IOWA 2012 Forum

[brupe]

Didn't see a thread for this yet. I applied yesterday. Now the waiting begins.

[typ3]

Blek was just compiling a thread for this in word to make a post but hadn't finished it yet. I'll just reserve this post and make it. I'll finish it this weekend once I get my memo done.

On behalf of fellow Iowa TLSers welcome to the Iowa 2012 applicant and admission thread.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, student life, or want a picture / video of something at Iowa feel free to contact me or fellow TLS user Chrisbru or any of the other Iowa student's you'll inevitably find on this thread.


http://www.law.uiowa.edu/videotour.php



Picture compliments of TLS user theothertiffany

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Iowa Law at a glance

2011 Entering Class
*NOTE* Class sizes at Iowa have decreased 15% in the last three years as a response to the economy. This has done two things. 1.) Students have to compete with each other for employment less. 2.) Student sections have decreased leading to more individualized attention and more resources available per student.

• 180 JD Candidates
• 60% men
• 40% women
• 18% minorities
• 51% residents
• 49% nonresidents
• 3.64 median GPA
• 161 median LSAT (75th percentile 164) (25th Percentile 157)
• Age range from 21 to 43 Average age (24)
• Representing 32 states and foreign countries
• Representing 91 undergraduate institutions
• #1 Ranked Law Library ( http://www.arl.org/index.shtml )
• #6th Largest Law Library by volumes
• Oldest law school west of the Mississippi River (1865)

Application Cycle at Iowa


Student Life At Iowa

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Samham22:
“ Iowa City as a town-- Great downtown. Bars and restaurants galore (I love Hamburg Inn for breakfast [Clinton, Obama, etc. have all eaten there] and 126 for lunch/dinner). Some neat nature parks (ie Lake McBride, Hickory Hill park). Great sense of community and very close knit (although that does tend to get annoying...local politics remind me of High School immaturity). Great coffee shops downtown as well. We have the caucaus (spelling?) here as well for primaries/elections and such so If you are interested in politics that is always a fun time. Weather wise---the ultimate four seasons...hott, humid summers (iowa river), picture perfect autumn/fall (Late Sept.-Late Oct. only though), horrendous icy, snowy, unbelievably cold winters, and gorgeous (yet humid) springs...Ive only been to NY in the summer so I can't compare totally here.

Iowa Law-- Top 30 law school. New building (Boyd) and great facilities. Education wise, great school...especially for legal writing. The professors are top notch (Herbert Hovenkamp might be the best anti-trust guy in the country...pretty sure he worked on the Microsoft case in the late 90's...I grew up with his son and remember that going on...vaguely). Great study abroad programs and overall the staff is very friendly (midwestern politeness at the least). The library is huge and new. Overall, U of I campus is very nice. I've been there several times and have multiple friends who attend there. I've gotten mixed reviews from them in terms of how much they like it. A few despise it and hate the difficult curve. The competition is stiff (but isnt it at all law schools? especially t30s?)

Random-- My two favorite things about Iowa City/U of I are this: tailgating and the women. Tailgating here is unlike anywhere else in the big ten...even Michigan or OSU (ive been to both for games)...it has to be one of the top in the country. It is intense from 4 am until way past game time. There is the magic school bus among several other activities. Iowa football alone is amazing. As for the women, I'm not sure if its all the good lookin' small town Iowa farm girls come here, or if its some midwestern beauty charm, or all the hottttt Chicago suburb girls that come here because they cant get into Illinois but there is something about this place that brings together some of the hottest women I've ever seen. And I've been to 6 different countries and nearly every state in the US. So I dont know how much time you'll have for football and chasing girls (since you know, you will be in law school and all) but if you like either of those ideas...well then Iowa is for you.”


Housing
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Most students choose to live within walking distance to the law building. However, it should be noted that if you choose to have a dog during law school you will have to live further away from campus. A good site to assist you with finding housing that accommodates pets is http://www.padmapper.com . Iowa City / Coralville is small enough that you will be fine living off campus and commuting. The furthest areas from campus are at most a 10 to 15 minute drive. A lot of students live along Benton Street, either at Seville, Benton Manor, Carriage Hill or the small apartment complexes available. Myrtle Grove is the closest apartment complex to the law school. It should be noted that the apartments and houses closer to the law school do tend to be dated so do your research if you have asthma / mold allergies that you don't get into a unit that will give you fits during your stay.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

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Many students do receive financial aid. A good way of predicting whether or not you will receive merit aid is by looking at your index score.

Univ. Iowa Index Calculation:
(LSAT*.876) + (GPA*9.621) -.407 = Index
Maximum 195.77
GPA % 19.62

Taken from Iowa 2011 Thread---

Typ3:
I'm guessing everyone Chica and above will receive or has received a full tuition merit scholarship.

I'll predict that elaman and chrissyc will both pick up full tuition scholarships given that they're the highest URM candidates on LSN for the cycle. I stopped including candidates after UNC as the rest had LSAT's of 166 and lower and thus their index numbers dropped below what has historically been the minimum in years past for full tuition scholarships. I included Jayman6 in the calculations since he asked earlier about his chances of financial aid.

However, the applicant class at Iowa seems to be very strong this year so I would suggest candidates take these predictions with a grain of salt, but it is a clear reversal of what occurred during last year's cycle where lots of scholarships were thrown out even to lower indexed applicants. This year there is a glut of qualified applicants well over the 75th percentile.

Last Year 27 Full rides were recorded on LSN

Lowest Recorded Index For Full Tuition Merit In Years Past:
2005: 179.8168
2006: 178.83448
2007: 178.10524
2008: 179.8168
2009: 177.79639
2010: 177.67474

rustyjack 174 3.97 190.21237 Likely Withdraw T-14
mcdonrb 177 3.68 190.05028 Withdrawn Full U. Texas
mapes 170 4 186.997 Likely Withdraw T-14
ugbager 171 3.8 185.9488 Withdraw Duke/Chicago T-14
timmeh 171 3.77 185.66017 Withdraw U. Michigan
brom8 171 3.72 185.17912
sentry 172 3.62 185.09302 Withdraw University of Chicago
soviet1 175 3.37 185.31577
patzan21 175 3.34 185.02714
SisyphusHappy 169 3.9 185.1589
vegenator 169 3.83 184.48543
Woodson1 - - - - 184.xxx
germx 167 3.96 183.98416
chica11 167 3.94 183.79174 Likely Automatic Full Scholarship Offers Index 183.7+
=====================================================================================
veritas09 169 3.75 183.71575 Withdraw GULC T-14
melelolo 174 3.25 183.28525 Withdraw GULC T-14
chrissyc 165 4.04 183.00184 URM *** Received automatic full tuition ***
elamann 169 3.6 *** Received automatic full tuition ***
livefreeor 167 3.79 182.34859
stlislovers 167 3.7 181.4827
jendarby 168 3.58 181.20418
ajg212 168 3.54 180.81934
adammac17 169 3.44 180.73324
Rolling Full Scholarship Minimum Cut Off for 2011 (Index Score 180.5+) Will be adjusted as top candidates withdraw
========================================================
unc2011kd 167 3.45 179.07745
chrisbru 171 2.94 177.67474 <--- Splitter likely partial or full. *** Received Full Tuition 'In state student' ***
jayman6 162 3.72 177.29512
brokenwindows 167 3.1 175.7101[/list]

On the Top Third Stipulation:
Trahekat:

"For almost all of the scholarships last year there was a top third requirement, however I do know of one or two people who had no requirement.

As far as how hard it is to stay in the top third, well, it's hard to say. That is like asking how hard is it to do well in law school. The answer is that it is pretty difficult, and even if you work hard there is no guarantee. Almost everyone here works pretty hard, takes stuff seriously, and falls within some category between brilliant and fairly intelligent. That is kind of the big gamble of law school. It is only really worth it to go if you think you will do well, but you really can't guarantee you can do well.

I do estimate (without much evidence, mind you) that generally for almost any law school if you not only study hard, but study "the right way," and are not a complete idiot, you can probably count on being above median. It seems like almost anyone who takes the time to figure out how to actually take a law school exam, in addition to doing all the other obvious stuff, ends up alright."

Typ3:
A great fear of students about scholarships is how many will lose their aid. While I have no way to confirm it, around 25% of scholarship students do lose their scholarship after their first year. The number who manage to retain their scholarship through all three years I would speculate to be about 2/3rds of scholarship students. This may sound terrible, but in comparison to students at other schools this is actually a solid retention rate. A huge bonus at Iowa to other state schools and especially private school is that you can claim instate residency after the first year if you hold an RA or journal position. This drastically cuts down on the price of attending UofI and is a viable alternative for out of state students who attend Iowa without any sort of merit aid. One thing that you do not hear a lot about because of this is upper level scholarships. The ones you have walking into Iowa your first year are likely the only ones you are going to have during your time there.

[chrisbru]

Employment data for class of 2010 (Submitted Feb. 2011)

http://www.law.uiowa.edu/documents/stats_CSO_feb11.pdf

[typ3]

This thread needs more action if it is going to replace Iowa 2011 in my heart. So prospective students start laying it on us.

[chrisbru]

We could just mindlessly banter about all things Hawkeye until people start jumping on the thread. That's what we did to keep the last one alive during dull periods.

Plus, I'm just really over UCC §2-305 right now... I mean, I figured Contracts would be more tricky than this.

[typ3]

Or we can aimlessly provide information.

Tonight I have to read 35 pages. To be fair this is probably an hour and a half worth of work to notate and understand all of it because it is contracts primarily. This is a typical reading load per night first semester for me at least. I don't know what your load is since we only share one professor Bru. Torts and Property are straight forward.

[minnbills]

I'm applying...

[chrisbru]

Or we can aimlessly provide information.

Tonight I have to read 35 pages. To be fair this is probably an hour and a half worth of work to notate and understand all of it because it is contracts primarily. This is a typical reading load per night first semester for me at least. I don't know what your load is since we only share one professor Bru. Torts and Property are straight forward.

Sounds about right. Workload will pick up later in the semester, and sometimes I do some extra time looking over a hornbook or E&E, but it's never unbearable. I still have time to hang out with people, go out during the week for pool or something, and to hit up law review on Thursdays. I do no work on Saturdays, and use Fridays between class and FAC (We're all out at 12:30 at the latest on Fridays) to review anything from the week if I feel I need to.

I'm applying...

Glad to hear it! Let us know if you have any questions.

[typ3]

Sounds about right. Workload will pick up later in the semester, and sometimes I do some extra time looking over a hornbook or E&E, but it's never unbearable. I still have time to hang out with people, go out during the week for pool or something, and to hit up law review on Thursdays. I do no work on Saturdays, and use Fridays between class and FAC (We're all out at 12:30 at the latest on Fridays) to review anything from the week if I feel I need to.

My weekly schedule is: M-W 8:30 AM - 2:00pm straight with classes. Thursday-Friday I have one class at 11:30-12:30. Usually 2-3 hours of homework a night on MTW. About an hour a night on Thursday / Friday. Sunday night is normally my longest night with homework because I try to work a head so I normally put in 4+ hours.

In terms of a social life, I normally hit the pedestrian mall Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night. Saturday morning is reserved for tailgating and Saturday day I watch football. This seems to be a pretty typical schedule for the students who are social.

There is certainly time for a social life at Iowa. Also, as I'm sure Chris will agree with, go out early and often in the semester. Don't be a gunner with no friends-- you won't get elected to any organization without a network. You're actually doing yourself a disservice by not going out IMO.

[soviet1]

I seriously recommend applying to Iowa. For such a high-ranked school, they offer really generous $$$. With the current legal market, I don't think you can overestimate how bad huge student loans could suck. Just my opinion. So far, the school has been great. The students are all nice and the faculty is great. Good luck to everyone applying!

[Hopefully2012]

Submitted an app and got a "Hawk ID" email already so I was pretty excited only to figure out that everyone who applies gets one.

Current students, are you planning on practicing in Iowa? Also, are there any major markets that you see 3Ls get placed in?

[typ3]

Submitted an app and got a "Hawk ID" email already so I was pretty excited only to figure out that everyone who applies gets one.

Current students, are you planning on practicing in Iowa? Also, are there any major markets that you see 3Ls get placed in?

The answers you seek are here http://www.law.uiowa.edu/documents/cso_stats_2010.pdf

[typ3]

I seriously recommend applying to Iowa. For such a high-ranked school, they offer really generous $$$. With the current legal market, I don't think you can overestimate how bad huge student loans could suck. Just my opinion. So far, the school has been great. The students are all nice and the faculty is great. Good luck to everyone applying!

I echo soviet's sentiments.

Primarily regarding the students and faculty-- you're unlikely to find a law school with as many down to earth and nice people as Iowa.

[Hopefully2012]

Submitted an app and got a "Hawk ID" email already so I was pretty excited only to figure out that everyone who applies gets one.

Current students, are you planning on practicing in Iowa? Also, are there any major markets that you see 3Ls get placed in?

The answers you seek are here http://www.law.uiowa.edu/documents/cso_stats_2010.pdf

That was very helpful. Thank you.

[minnbills]

I'm really impressed they put those stats together

[brupe]

Just got my Check Application Status login info, now there's not much to do until the end of November when they get their first decisions out. I'm not really stressing, maybe I'll start to freak when it gets closer.

[chrisbru]

Submitted an app and got a "Hawk ID" email already so I was pretty excited only to figure out that everyone who applies gets one.

Current students, are you planning on practicing in Iowa? Also, are there any major markets that you see 3Ls get placed in?

I plan on practicing in Iowa. I grew up here, left, and came running back. Haters gonna hate, but I love Iowa. But you can leave if you so desire.

I seriously recommend applying to Iowa. For such a high-ranked school, they offer really generous $$$. With the current legal market, I don't think you can overestimate how bad huge student loans could suck. Just my opinion. So far, the school has been great. The students are all nice and the faculty is great. Good luck to everyone applying!

Agreed. The scholarship money really sealed the deal for me. Cost of living is cheap (even I have a challenge spending more than $40 in a night at the bar), which helps keep loans down too.

Soviet, you go here? 1L? You should PM me who you are so I can match people to TLS

[typ3]

I'll be perfectly honest. The post law night dancing at The Library ( it's a new club here for those that aren't from IC ) was way better than the actual law night. IMO law night needs to be somewhere with a dance floor. Always.

[chrisbru]

I'll be perfectly honest. The post law night dancing at The Library ( it's a new club here for those that aren't from IC ) was way better than the actual law night. IMO law night needs to be somewhere with a dance floor. Always.

Agreed. Not everyone loves to dance as much as our class does though.

[typ3]

I'll be perfectly honest. The post law night dancing at The Library ( it's a new club here for those that aren't from IC ) was way better than the actual law night. IMO law night needs to be somewhere with a dance floor. Always.

Agreed. Not everyone loves to dance have fun as much as our class does though.

Fixed it for you bro.

[Opie]

Intend to apply. LSAT Saturday. This is my target school. I can get in barring any screw ups Saturday, it's really about the $$$.

[chrisbru]

Intend to apply. LSAT Saturday. This is my target school. I can get in barring any screw ups Saturday, it's really about the $$$.

IA resident + your stats (especially if you meet or exceed your LSAT goal) should mean good money.

ETA: Your index with your targeted LSAT is 180.5206. That index got a full tuition scholarship the last 6 cycles it looks like. I got one as an IA resident splitter (171/2.94)

[typ3]

Intend to apply. LSAT Saturday. This is my target school. I can get in barring any screw ups Saturday, it's really about the $$$.

I'll echo chris on this. Assuming you get a 167 you'll get a full ride as an in-state resident with a top 3rd stipulation.

[Opie]

Intend to apply. LSAT Saturday. This is my target school. I can get in barring any screw ups Saturday, it's really about the $$$.

IA resident + your stats (especially if you meet or exceed your LSAT goal) should mean good money.

ETA: Your index with your targeted LSAT is 180.5206. That index got a full tuition scholarship the last 6 cycles it looks like. I got one as an IA resident splitter (171/2.94)

I havent been making target lately on PTs, but I think I have a good shot at the 162 I got yesterday even. Not for a full ride, but at least affordable.

[typ3]

Intend to apply. LSAT Saturday. This is my target school. I can get in barring any screw ups Saturday, it's really about the $$$.

IA resident + your stats (especially if you meet or exceed your LSAT goal) should mean good money.

ETA: Your index with your targeted LSAT is 180.5206. That index got a full tuition scholarship the last 6 cycles it looks like. I got one as an IA resident splitter (171/2.94)

I havent been making target lately on PTs, but I think I have a good shot at the 162 I got yesterday even. Not for a full ride, but at least affordable.

If nothing else you may be able to find some outside scholarships. Even if it's for a paltry amount I would still apply for them. Extra money in law school is like gold.

On this note.. I think I'm renting a snowcone machine for Saturday.