Discussions

Admissions

New post

40 posts in the last 30 days

Hey 7sagers,

As a collection of insightful and helpful people, I thought I would ask for some general advice on my personal and diversity statements as well as my low GPA addendum. Fair warning: this will probably end up being a lengthy post so I apologize in advance and appreciate anyone who takes the time to read it and offer their opinion! First, here's a little background information..

One of the biggest challenges I have overcome was becoming a foster parent to my husbands five younger siblings during my freshman year of college. We continued to care for four of them during our sophomore year and we eventually adopted two of them who remain in our care today. This wreaked havoc on my third and fourth semesters of college but I eventually went on to graduate last year with a marketing degree and an LSAC GPA of 3.26. I like to think this is a pretty good excuse for the 2 or 3 classes that I failed early in my college career since I was a tad bit preoccupied raising 5 kids. Thus, I intend to write about this in an addendum.

Despite this very personal experience adversely affecting my GPA, it has added tremendously to my life and my husband and I have received several awards for our efforts, two at a national level. Most importantly, I believe overcoming this adversity, more than any of my professional experiences, has and will continue to translate to other areas of my life, including law school. NOW, my question is.. would it be foolish to "double dip" this topic? If I talk about it in my GPA addendum would it be considered taboo to talk about it again in my personal statement?

As for my diversity statement, I was going to talk about my upbringing on a volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific (yes, Hawaii) and my 13 years at a very culturally immersed school for Native Hawaiian children.

Would it be too much to focus on themes of foster parenting and trying to play "URM" card throughout my application? I don't want to come off as a "woe is me" type person. I also don't want to give the impression that I'm milking my personal adversity to compensate for a lack in my academic and professional endeavors. I just truly feel that these things have influenced me in the greatest way and that I can write about them with an authentic voice. Should I sacrifice those things for the sake of highlighting my professional experiences? Which is more important for the purpose of admissions to law school?

What are your opinions? Be as brutal as an admissions officer. I know there isn't a cut and dry answer to this kind of stuff... but admission to my reach schools (and thus, the rest of my life) is pretty much depending on slam dunk personal statements so I figured getting constructive criticism from a wide range of people would be most helpful for making a decision on my strategy.

Thanks so much for your insight and best of luck in your law school journey.

0

Good evening everyone,

Been a lurker/silent member of 7sage for quite sometime as I had been fortunate enough to come across the logic games explanation videos early in my studies, and I could not adequately put into words how helpful they were during my studies which are still ongoing. Have taken the LSAT a few times, and sat for the June exam as well with the clear goal of raising my previous score. Have applied the past two cycles, but am set on the upcoming cycle being the one where I intend to finally begin the law school journey.

Have tried to continuously change and improve my personal statement over time, but have always found a second set of eyes is most beneficial, and was hoping I could exchange and review my personal statement with another individual with the same expectation.

Regardless, thank you all for the shared commitment and motivation you have provided. The journey isn't easy, but knowing there are others on the same path makes it all the more comforting.

0

Is being in a T-14 really a big deal? I’m looking into the university of Miami law, but I’m nervous about if this would hinder me in finding a job. It seems as though they have a good program dealing with international law & sports and entertainment law.

Admin note: edited title for clarity

0

I got into two schools and got waitlisted at two others. I had to pay the deposit for my safety school, but I retook the LSAT yesterday to see if I could get a better score. I feel like I probably got a better score, but my safety school is asking me to confirm enrollment before I get my LSAT score back. The other two schools that I got waitlisted at said a decision will be made before August 6, and the safety school's orientation starts August 7. How should I approach the safety school's enrollment confirmation question since I'm hoping my score will be good enough to go to one of the waitlisted schools?

0

I am sorry for all the questions in this post, but will genuinely appreciate any help and advise. I have done lots of research on salaries and rankings, but it seems that they are not accurate. I graduated with my GPA at 3.6. I am hoping to go to law school in Fall 2019. I am worried that even if I get a 169 or 170 on the LSAT, it won't be enough for T14. On the other hand, many law schools including Penn Law, are now accepting the GRE. I'm worried that if I am not accepted to Penn with my GRE, then I will be behind another year. How important is Top 14? Should I be aiming to go to the highest law school in hopes of receiving more money in my career? Will my chances be better for big law because the law school ranking is higher? Are there even lawyers making 6 figures anymore? If so, how? Also, do people just take loans? My only problem is I don't want to take out 150k+ loans only to be making 50k a year. What is the most reasonable decision for now and what are my chances of truly getting into big law? Thank you for your help!

0

Hello everyone!

I've heard some schools that do "remedial" courses/a crash course for students who got in with lower LSATs/GPAs that goes over how to read a case, how to take exams, etc. before school starts. Does anyone know what this is called? Or if it even exists? haha

If I'm not crazy, does anyone know what schools do it?

Thanks for any help!

0

Hello All,

I'd like to preface this by saying that I know very little about the admissions process ie. the similarity of applications across schools, submission procedures, school specific essays and the like.

Some context: I will be taking the LSAT in September. Unfortunately, I will not know my scores until October. My plan so far has been to prepare and complete applications for prospective schools prior to knowing my scores, and then sending them off as soon as my score come arrives in October. This way I would have the best shot at early scholarships and acceptances.

What I am concerned about is the possibility of making applications to several schools that end up being too highly ranked for my LSAT score. For example, my aspirations are for the T14 but if I score a 165 I needn't apply to any of them as statistically (3.69 GPA non URM) I have no chance of getting in.

TLDR; I don't want to spend all of my time making applications to schools that I potentially won't be able to get in to.

Should I go ahead and make applications to several schools even though my LSAT score might be too low? Should I wait to make applications until after I get my LSAT score even though it would set me back significantly by having to apply several months later?

I appreciate any advice that you all can give me.

Thanks :)

0

Hi everyone!

I heard that the 2017-2018 law school admissions cycle was one of the most competitive cycles of most recent years. What does this mean for 2018-2019 applications? Does this mean that our cycle will be just as competitive/ more competitve/ less competitive than the earlier cycle? Any advice or information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

0

I'm sure everyone but me already knows this, but make sure you check with the VA concerning any remaining GI Bill eligibility you might have. I rushed my way through my undergrad, getting my degree in less than 3 years and called the benefits number today on a whim. Found out I have 13 months of remaining eligibility (Montgomery, not Post 9-11). Regardless, that's over $25k at the current distribution rate. Every little bit helps.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2j4el4o.jpg

3

So I am 67, retired 2 years ago from a very satisfying career as a commercial interior architect with my own business, and I am ready to go down a new path in life. I have the benefit of a lot of lifetime learning experience, I can finally afford to go to school for the pleasure of learning, and I want to give back to the world around me. My idea is to get a law degree and then work for a larger firm on pro bono cases. I don't need the income (maybe they could give me insurance coverage or something), and I would be helping people or issues (maybe environmental) that really need it.

I took the 2007 test before I even signed up with 7Sage and got 152, and I am really benefiting from the course so far. I realize that I might not be qualified until I am in my early 70's, but that would still give me 10-15 years of helping people who really need it. I am in excellent health both mentally and physically.

When I was younger I worked full time while I finished my degree and I always wanted to be able to go to school for the pleasure of learning without the pressure of needing to support myself. From that point of view just going through the training and taking the LSAT is worth it on its own, because I am really enjoying the learning process. However, I would also like to be able to use what I learn.

Am I kidding myself into thinking I might have a viable path before me? I understand that most of you probably won't have much feedback for me because of the age difference, but all responses will be appreciated.

0

My original plan was to take the upcoming LSAT in June, but I realized the error of my ways and decided I could use a LOT more time to study. My GPA sucks, so I'm relying more heavily on the exam than most. So, I intend to take the December/January test in about 6 months.

I spoke to some people familiar with the admissions process, and one of them advised me to begin the application process ASAP (maybe about 10 months before I'd begin school) because scholarships are limited and many are claimed early on. So my question is this: if I take the LSAT at such a late juncture, should I then hold off on applying to schools until the next cycle (18 months hence)?

This is also working on the assumption that most law schools only permit L1s to begin in the autumn semester rather than allowing entry bi-annually like most undergraduate programs.

Anyone have any thoughts?

2

The 2018 Above The Law rankings are live:

https://abovethelaw.com/2018/05/the-2018-law-school-rankings-are-here-with-major-employment-driven-changes-at-the-top/

As a reminder or orientation for anyone new to these, they are based mostly on employment outcomes so generally look very different from the US News rankings. These are not "official" rankings like US News are considered, but I personally think these are just as (or in some ways more) important. A really interesting and practical way to view law schools.

9

Hi, I was just wondering, as I am of American Indian descent, but solely four generations ago... I don’t want them to think I’m faking or something and I don’t look of Native Indian descent, but can I still put it in my race category as well as white/European?

When are you not allowed to anymore?

0

I'm planning on taking the July and September LSAT (depending on how I do in July). I want to try and apply as early as possible, however, studying for the LSAT is taking up all of my free time currently and I know that I am in no mental-condition right now to be writing well in regards to any personal statements, etc. How did y'all do it? I just want to make sure that I am weighing the opportunity costs of my time management in the most effective and efficient way possible. Thank you!

0

Like many other users have recently posted, I am grateful for this community and the great discussions and resources it has provided fore me.

To give some background, I scored a 177 on the Sep. LSAT and will be attending HLS in the fall. I was someone without any real connections in the legal community and who could not afford to spend much on LSAT/admission prep (I'm a free user on 7sage and spent money only to purchase preptest bundles).

I have been very fortunate this cycle and I wanted to give back by offering advice on any LSAT or admission related topics. I am certainly willing to read over any app components or provide tutoring/support to those currently studying for the test. I would also be happy to simply go over things I wish I was told before I went through the application process. Feel free to comment with questions or message me!

13

7Sage is representing! I am thrilled to be among such great company!

We have enough people to start our own 7Sage Harvard study group. Supreme Court (majority) here we come!

This community has been so wonderful! I would especially like to thank @twssmith @dml277 @JustDoIt @TheMikey @"Cant Get Right" @Sami @akistotle @"Accounts Playable" @BinghamtonDave @teamteamvicster @DumbHollywoodActor @AllezAllez21 @LSATcantwin @"nessa.k13.0" @sweetsecret @Mellow_Z @"nicole.hopkins" @danielznelson @jknauf

There are so many other people I would like to thank (I just can't remember your usernames, sorry!). Thank you all so much!

I am happy to provide any advice to pay it forward! Message me if you have questions about admissions, the LSAT, or video game recommendations. No matter what, keep working towards your goals! You got this!

44

Hey everyone,

I just got off the waitlist at Harvard Law. Still in shock about it all.

Thanks to the 7Sage community for all the support you've given me over the past year. Truly truly truly I would not have been this successful without you all. My cycle has ended with my dream outcome.

If there's anything I can do to help the community going forward - anyone that wants tips/tricks from the LSAT to admissions - just let me know.

Best,

Paul

55

My UG GPA is 3.82; I haven't taken the LSAT yet (July or September) but I believe I can conservatively expect high 150s-low 160s. I also have 10 years of work experience in the legal field and a fairly decent lifetime-of-struggles type of personal story.

I'll be applying this fall to Stetson Law School in the Tampa area (where I live). I'm choosing this school strictly because of location - I'm in my mid-40s with a family, a home, a husband with a career, friends, etc. I don't exactly have the flexibility that younger students have. As it's a private school and my goal is to work in the public sector, I'm banking on a full scholarship.

What I'm wondering is whether or not I should apply to additional schools to hopefully encourage Stetson to offer me a scholarship. Will they even know if I've applied to and been accepted at other schools or would I share that info somehow? Florida State is a viable (albeit not ideal) option, as are Florida (though less so) and Miami - basically, I need to stay in Florida.

0

Confirm action

Are you sure?