Anybody heard back from SMU? Forum

chadwick218 · Post by **chadwick218** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 3:50 pm

bevo321 wrote:If SMU or any other law school only wanted the PT program to be used for 'working professionals' then they wouldn't allow students right out of college to apply for the PT program.

Although students right out of college may apply to the PT program, it is my understanding based on discussions with admissions personnel that preference is given to those students with work experience. The PT program can still be geared towards 'working professionals' or applicants with work experience while at the same time admitting students right out of college (depending on the circumstances). Although stats are somewhat lower for the PT program than the FT program, I believe that many of the PT applicants / admits have other unique softs to take into considerations.

NE1410S · Post by **NE1410S** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 4:48 pm

chadwick218 wrote:
bevo321 wrote:If SMU or any other law school only wanted the PT program to be used for 'working professionals' then they wouldn't allow students right out of college to apply for the PT program.
Although students right out of college may apply to the PT program, it is my understanding based on discussions with admissions personnel that preference is given to those students with work experience. The PT program can still be geared towards 'working professionals' or applicants with work experience while at the same time admitting students right out of college (depending on the circumstances). Although stats are somewhat lower for the PT program than the FT program, I believe that many of the PT applicants / admits have other unique softs to take into considerations.

You're probably right.

bevo321 - I just don't like the fact that PT programs are advertised as if they are mainly meant for career indivuals to earn a legal education (That's the way they have been spun to me as a prospective student), when many of their admits are just applicants with lower scores than what it would take to get into the FT program. Some of these PT admits are fresh out of college with no plans to work at all.

PhdbutlowLSAT · Post by **PhdbutlowLSAT** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:25 am

BigAristotle wrote: That's asanine. Not 'dedicating' yourself to the LSAT for a degree that can cost over 200k in situations tells me those people don't have the full understanding of what type of work law school takes.

I rarely comment and usually I respect your thoughts on the various matters you post about. However, I think you are off on this matter.

Here is my reasoning:
I took the LSAT while preparing for my Molecular Genetics PhD dissertation, preparing a first-author research paper, and finishing up a 200+ page doctoral research paper. I simply did not have time to "dedicate" myself to to the LSAT in the way that I wanted.

As far as "not understanding" the work law school takes--I understand it fairly well since I have family members who have been to law school already, and have taken the time to prepare me for 1L, 2L and 3L life. If you truly think that learning LSAT material and rushing to complete basic reading and logic problems in timed increments will help you write briefs, memos, patents, contracts, or licensing agreements--I think you are not clearly considering the issue.

The person you were responding to did not get much right, but I think this comment about "dedicating" time is valid. At least it was for me.

BigAristotle · Post by **BigAristotle** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:51 am

I in no way linked 'dedication' to the LSAT to success in law school, as you've somehow inferred. One's dedication to the LSAT only shows dedication to gaining admission into law school, which ultimately can determine what/how you can use the JD you earn. Simply sitting down and taking the LSAT, then expecting special consideration for having a full-time job, or in your case, writing a doctoral research paper, (which was the main crux of the comment, that FT working professionals didn't have the 'time to dedicate themselves' to doing well on the LSAT, hence the reason PT programs have lower numbers, to accommodate for this), is asinine. I stand by my point. If you mean that in ALL cases one doesn't HAVE to dedicate one's self to the LSAT, I don't disagree with you. That wasn't my argument, unless you feel it necessary to take it out of context. It was in direct response to the comment outlined previously.

You might have family members and be as well prepared for the rigors of law school as anyone else, however, you didn't focus on one of the two giant metrics that’s involved in applying to law school. Even your username points to the fact that you feel that you're accomplished (PhD, in Molecular Genetics no less), but are shorting yourself on a lower LSAT.

If you're willing to spend $200,000+ for a degree that will consume not only 3 years of your life, but in all likelihood, the next 5 working years on top of that (at the least), without proper preparation, you may understand what is needed, but doesn't mean you are ready for it. Unless you have it preset in your mind to go to regional school A, B, C, and only need a score of 1XX, even then, you're setting a goal for yourself, dedicating yourself ENOUGH to get 1XX, and if you don't, it can be cognitively correlated to the lack of dedication/preparation. Not applying one's self to the LSAT (dedication), means you are shorting yourself, even at regional schools, let alone allowing for the possibility of 'better' opportunities. My ultimate point is, underachieving due to a lack of 'time' for said expensive, and commonly life changing degree, is obtuse.

Oh, and I'm not sure when I started having any respect of any kind on this message board, I usually end up posting about basketball, or randomly helping out where I can. I'm more of a lurker than anything! F**k my post count (which is rather tiny). If I'm right, I'm right, if I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I'm just stating what I've learned in my time around the block, and the 4 years of research, preperation, and insight into the legal admissions process. Do I know more than most people---yes. Has it helped my personal cycle--no. Take that with a grain of salt.

rachel.almaraz · Post by **rachel.almaraz** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:28 am

Not to change the subject...

Has anyone heard anything new from the admissions office? When we might hear? etc.?

Who's waiting until the bitter end with me?!?

daisy buchanan · Post by **daisy buchanan** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:46 am

rachel.almaraz wrote:Not to change the subject...

Has anyone heard anything new from the admissions office? When we might hear? etc.?

Who's waiting until the bitter end with me?!?

Thanks for changing the subject, Rachel, seriously. I called the admissions office yesterday because I have a new temporary mailing address, and I'll take any excuse to call and ask for updates. They basically told me to keep on being patient. Like you, I'm waiting on SMU (and U of H) till the bitter end!

Bustang · Post by **Bustang** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:59 am

daisy buchanan wrote:
rachel.almaraz wrote:Not to change the subject...

Has anyone heard anything new from the admissions office? When we might hear? etc.?

Who's waiting until the bitter end with me?!?
Thanks for changing the subject, Rachel, seriously. I called the admissions office yesterday because I have a new temporary mailing address, and I'll take any excuse to call and ask for updates. They basically told me to keep on being patient. Like you, I'm waiting on SMU (and U of H) till the bitter end!

May I ask what your numbers are?

BigAristotle · Post by **BigAristotle** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:27 pm

I called last week, insinuated that I still was looking to attend SMU, but I'd have to commit elsewhere with rooming, etc. Trying to see if it did anything.

Basically told me there was no news.

daisy buchanan · Post by **daisy buchanan** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:39 pm

Bustang wrote:
daisy buchanan wrote:
rachel.almaraz wrote:Not to change the subject...

Has anyone heard anything new from the admissions office? When we might hear? etc.?

Who's waiting until the bitter end with me?!?
Thanks for changing the subject, Rachel, seriously. I called the admissions office yesterday because I have a new temporary mailing address, and I'll take any excuse to call and ask for updates. They basically told me to keep on being patient. Like you, I'm waiting on SMU (and U of H) till the bitter end!
May I ask what your numbers are?

160/3.1 ivy

cpars · Post by **cpars** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:37 pm

New poster. Decision rendered as of yesterday 7/6/2009. I applied for both PT and FT but PT is the goal as I cannot afford to quit my job as of now. Do they usually call you right away if it's good news. Does a delay of a couple days with no phone call mean I am SOL?

Also, if you are on the waitlist, does it say "waitlist" on the SMU status checker?

I am on pins and needles over here just staring at my cell phone....

rachel.almaraz · Post by **rachel.almaraz** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:52 pm

cpars wrote:New poster. Decision rendered as of yesterday 7/6/2009. I applied for both PT and FT but PT is the goal as I cannot afford to quit my job as of now. Do they usually call you right away if it's good news. Does a delay of a couple days with no phone call mean I am SOL?

Also, if you are on the waitlist, does it say "waitlist" on the SMU status checker?

I am on pins and needles over here just staring at my cell phone....

Mine still says "waitlisted." As far as I know, when I asked how we would be notified if we got in, we will be called by an admissions counselor.

BigAristotle · Post by **BigAristotle** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:37 pm

rachel.almaraz wrote:
cpars wrote:New poster. Decision rendered as of yesterday 7/6/2009. I applied for both PT and FT but PT is the goal as I cannot afford to quit my job as of now. Do they usually call you right away if it's good news. Does a delay of a couple days with no phone call mean I am SOL?

Also, if you are on the waitlist, does it say "waitlist" on the SMU status checker?

I am on pins and needles over here just staring at my cell phone....
Mine still says "waitlisted." As far as I know, when I asked how we would be notified if we got in, we will be called by an admissions counselor.

Almost everyone that has been accepted has received a phone call. Your status will say Waitlisted if Waitlisted. With Decision Rendered, you're either in or out.

cpars · Post by **cpars** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:10 pm

Do they decide and call you the same day? Or can it take a couple days or weeks? Anyone have a clue on that one?

thiscyclesucks · Post by **thiscyclesucks** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:28 pm

cpars wrote:Do they decide and call you the same day? Or can it take a couple days or weeks? Anyone have a clue on that one?

I was also told by someone in the office that a phone call was the only way they would contact people they are taking off the waitlist.

When were you waitlisted? numbers?

bevo321 · Post by **bevo321** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:13 pm

I am pretty sure they should call before it changes on-line or very soon after it changes on-line. Who knows over there though...

penni_rose · Post by **penni_rose** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:00 pm

cpars wrote:Do they decide and call you the same day? Or can it take a couple days or weeks? Anyone have a clue on that one?

My information is old (January), but they called me before my status changed. It did say "Decision Rendered," though. It never said "Accepted."

NE1410S · Post by **NE1410S** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:09 pm

cpars wrote:New poster. Decision rendered as of yesterday 7/6/2009. I applied for both PT and FT but PT is the goal as I cannot afford to quit my job as of now. Do they usually call you right away if it's good news. Does a delay of a couple days with no phone call mean I am SOL?

Also, if you are on the waitlist, does it say "waitlist" on the SMU status checker?

I am on pins and needles over here just staring at my cell phone....

I beleive they normally call with good news; however, according to postings on TLS and LSN there are some students admitted without receiving a call.

My fingers are crossed for you!!!!

Horns4LYFE · Post by **Horns4LYFE** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:55 am

For me, I was one of the somehow lucky few that was accepted FT on May 11th, during the metaphorical '11th Hour' (maybe SMU's adcom has a twisted sense of humor or loves irony?).

The day was half over when I missed a phonecall from a 214- area code number (which, as google informed, traced back to SMU). I called the number back and got only a voice recording that said the number I was trying to reach was not an SMU phone number that could accept incoming calls, but that I was to call the main number to the SMU admissions office for immediate assistance.

Come to think of it, that morning I checked and my status read "Decision Rendered".

So, at 9 AM my status displayed "Decision Rendered", and I received a phone call from admissions after the noon hour.

On a side note, I did an "official" tour of SMU's campus a few weeks back, and heard one of the women in the Admissions office tell another one that she was glad the "admissions process was over". However, I asked, and they said they were still going to be admitting students off the waitlist after each seat deposit deadline, which as they had told me, would be a week after they notified the applicant of acceptance.

Best of luck

Sooner Law · Post by **Sooner Law** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:39 pm

I just got into the FT program from the PT program the other day, but I will admit that this is fully due to my increase in score on the June LSAT. They also offered some scholly money my way too, so I'm pretty happy about all this. My thought to those who are waiting is that you are gonna have to wait a while longer, as the school is out making offers to those who did bring in new scores from the June test, so it still may be a few weeks longer.

rachel.almaraz · Post by **rachel.almaraz** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 4:32 pm

Just received this e-mail from SMU after e-mailing them this morning:

It could be as late and the first day of class. Right now there has not been movement in the deposits.

Doesn't look good...

bcb1986 · Post by **bcb1986** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:59 pm

FYI: I got a call from SMU today - they were calling to ask whether or not I would be attending because the LSDAS records they received as of July 9 show me (incorrectly) deposited at two schools. I initially deposited at two while awaiting financial aid info, but I withdrew from the other in the early spring. Before I had a chance to explain much she gave me the spill about needing an answer so they could offer any open seats to people on the waitlist. I assured Dean Keehan that the report or the other school was in error, and I assured her I would be in Dallas this fall, and we had a brief friendly conversation (Dean Keehan, by the way, was absent for most of the cycle on leave and an Assistant Dean temporarily filled her place).

So, for those of you waiting, they're calling everyone who made more than one deposit and pressuring them for decisions so they can offer any remaining seats.

Best of luck!

(edited to make sense)

Machiavellian · Post by **Machiavellian** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:39 am

bcb1986 wrote:FYI: I got a call from SMU today - they were calling to ask whether or not I would be attending because the LSDAS records they received as of July 9 show me (incorrectly) deposited at two schools. I initially withdrew at two while awaiting financial aid info, but I withdrew from the other in the spring. Before I had a chance to explain much she gave me the spill about needing an answer so they could offer any open seats to people on the waitlist. I assured Dean Keehan that I would be in Dallas this fall, and we had a friendly conversation.

So, for those of you waiting, they're calling everyone who made more than one deposit and pressuring them for decisions so they can offer any remaining seats.

Best of luck!

Wow, do you know if [and where] we can see if our LSDAS report is correct?

bcb1986 · Post by **bcb1986** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:16 pm

Machiavellian wrote:
bcb1986 wrote:FYI: I got a call from SMU today - they were calling to ask whether or not I would be attending because the LSDAS records they received as of July 9 show me (incorrectly) deposited at two schools. I initially withdrew at two while awaiting financial aid info, but I withdrew from the other in the spring. Before I had a chance to explain much she gave me the spill about needing an answer so they could offer any open seats to people on the waitlist. I assured Dean Keehan that I would be in Dallas this fall, and we had a friendly conversation.

So, for those of you waiting, they're calling everyone who made more than one deposit and pressuring them for decisions so they can offer any remaining seats.

Best of luck!
Wow, do you know if [and where] we can see if our LSDAS report is correct?

I doubt you will. LSAC now reports your deposits to all your schools, so it's one of those... "don't call us, we'll call you" situations. If you don't get uncomfortable calls from the schools, then you can assume you're fine. There's info about it somewhere on the LSAC website.

iahurricane · Post by **iahurricane** » Tue Jul 21, 2009 3:04 pm

rachel.almaraz wrote:Just received this e-mail from SMU after e-mailing them this morning:

It could be as late and the first day of class. Right now there has not been movement in the deposits.

Doesn't look good...

I'll sell you my spot for $20,000

nontradintexas · Post by **nontradintexas** » Tue Jul 21, 2009 3:17 pm

iahurricane wrote:
rachel.almaraz wrote:Just received this e-mail from SMU after e-mailing them this morning:

It could be as late and the first day of class. Right now there has not been movement in the deposits.

Doesn't look good...
I'll sell you my spot for $20,000

I'll sell you my spot for an acceptance off the UT waitlist.

Seriously, sorry for all you guys in waitlist hell. I've committed to SMU, but still hanging on the UT waitlist since I live in Austin...not a good position. Best of luck to all of us!

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