155/3.6 SMU Part time Chances? Forum

[whereamigoingg]

I'd really love to be at SMU. I applied with a 155/3.6 to the full or part time program. I applied back in November, but my app has been held for further review for a couple months now. I'm really just starting to get sort of antsy, so I figured I would ask what people thought my shot was getting into the part time program (or full time program, but that one is probably easier to predict . Also, my recs are decent and I was somewhat involved on campus/in the community.

[esq]

Do you have decent work experience? From what I understand about these part-time programs, they are geared towards working students and therefore value solid work experience.

[whereamigoingg]

2 years at a law firm at a well known boutique law firm in Austin. Probably sounds better than it actually is. But hopefully it might work in my favor?

[esq]

Sounds really good actually. You're close to their 25th with your LSAT, which isn't the greatest position to be in (especially with a solid school in a solid market like SMU), but it is their part time program so hopefully they look at your softs and like what they see.

[JamMasterJ]

I'd give you 50/50. LSP says 48%, but your gpa's pretty good for PT

[eastdallas1]

I am really antsy about getting off the wait list at SMU for the PT program. I can't tell what my chances are because of the fact that I have amazing law experience. I have 9 years working as a paralegal/senior paralegal for some of the best firms in Texas and amazing recs from my employers plus 3 years civic experience as a Community Organizer a' la Obama. The problem is that I have below average numbers (3.0 and 155). What are my chances of getting off that darn wait list??? I have A LOT riding on this. It's discouraging to think that SMU only cares about getting 23 year olds with high numbers when I have so much to offer. What do you guys think?

[reepS]

Damn 23yr olds taking all those spots!

[kalvano]

SMU is trying to raise medians, more specifically the LSAT. What was once good enough for admission with money is now waitlist material.

[eastdallas1]

Yes I have heard that they are trying to raise medians. Does that mean if you are below the median you are NOT getting in no matter what? I could teach Civil Procedure. What they should be more worried about is their percentage employed 9 mo. after graduation and the median salary - I already have two job offers for after graduation from current employers and I haven't even been admitted. I can't move away to go somewhere else either - gotta know soon!! Someone tell me something I don't know!! Thanks!

[reepS]

probably not looking good for you if they have had it since november and havent made a decision yet. It took them less than a month for me, and I applied at the end of the cycle in march/april. You may want to call them and ask, and if you dont get an answer not bank on being admitted?

[kalvano]

If you have job offers waiting for you, go to Wesleyan. You'll get money with those numbers.

[eastdallas1]

Well they haven't had mine since November - I applied in the last cycle. Wasn't wait listed until May. I know a couple people that were just accepted off the wait list for full time- I just don't know anyone that applied for PT. I can't work at my full time job and drive all the way to Ft.Worth to go to Wesleyan at night. I also have a wife and kids in Dallas that I have to see at some point during the week ; ) SMU is my only hope at this point. Does the guy accepted with 2.9 and 160 have work experience or straight out of undergrad?