'm in Indy. Where can I get one of those?

They are downtown on Pennsylvania between Market and Washington. They are also at the airport if you're ever flying out of Indy. My favorite is the Boom Boom Dog. It's not on the permanent menu, but they still make them. It's a dog with a fried egg and shredded cheddar cheese. I add salsa, sport peppers and hot sauce. It's amaaaaaaaazing.

[tmon]

Thanks luk and crumps. Seems like one CPE plus one or two LORs makes sense for me, and the office doesn't seem to be too picky about what they receive, so that works.

[tmon]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

The "print selected" option on here is actually really helpful. I'm planning on printing that into PDF and adding to it basically.

[Samara]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

This. I made a spreadsheet that has been very helpful in keeping all the requirements straight and keeping track of when I've completed all the school-specific tweaks. I also made a spreadsheet and custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings. But then again, I'm a spreadsheet nerd.

[crumpetsandtea]

The "print selected" option on here

What is this magical sounding thing you speak of.

[Eichörnchen]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

Good idea. I suck at making spreadsheets but I will give it my best shot

[tmon]

Ooops. Print selected option HERE: --LinkRemoved--

[Xifeng]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

This. I made a spreadsheet that has been very helpful in keeping all the requirements straight and keeping track of when I've completed all the school-specific tweaks. I also made a spreadsheet and custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings. But then again, I'm a spreadsheet nerd.

I feel that we would be friends <3

[crumpetsandtea]

custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings.

Interested to hear what this entails.

[rinkrat19]

custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings.

Interested to hear what this entails.

Square footage of library?

[Samara]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

This. I made a spreadsheet that has been very helpful in keeping all the requirements straight and keeping track of when I've completed all the school-specific tweaks. I also made a spreadsheet and custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings. But then again, I'm a spreadsheet nerd.

I feel that we would be friends <3

We'll be the founding members of the spreadsheet club. "Where happiness is quantified."

[freestallion]

custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings.

Interested to hear what this entails.

Square footage of library?

comfort level of library chairs?

[Eichörnchen]

Thanks for the good info Crumps. Am I the only one who is deathly afraid that I am going to mix something up or forget something at some point in the apps process?

I suggest making a spreadsheet/googledoc about it so you can keep everything straight, especially for schools like NU that require different things that other schools don't.

This. I made a spreadsheet that has been very helpful in keeping all the requirements straight and keeping track of when I've completed all the school-specific tweaks. I also made a spreadsheet and custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings. But then again, I'm a spreadsheet nerd.

Teach me your ways.

[UnamSanctam]

Do you have any supervisors from UG? I had my current employer fill one out, then I'm going to ask a firm I interned for 2 summers at during college, and then a supervisor of mine from a non-profit I was involved in for 3/4 years of UG. So only 2 of them are actual 'employers' and only 1 is FT work, but I think it still counts because they were able to see me in a work setting and got a sense of what my work ethic/career goals were.

Also, just to remind everyone, it is optional.

The only FT job I ever had was working for the Department of Natural Resources. It was a summer job, but it was 40 hours/week. Still, it was only from May-Aug, and the supervisor will never, ever write anything for me to help me out. Harry Potter and Voldemort saw eye-to-eye better.

You didn't do any internships in undergrad? Any extra-curriculars where you worked under a supervisor, like student government or a non profit or volunteer shelter or something? It doesn't have to be FT or for a whole year, it just has to be someone who saw you in a work-like instead of academic setting.

I have nothing.

[Samara]

Oh man, I'm about to feel like a mega-nerd, but here goes:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub ... utput=html

The first sheet is my chart for application materials, the other three sheets are for my personal rankings. Unfortunately, Google didn't preserve the graph in the conversion, but the schools are sorted by weighted ranking. Also, I made my rankings while I was still a TLS noob, so if I were to redo them now, I would probably eliminate "Field of Study" since I now know that it's essentially irrelevant for me. For others though, I'm sure it would hold some weight.

[Samara]

custom formula for calculating my own personal school rankings.

Interested to hear what this entails.

Square footage of library?

comfort level of library chairs?

Of course! Cooley is #1 in my book!

[JamMasterJ]

Samara, this is a sweet spreadsheet. I am such a nerd. I just posted "sweet spreadsheet"