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Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 2:55 pm
by un-vordox
Did anyone apply ED? I did, but I switched to RD. I just got a notice today that my app is under review.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 3:52 pm
by neeko
Under review today for me, too!

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:18 pm
by un-vordox
jeez you and i seriously had the same game plan this cycle, didn't we?

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:24 pm
by neeko
It does seem that way! I think I've seen you in at least 3 or 4 other threads

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:31 pm
by un-vordox
Let's hope applying on 10/1 to all these schools pays off! My fiance is from PGH so I'll be checking out the campus over Thanksgiving weekend. Never been there before.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:51 pm
by HOPEFORCHANGE
As someone advised me last year, if they are sitting on your app for some time (and yes, just because you're "under review" doesn't mean it isn't sitting in a pile nowhere close to the admissions committee), call and tell them you're very interested in Pitt and was wondering when you might hear a decision. I did this and then sent a LOCI even though I wasn't waitlisted and I was in two days later. In any case, it is still early in the game. Just a note at this point that being under review means that you're in a pile by an admission staff member's desk most of the time.

This doesn't really apply to people whose credentials (mainly great LSAT score for Pitt and a fair enough GPA) or people who have a crap GPA. I'd say this applies if you have a mediocre or slightly above or below mediocre LSAT score for Pitt. Again though, your UG GPA has to be ok. I'd say above 3.0 makes you safe. Obviously the higher the better.

In any case, even if you have a great LSAT score or a crappy one, Pitt wants to know they aren't wasting their admissions offer. Show you want Pitt, not that they were one of many considerations and perhaps a lesser consideration.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 6:05 pm
by neeko
Thats exciting! Let me know how it goes.


Hopeforchange, thanks for the advice! I will keep that in mind through this process.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 6:21 pm
by un-vordox
Hopeforchange, great post. Thanks for the advice.

I'd also like to add that when I called the admissions office to switch from ED to RD (due to the binding agreement), Linda at admissions was very pleasant and accomodating. I'll remember to call again later in the admissions cycle if I still haven't heard anything.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:07 pm
by un-vordox
Bump.

Did everyone else get the "Pitt Law - Clinical Experience" email last week? I got it on 10/27.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:12 pm
by ThreeRivers
I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life and would be happy to practice law in Pittsburgh, but my numbers are a little above Pitt...

I haven't decided what I'm doing... I figured I'll choose my top choice for which I got accepted in and then weigh it against the probable scholly I get from Pitt, so really a lot of this depends on how much $ Pitt gives me

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:17 pm
by neeko
I don't think I got an email. I really can't remember, though.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:20 pm
by drs36
HOPEFORCHANGE wrote:As someone advised me last year, if they are sitting on your app for some time (and yes, just because you're "under review" doesn't mean it isn't sitting in a pile nowhere close to the admissions committee), call and tell them you're very interested in Pitt and was wondering when you might hear a decision. I did this and then sent a LOCI even though I wasn't waitlisted and I was in two days later. In any case, it is still early in the game. Just a note at this point that being under review means that you're in a pile by an admission staff member's desk most of the time.

This doesn't really apply to people whose credentials (mainly great LSAT score for Pitt and a fair enough GPA) or people who have a crap GPA. I'd say this applies if you have a mediocre or slightly above or below mediocre LSAT score for Pitt. Again though, your UG GPA has to be ok. I'd say above 3.0 makes you safe. Obviously the higher the better.

In any case, even if you have a great LSAT score or a crappy one, Pitt wants to know they aren't wasting their admissions offer. Show you want Pitt, not that they were one of many considerations and perhaps a lesser consideration.
This is very credited. I applied later and they were sitting on my app. I went into the admissions office, told them in no uncertain terms that if I was accepted I would attend, and the next day I was in. Best of luck to everyone and feel free to ask any questions.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:22 pm
by bport hopeful
ThreeRivers wrote:I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life and would be happy to practice law in Pittsburgh, but my numbers are a little above Pitt...

I haven't decided what I'm doing... I figured I'll choose my top choice for which I got accepted in and then weigh it against the probable scholly I get from Pitt, so really a lot of this depends on how much $ Pitt gives me
Pitt doesnt give Schollies bigger than 14k a year, so thats prolly gunna hurt your desire to go there, depending on your numbers.

Im a 1L at Pitt, and they were by far the most frustrating school to wait for. I applied there first and got their decision last. They take forever in their decision making process.

fwiw, I really like it here.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:25 pm
by top30man
ThreeRivers wrote:I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life and would be happy to practice law in Pittsburgh, but my numbers are a little above Pitt...

I haven't decided what I'm doing... I figured I'll choose my top choice for which I got accepted in and then weigh it against the probable scholly I get from Pitt, so really a lot of this depends on how much $ Pitt gives me
From Pittsburgh as well, but I am in a similar boat in regards to numbers. Undecided whether or not to apply. It seems like a waste sense they only do half rides.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:27 pm
by ThreeRivers
bport hopeful wrote:
ThreeRivers wrote:I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life and would be happy to practice law in Pittsburgh, but my numbers are a little above Pitt...

I haven't decided what I'm doing... I figured I'll choose my top choice for which I got accepted in and then weigh it against the probable scholly I get from Pitt, so really a lot of this depends on how much $ Pitt gives me
Pitt doesnt give Schollies bigger than 14k a year, so thats prolly gunna hurt your desire to go there, depending on your numbers.

Im a 1L at Pitt, and they were by far the most frustrating school to wait for. I applied there first and got their decision last. They take forever in their decision making process.

fwiw, I really like it here.
Yes I think Pittsburgh is a wonderful city to live. Their in-state rates definitely make them favorable too.. If I could get that 14 K, I'd be getting a legal education 10 k a year in a city I enjoy. That might end up overcoming some of the higher ranked schools in which I'd be paying insane tuition

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:28 pm
by ThreeRivers
top30man wrote:
ThreeRivers wrote:I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life and would be happy to practice law in Pittsburgh, but my numbers are a little above Pitt...

I haven't decided what I'm doing... I figured I'll choose my top choice for which I got accepted in and then weigh it against the probable scholly I get from Pitt, so really a lot of this depends on how much $ Pitt gives me
From Pittsburgh as well, but I am in a similar boat in regards to numbers. Undecided whether or not to apply. It seems like a waste sense they only do half rides.
Yea, it is not a waste for me... I'm really , really conflicted on what to do / wish they gave out bigger schollys. Idk, I'm just waiting to see how I do in this cycle then I'll come back to this dilemma later lol

Pitt appears to believe in "giving a little bit of scholarship $ to a lot, but don't give anyone a lot." I honestly think if they reversed this thinking they could raise their medians / rank. I think the school appeals to a decent amount of people and they should try harder to obtain students above their numbers.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:35 pm
by top30man
ThreeRivers wrote:
top30man wrote:
ThreeRivers wrote:I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life and would be happy to practice law in Pittsburgh, but my numbers are a little above Pitt...

I haven't decided what I'm doing... I figured I'll choose my top choice for which I got accepted in and then weigh it against the probable scholly I get from Pitt, so really a lot of this depends on how much $ Pitt gives me
From Pittsburgh as well, but I am in a similar boat in regards to numbers. Undecided whether or not to apply. It seems like a waste sense they only do half rides.
Yea, it is not a waste for me... I'm really , really conflicted on what to do / wish they gave out bigger schollys. Idk, I'm just waiting to see how I do in this cycle then I'll come back to this dilemma later lol

Pitt appears to believe in "giving a little bit of scholarship $ to a lot, but don't give anyone a lot." I honestly think if they reversed this thinking they could raise their medians / rank. I think the school appeals to a decent amount of people and they should try harder to obtain students above their numbers.
I agree with this. I think giving larger scholarships would really help their rank.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 1:02 pm
by bport hopeful
Im not in state either so its particularly rough. A 30k legal education isnt a bad deal if its in the cityyou want to be in. I hope to obtain in state next year, but we'll see what happens.

I would at least apply. Pitt was the worst ranked school I applied to, but I applied because I really loved it here. I turned down small schollies at T30s and dont regret it (admittedly this was at Emory). I guess what Im saying is I would apply if you have any desire to be here, because you never know how youre going to feel in 5 months when everything is on the table.

Also, if you have decent numbers, and prolly even if you dont theyll prolly give you a fee waiver if you ask for it.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 1:28 pm
by ThreeRivers
bport hopeful wrote:Im not in state either so its particularly rough. A 30k legal education isnt a bad deal if its in the cityyou want to be in. I hope to obtain in state next year, but we'll see what happens.

I would at least apply. Pitt was the worst ranked school I applied to, but I applied because I really loved it here. I turned down small schollies at T30s and dont regret it (admittedly this was at Emory). I guess what Im saying is I would apply if you have any desire to be here, because you never know how youre going to feel in 5 months when everything is on the table.

Also, if you have decent numbers, and prolly even if you dont theyll prolly give you a fee waiver if you ask for it.
As a 1L you might now know, but do you know how 3L's and such are feeling about job prospects?

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 11:20 pm
by bport hopeful
ThreeRivers wrote:
bport hopeful wrote:Im not in state either so its particularly rough. A 30k legal education isnt a bad deal if its in the cityyou want to be in. I hope to obtain in state next year, but we'll see what happens.

I would at least apply. Pitt was the worst ranked school I applied to, but I applied because I really loved it here. I turned down small schollies at T30s and dont regret it (admittedly this was at Emory). I guess what Im saying is I would apply if you have any desire to be here, because you never know how youre going to feel in 5 months when everything is on the table.

Also, if you have decent numbers, and prolly even if you dont theyll prolly give you a fee waiver if you ask for it.
As a 1L you might now know, but do you know how 3L's and such are feeling about job prospects?
Honestly, I dont really know, Im not gunna be a good person to answer job prospect questions yet. I know theres some 2 and 3Ls roaming this site, Im sure theyll drop in sometime.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 3:28 am
by HOPEFORCHANGE
People in general feel that job prospects are low, which is why they become gunners. Which is annoying. Why can't people act like good people?

At any rate, I think job prospects are as good as any non-high-demand job in this slow-growth economy. When the economy improves, legal job prospects will get better. Beyond that, making law review and networking is all you can do for yourself. I'd say that if law school is just something you want to do because you don't know what else to do, don't do it. I have wanted to be a lawyer for a long time - that's why I am at Pitt Law.

Also, as for Pittsburgh and legal jobs in particular, I'd say they are better than most smaller cities. DC, New York, and Boston have the most jobs. Smaller cities obviously have fewer jobs, but Pittsburgh has not survived the recession better than many cities. However, there are 8,000 attorneys in Allegheny County and unlike with most professions, attorneys rarely retire at 65 or younger. So, I'd say it is difficult to make it in the beginning, but I don't want to deter people - particularly since I am rolling the dice myself.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:20 am
by bport hopeful
HOPEFORCHANGE wrote:People in general feel that job prospects are low, which is why they become gunners. Which is annoying. Why can't people act like good people?
fwiw, my section has no visable gunners. I mean some people work harder than other obviously, but no one dominates class discussion or anything, and everyone is super nice to one another.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:28 am
by ThreeRivers
bport hopeful wrote:
HOPEFORCHANGE wrote:People in general feel that job prospects are low, which is why they become gunners. Which is annoying. Why can't people act like good people?
fwiw, my section has no visable gunners. I mean some people work harder than other obviously, but no one dominates class discussion or anything, and everyone is super nice to one another.
I consider myself an "under cover" gunner. I just am a grade whore / don't do anything that doesn't affect my grade (Ex. I don't participate in any class discussion really / ppl probably normally don't expect I've gotten all 4.0's since freshman year). I hate that fucking kid that just always raises his hand / appears to always be kissing the professor's ass (is this what is considered a typical "gunner" that is constantly mentioned on TLS )lol

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:37 am
by bport hopeful
ThreeRivers wrote:
bport hopeful wrote:
HOPEFORCHANGE wrote:People in general feel that job prospects are low, which is why they become gunners. Which is annoying. Why can't people act like good people?
fwiw, my section has no visable gunners. I mean some people work harder than other obviously, but no one dominates class discussion or anything, and everyone is super nice to one another.
I consider myself an "under cover" gunner. I just am a grade whore / don't do anything that doesn't affect my grade (Ex. I don't participate in any class discussion really / ppl probably normally don't expect I've gotten all 4.0's since freshman year). I hate that fucking kid that just always raises his hand / appears to always be kissing the professor's ass (is this what is considered a typical "gunner" that is constantly mentioned on TLS )lol
I mean theres some kids who definitely put the time in and work for their grades, dont get me wrong, but no one is constantly throwing their hand up or anything, or giving really douchey answers. I do believe my section is not your normal section though.

Re: Pitt c/o 2015

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 5:47 pm
by HOPEFORCHANGE
Yeah, they aren't gunners in the overly eager class participant way. You will see. You're in the same section as me.