Getting in to Santa Clara Law (GPA: 3.39 / LSAT: 158) Forum

[myenigmamachine]

Hey all,

Well, I just applied early action to Santa Clara law. It's by far my first choice as it's local and I want to practice patent law (SCU has a good IP program). I am graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a Computer Science: Computer game design major and a minor in Astrophysics. I have a GPA of 3.39. I just heard back from LSAC a week ago and got a 158 on the October 2010 LSAT. I've worked 16hr/week through most of undergrad and interned at NASA. I submitted what I think is a strong personal statement, 3 strong letters of recommendation, and 1 evaluation. I'm of hispanic descent. My dad went to Santa Clara as well so I was able to put that on the app. Anyway, just wondering if any past admits to Santa Clara or anyone else who cares to weigh in has any idea what my chances for admission are. I don't think I can raise my LSAT much as I studied my ass off for October and 158 matched my high score in pre-testing (damn you logic games!). So, what's the verdict?

[Danteshek]

probable WL

Edit: never mind, you are hispanic. You'll get in.

[myenigmamachine]

Technically Hispanic and Caucasian (1/4 and 3/4 respectively), but I'm hoping it still helps.

[whymeohgodno]

What kind of hispanic? I'm fairly certain that only Mexicans/Puerto Ricans get a significant boost.

[myenigmamachine]

Mexican.

[whymeohgodno]

Mexican.

In then.

[myenigmamachine]

I hope so

[myenigmamachine]

Does it make a difference though that I didn't submit a URM paper? I just checked the box for hispanic. I'm not really disadvantaged or particularly diverse beyond a slight pigment difference so I didn't think it made sense to write a whole paper about it. I also ticked the box for Caucasian since I'm more that than Hispanic anyway.

[Spack]

Does it make a difference though that I didn't submit a URM paper? I just checked the box for hispanic. I'm not really disadvantaged or particularly diverse beyond a slight pigment difference so I didn't think it made sense to write a whole paper about it. I also ticked the box for Caucasian since I'm more that than Hispanic anyway.

I don't think it makes a difference especially since you said yourself that you haven't had any disadvantages due to your status. It probably won't really help you that you don't have that kind of diversity, but you will still get a boost in admissions.

I am also an URM but I am electing to answer the questions that will be sent to the committee because I do feel like I have had significant disadvantages and diverse life experiences.