IN at University of Iowa Forum

[pomona]

I have heard that Iowa is likely to drop in the ranks. What do you guys think?

Probably. State schools have been taking a hit in the rankings recently. Also, Iowa's GPA/LSAT #'s are below their peers, so it's quite possible that they will fall further. I would assume they would settle in the Mid 30's eventually. The only thing keeping them above that has been peer assessment scores, which are arbitrary and fluctuate sometimes significantly from year to year.

Because Iowa's average GPA/LSAT is currently lower than their peer schools does make it "quite possible that they will fall further." The fact that their numbers are not as good of their peers IN SPITE OF having the same ranking means that there are other positive aspects to the school besides the stats of their incoming students but says nothing to future stats or rankings.

However, what DID concern me was when I sat in on the discussion with Dean Byrd (the break out Q&A session in the afternoon, for those who attended) where he talked about how the state requirement that 50% of the incoming class be Iowa residents is hurting their ability to bring in higher quality students. Because of the "brain drain" from the state of Iowa (I believe Iowa actually has NEGATIVE population growth, unlike some other states that have similar requirements), applications from Iowa residents are down every year (he said -17%[!!] this year, and currently only ~30% of apps are from Iowa residents) but they are still forced to accept enough Iowa applicants to maintain the 50/50 ratio. Thus, he said they have to admit lower quality in-state candidates. He also talked about how this requirement impacts Iowa in ways it does not impact higher ranked state schools with similar requirements, such that the state of Iowa is very small, relatively homogeneous state without other state school alternatives for law school.

Given that information, I think it's safe to assume that Iowa may drop in the rankings in the future UNLESS they are able to get rid of/loosen that requirement or make up for it in other areas relevant to the rankings (OR the "brain drain" stops, which is very unlikely IMHO).

[NorseHawk]

I have heard that Iowa is likely to drop in the ranks. What do you guys think?

However, what DID concern me was when I sat in on the discussion with Dean Byrd (the break out Q&A session in the afternoon, for those who attended) where he talked about how the state requirement that 50% of the incoming class be Iowa residents is hurting their ability to bring in higher quality students. Because of the "brain drain" from the state of Iowa (I believe Iowa actually has NEGATIVE population growth, unlike some other states that have similar requirements), applications from Iowa residents are down every year (he said -17%[!!] this year, and currently only ~30% of apps are from Iowa residents) but they are still forced to accept enough Iowa applicants to maintain the 50/50 ratio. Thus, he said they have to admit lower quality in-state candidates.

This is pretty much the only reason I got in with my crappy GPA, so, thanks, Iowa legislature!

[Lawguru]

I have heard that Iowa is likely to drop in the ranks. What do you guys think?

However, what DID concern me was when I sat in on the discussion with Dean Byrd (the break out Q&A session in the afternoon, for those who attended) where he talked about how the state requirement that 50% of the incoming class be Iowa residents is hurting their ability to bring in higher quality students. Because of the "brain drain" from the state of Iowa (I believe Iowa actually has NEGATIVE population growth, unlike some other states that have similar requirements), applications from Iowa residents are down every year (he said -17%[!!] this year, and currently only ~30% of apps are from Iowa residents) but they are still forced to accept enough Iowa applicants to maintain the 50/50 ratio. Thus, he said they have to admit lower quality in-state candidates.

This is pretty much the only reason I got in with my crappy GPA, so, thanks, Iowa legislature!

My GPA/LSAT were both good enough to get me in, but it helped with confidence knowing I had a hand up being a resident. I actually think the requirement is dumb though, and I hope they are able to change it.

[Anonymous0L]

After 144 years of operation,

Iowa has a whooping 9,000 Alums in

Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

So who is going to be a first alum from another state to Iowa? Crystal? Crystal?

[NorseHawk]

My GPA/LSAT were both good enough to get me in, but it helped with confidence knowing I had a hand up being a resident. I actually think the requirement is dumb though, and I hope they are able to change it.

My LSAT was over their 75th percentile by quite a bit, so I guess I'm at least partially helping their numbers. I do agree that it's objectively kind of a silly requirement, but I'm not about to argue with it.

[Anonymous0L]

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

[Lawguru]

My GPA/LSAT were both good enough to get me in, but it helped with confidence knowing I had a hand up being a resident. I actually think the requirement is dumb though, and I hope they are able to change it.

My LSAT was over their 75th percentile by quite a bit, so I guess I'm at least partially helping their numbers. I do agree that it's objectively kind of a silly requirement, but I'm not about to argue with it.

I must say, the biggest mistake was telling to Admissions office if I was accepted I would go. My numbers were at least good enough to get me some sort of scholly (a few k at least?). I feel sort of ripped. I know someone from my school who got a good few thousand with a lower LSAT, and only marginally higher GPA.

Is there any chance I might swindle some $ out yet given they're in need of residents with good numbers? Anyne for that matter able to do that?

[Lawguru]

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

[Anonymous0L]

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

"hold" or rejected? It's almost impossible to get rejected from Iowa unless your friend had a horrible essay.

[Lawguru]

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

"hold" or rejected? It's almost impossible to get rejected from Iowa unless your friend had a horrible essay.

Well, I don't honestly know. He said "rejected," but maybe that is just an assumption. Iowa LOVES students from my UG for some reason though, so it came as a surprise.

[Anonymous0L]

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

"hold" or rejected? It's almost impossible to get rejected from Iowa unless your friend had a horrible essay.

Well, I don't honestly know. He said "rejected," but maybe that is just an assumption. Iowa LOVES students from my UG for some reason though, so it came as a surprise.

Shocking and how many UGs are in Iowa?

[isustudent]

Why do you keep posting here? I don't care if you think you know everything about everything. I don't even care if you are right. If you are not going here, find something better to do with your time.

[Anonymous0L]

Why do you keep posting here? I don't care if you think you know everything about everything. I don't even care if you are right. If you are not going here, find something better to do with your time.

I believe this board is for people that are "In at University of Iowa" and I am "In at University of Iowa". Chill out.

[isustudent]

I just think you should quit being a jerk. It wastes everyone's time. If you have useful information, that's fine. Quit trying to start pathetic internet forum fights. No one is impressed.

[Anonymous0L]

I just think you should quit being a jerk. It wastes everyone's time. If you have useful information, that's fine. Quit trying to start pathetic internet forum fights. No one is impressed.

Useful info about alums ^

[hoosier1508]

I enjoyed the following:

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

"hold" or rejected? It's almost impossible to get rejected from Iowa unless your friend had a horrible essay.

What is the point of asking questions that you apparently already know the answers to?

[Anonymous0L]

I enjoyed the following:

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

"hold" or rejected? It's almost impossible to get rejected from Iowa unless your friend had a horrible essay.

What is the point of asking questions that you apparently already know the answers to?

Because of this :

Well, I don't honestly know. He said "rejected," but maybe that is just an assumption. Iowa LOVES students from my UG for some reason though, so it came as a surprise.

[crystalhawkeye]

So who is going to be a first alum from another state to Iowa? Crystal? Crystal?

I'm not planning to come back to Michigan.

[New Madrid]

ASD was a good time and it was hard not to come away from it feeling really impressed with the school. I realize that's sorta the point of those things but, still, they did a great job. I was already set on Iowa, but I'm even more excited now, especially after getting a chance to talk to the current students.

I'll second this. I was on the fence before ASD, and now I'm ready to commit. Really impressed with the quality of the students and deans. And I happen to like the fact that they're not as numbers-obsessed as some (most?) of their peer schools tend to be. For the record, I'm choosing Iowa over Wisconsin and a substantial scholarship at OSU.

[New Madrid]

Overall, I think I feel even more excited about going to Iowa, as well. Even Downtown was really awesome (although very saturated with UGs). The 2/3L carrells, the library, and especially all the faculty (Dean Byrd was awesome) all are going to make saying "No, thanks" to MSU's scholly that much easier.

Also, it was great to meet so many TLSers there, too. Good to see you guys!

Likewise. I'm actually still there (in I.C.) looking around at some places to live.

[mikeytwoshoes]

I enjoyed the following:

Do they reject any Iowa residents?

My friend with a 163, 3.4 was rejected last week.

"hold" or rejected? It's almost impossible to get rejected from Iowa unless your friend had a horrible essay.

What is the point of asking questions that you apparently already know the answers to?

Stop trying to start a pissing match.

[mikeytwoshoes]

Overall, I think I feel even more excited about going to Iowa, as well. Even Downtown was really awesome (although very saturated with UGs). The 2/3L carrells, the library, and especially all the faculty (Dean Byrd was awesome) all are going to make saying "No, thanks" to MSU's scholly that much easier.

Also, it was great to meet so many TLSers there, too. Good to see you guys!

Likewise. I'm actually still there (in I.C.) looking around at some places to live.

Did you try the blood orange sorbet?

[New Madrid]

I'm glad you got a picture of the gelato, mikey. That blood orange flavor was delicious. The wife and I went back again yesterday to try some different ones.

[Lawguru]

Well,
I hope our 1L class isn't going to be as cut throat as this board. I am looking forward to being classmates with you all.

[New Madrid]

Well,
I hope our 1L class isn't going to be as cut throat as this board. I am looking forward to being classmates with you all.

That was a big part of it for me. I can't stand the hypercompetitive stuff. I really got the feeling that mutual respect generally prevails at Iowa, and that it seems to work out for most people in the end (ie. they get good jobs in the field). The best of both worlds, IMO.