Vandy Law Scholars Merit Awards - Should I bother? Forum

[leche]

Tried this in the Admissions forum but realized this is probably the more appropriate place.

Vandy offers five full-tuition plus $5000 stipend awards, which I think are based mainly on academic success and leadership qualities. I know applying for a scholarship can't hurt, but realistically should I even bother?

My numbers are 166/3.94, so I'm already borderline for admission. Softs are mostly academic awards and activities, an international internship, and one leadership-ish position (undergrad teaching assistant). Post-grad work experience only as a bartender/server. I'm also completely un-diverse: white, middle class midwesterner, humanities major, hell, my parents are even still married.

[bobbyh1919]

I don't exactly like your odds, but I also don't see the harm in applying (unless, of course, it will be time consuming to the point where it takes away from your other applications or something).

[leche]

I don't exactly like your odds, but I also don't see the harm in applying (unless, of course, it will be time consuming to the point where it takes away from your other applications or something).

Call me lazy, tell me I'm not cut out for law school, but I just really don't want to waste my time writing BS essays if my numbers, etc. preclude me from even a moment's consideration for this award. They do consider all applicants for other lesser scholarships with no further essay writing required, and it's doubtful I'll even see any of that money. Especially considering I'm still waiting on a second letter of recommendation before I can apply.

[bobbyh1919]

Okay, then don't do it? Seems like you have your mind made up already.

[dawrp]

I applied 2 years ago. 171, 4.0. I spent my entire Christmas break writing the essays. I didn't get a Law Scholars Award.

Unless you have some really great essays you can write, it might not be worth the effort.

[leche]

Okay, then don't do it? Seems like you have your mind made up already.

Haha. Sorry if I sounded confrontational. I'm just so used to having to defend myself on this board.

Dawrp, thanks for the input. Did you have anything engrossing to write about?

Edit: Also, dawrp (or anyone else), do you know if numbers are the main determining factor in this award or do they actually read your essays too?

[dawrp]

Nothing amazing. I had worked in 2 firms and a U.S. Attorney's Office in undergrad, and I wanted to do public interest law, so I mostly wrote about those things.

[dawrp]

"Edit: Also, dawrp (or anyone else), do you know if numbers are the main determining factor in this award or do they actually read your essays too?"

No idea. I would think they'd read the essays, but I don't know how much weight they give them.

[Dany]

The only person I know of that got it on TLS also got a full ride from NYU, I believe.