UNC Waiting Room Forum

[actorlaw]

Did anyone go to their open house today? The student panel was a little down on job prospects from the impression I got but the tour was great. Definitely in my top 3.

When is the next open house scheduled?

I'm a little concerned with the job prospects in NC. The state pumps out roughly 1,265 new graduates each year:

Duke: 228 (only 19 co 2008 students stayed in NC)
UNC: 261
Wake Forest: 154
Campbell: 122
Charlotte: 210
NC Central: 169
Elon: 121

UNC is probably the Creme De La Creppe in NC considering that Duke grads go elsewhere, but I can't help but feel that the NC market might be a bit saturated with 1000 new graduates looking for work every year.

Continuing with the research, any links or insight into the NC legal market would be appreciated!

Actually I'm an undergrad at UNC and they said at a thingie last year (kinda pre-ITE though) that NC has a shortage of lawyers, especially in relation to other states.

As for your concerns- UNC is the number one in NC. Number one by all accounts, and that includes Duke. If you want to work in NC it is really unbeatable, trust me I've asked around on these boards and in real life. Duke and half of Wake leave the state. Elon and Charlotte law degrees don't seem to mean too much yet. NC Central grads tend to look for local level jobs. Campbell and half of Wake are your only REAL competition for jobs out of UNC. Not to say you'll find something easily, but it isn't nearly as bad as it looks with so many schools in the state.

Open House dates are on their site, I don't particularly feel like looking right now myself. i'd suggest trying to go if you can, definitely made me feel better about UNC, which IF I am admitted, would be my most likely destination.

This is not entirely accurate. Campbell actually has the highest bar passage rate in the state of NC and is competitive with UNC, considering it is a Tier 4 school. Doesn't mean that I would pick Campbell over UNC, however, its important to note that Campbell does lead the state with bar passage (and that includes Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest). This is something to consider when wanting to stay in NC and picking a school that places well within the state.

"Number one by all accounts" might be overshooting it a little bit... still, it is a great school!

[friedoreos]

does anyone know how unc usually is about duis as far as admissions is concerned? i always thought they were kinda liberal with that sort of thing since i know quite a few people who got readmitted (in undergrad) after all sorts of criminal things, but i had my court date recently and watched some of the unc students that went up and they all had a lot of disciplinary trouble with the school as well as legal trouble.

i also got my dui IN chapel hill, which may make it worse. sorry if this is the wrong place to ask

[eye]

This is not entirely accurate. Campbell actually has the highest bar passage rate in the state of NC and is competitive with UNC, considering it is a Tier 4 school. Doesn't mean that I would pick Campbell over UNC, however, its important to note that Campbell does lead the state with bar passage (and that includes Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest). This is something to consider when wanting to stay in NC and picking a school that places well within the state.

"Number one by all accounts" might be overshooting it a little bit... still, it is a great school!

Yes but the word is that Campbell's curriculum is tailored to prepare students for the NC bar.

[LadyTarHeelian]

does anyone know how unc usually is about duis as far as admissions is concerned? i always thought they were kinda liberal with that sort of thing since i know quite a few people who got readmitted (in undergrad) after all sorts of criminal things, but i had my court date recently and watched some of the unc students that went up and they all had a lot of disciplinary trouble with the school as well as legal trouble.

i also got my dui IN chapel hill, which may make it worse. sorry if this is the wrong place to ask

I've talked to Dean States a little about C&F problems and while it's not great, as long as you don't show a pattern of behavior, it shouldn't keep you out. Write the explanation for the C&F question showing that you learned from your mistake. Whatever you do, don't think you can get away with not disclosing it. Dean States really emphasized that failure to disclose is the worst mistake you can make. If it would have made them reject you, then you're out. Doesn't matter how far along you are or how much tuition you've paid (which you, of course, do not get back). Right now someone is suing UNC LS to try to get her diploma because the University found out about something she didn't disclose (that would have kept her out of UNC) between exams and commencement. Dean States always reminds everyone how crazy she is to be suing a building full of lawyers. If the incident would not have made them reject you, then they will still send you to Honor Court (which as a UNC undergrad, I know you don't want to go there). If you're really worried about it, you can definitely talk to Dean States. He is a GREAT guy. He's easy to talk to and very down to earth. He'll tell you like it is.

[lml09]

From UNC's website regarding open house:

"Are you thinking about applying to Carolina Law? Do you have questions about the application process? Do you want to hear from current Carolina Law students or learn about financing a legal education? If you are interested, join us on Friday, January 15th, 2010 for the Office of Admissions Open House for Prospective Students."

http://www.law.unc.edu/calendar/event.aspx?cid=20476

Who's in?

I'm going. I went last year and it was incredibly helpful and it can't hurt to go again this year.

[tstyler98]

I got an e-mail today from UNC saying that my application was incomplete because they hadn't received my signed application and fee. Gee, that's funny...the check was cashed on 10/26. So, I called and they said, "oh yeah, we did receive it. We'll send out a new e-mail saying you are complete."

The only plus side of calling is that he said that my application for residency was approved.

[hhg]

I got an e-mail today from UNC saying that my application was incomplete because they hadn't received my signed application and fee. Gee, that's funny...the check was cashed on 10/26. So, I called and they said, "oh yeah, we did receive it. We'll send out a new e-mail saying you are complete."

The only plus side of calling is that he said that my application for residency was approved.

i also got the incomplete email saying they didn't receive my résumé. i'm positive it was attached... but i resent it. glad to know that they're trying to start getting things done at the very least...

[tstyler98]

I got an e-mail today from UNC saying that my application was incomplete because they hadn't received my signed application and fee. Gee, that's funny...the check was cashed on 10/26. So, I called and they said, "oh yeah, we did receive it. We'll send out a new e-mail saying you are complete."

The only plus side of calling is that he said that my application for residency was approved.

i also got the incomplete email saying they didn't receive my résumé. i'm positive it was attached... but i resent it. glad to know that they're trying to start getting things done at the very least...

It wouldn't surprise me if they did get it but said they didn't. Hopefully, if I decide to attend UNC (if I get in of course), this isn't an indication of things to come as a student. The rest of the school has got to be better than the admissions office.

[friedoreos]

I got an e-mail today from UNC saying that my application was incomplete because they hadn't received my signed application and fee. Gee, that's funny...the check was cashed on 10/26. So, I called and they said, "oh yeah, we did receive it. We'll send out a new e-mail saying you are complete."

The only plus side of calling is that he said that my application for residency was approved.

i also got the incomplete email saying they didn't receive my résumé. i'm positive it was attached... but i resent it. glad to know that they're trying to start getting things done at the very least...

It wouldn't surprise me if they did get it but said they didn't. Hopefully, if I decide to attend UNC (if I get in of course), this isn't an indication of things to come as a student. The rest of the school has got to be better than the admissions office.

didnt the undergrad admissions office have a whole ordeal last year where they sent out acceptance emails to a bunch of people that hadn't actually been accepted yet? lol

[jerzgrl630]

Last year's cycle was apparently a total debacle. I love the approach they took this year: We'll let you know by May. Don't contact us.

[lml09]

Looks like there has been some movement on law school numbers

[pantherfan]

i got a call this week from the dean of admissions:)

[lml09]

i got a call this week from the dean of admissions:)

Congrats!!

[lml09]

I went to UNC's open house for prospective students. I'll share a couple of my observations if anyone cares to read.

-Modest building although somewhat outdated. Still comfortable, attractive, big library and nice eatery/coffee place.
-I would guess around 40-45 people were there. Many "older".
-Didn't see too many real life law students out and about. Probably because it was 9am on a Friday.
-The panel with the current students was my favorite part and what I considered to be the most useful. All had great things to say about the atmosphere, lack of competition (one girl even said her professor reprimanded her class for not sharing notes with one another) and general loveliness of Chapel Hill. They stressed the pressure of being a 1L but were very optimistic about student life and academics.
-Dean States did a great job but his presentation focused mostly on applying.
-Useful nugget of info! Dean States said that his goal was to have the majority of acceptance letters out by March 1! (He stressed that this was a GOAL, but I'm still happy.) Also that the admissions committee is presently ahead compared to last year.

And of course, UNC's campus is beautiful and Chapel Hill is a great place to live. Most of the students commented that one reason why the choose UNC was because it felt like home and the atmosphere was so welcoming.

[eye]

Thanks! Very insightful. Sadly I wasn't able to make it out today.

Did the student panel mention anything about employment prospects?

[gymboree]

UNC may be ahead compared to their cycle last year, but they're still behind most if not all of their peer schools (e.g. UGA, Alabama, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, W&M, etc). At this point, people are starting to bond with some of the schools they've been admitted to... and UNC isn't on the list (yet). And with all the love pouring out of different admissions offices (t-shirts, law reviews, professor's emails, student contacts) UNC has to play a lot of catch up. I know they always fill their class, but it makes me feel like maybe the students they get are going to be those who are willing to wait for UNC - therefore either NC-centric (obviously class is 75% NC) and/or those that are maxing out at UNC. Of course, UNC is a fantastic school with a very good reputation and that is not to be underestimated. Meh...

[lml09]

Thanks! Very insightful. Sadly I wasn't able to make it out today.

Did the student panel mention anything about employment prospects?

Yeah, there were a lot of questions directed at them about employment. Basically, there were less on campus interviews this past fall for 2Ls but the career service has really stepped up and brought in panels of attorneys from all over NC with strong UNC ties. They stressed that OCIs are only one part of getting jobs and that there are still a lot of other options, but this past year was one of the first times that the students had to do some digging (with help from career services) on their own instead of just being handed a job. While they admitted that the economy was not great, they have seen an improvement and made the comment that "when employers cut down on hiring, they aren't going to cut UNC, Wake and Duke. They are going to cut Campbell, Elon, Charlotte and NCCU" (their words, not mine, don't hate.)

Overall, they were positive and all the students I talked to afterwards had a good jobs lined up.

[let0927]

I emailed Dean States and he responded with...

"Hello Mr. *****. Your file is currently under review by the faculty. You should have a decision very shortly. Thank you for your interest in Carolina Law and your patience during what is, as you can imagine, a very busy time for us.

Best wishes,
Michael J. States"

[jerzgrl630]

I emailed Dean States and he responded with...

"Hello Mr. *****. Your file is currently under review by the faculty. You should have a decision very shortly. Thank you for your interest in Carolina Law and your patience during what is, as you can imagine, a very busy time for us.

Best wishes,
Michael J. States"

I can't believe you actually e-mailed them and they didn't flip out. They are so anti-contact.

[dailykosak]

I emailed Dean States and he responded with...

"Hello Mr. *****. Your file is currently under review by the faculty. You should have a decision very shortly. Thank you for your interest in Carolina Law and your patience during what is, as you can imagine, a very busy time for us.

Best wishes,
Michael J. States"

That's excellent news and it was nice of him to reply. Thanks for posting this and good luck to all of us.

[let0927]

Any news from anyone? I am still waiting as well. The only way I am getting in is if they fall in love with my personal statement since my numbers are slightly below their 25th percentile. I have been accepted by Campbell, Elon, and Charlotte. However, Elon and Charlotte were fall back schools for me. Campbell has given me all financial aid but all of it is federal loans. Anyone else in my boat? Numbers lsat 154 G.P.A. 3.43

[dp73816]

I applied in mid-November...and have heard nothing as of yet. I met with the Dean of Admissions (who was extremely friendly) in early January, and had a great chat about the entire process. It is one of the few places I have been where they told me "its not all about the numbers", and I kind of believed them. In my situation, with a lot of medical problems that culminated during my LSAT prepping/taking times last year, I was eager to show them that my high GPA and extracurriculars qualified me. She was very receptive and understanding, and for that I was extremely grateful.

Needless to say, even though they take a long time to make a decision, I would drop my other options and attend in a heartbeat - unless someone in the Admissions department of Harvard passes out, slams their head on their keyboard, and auto-admits me by accident. In that unlikely event...bye bye NC.

[LadyTarHeelian]

You may want to come over to this thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... &start=775 There's a lot more "please let me in UNC" and "OMG, what are they doing, why is it taking so long" going on over there.

[dp73816]

Haha thanks for the heads up, but im not too worried...Ive gotten into some good schools with my lower-than-average LSAT, so UNC can take their time...Im a pretty relaxed guy as it is. They were just so extremely nice and reasonable, and their great location was a huge sell for me; thats partially why Im even "checking my watch" on this - just wanna be a Tar Heel!