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PT Questions
vduran1988561
- Joined
- Apr 2025
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vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 28 2017
Real quick- does an immigrant of Cuban/ Russian background quality as diversity? I attached a diversity statement underlining why my background means so much.
I just wonder if the Russian portion of my background kind of kills my diversity.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 28 2017
I received a response from the admissions team saying thanks and that it was added on.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 28 2017
Also, after being waitlisted about two weeks ago for fall, I am going to send in my "why Baylor" essay tomorrow, too.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 28 2017
Thanks for your input, guys. It is much appreciated. I figured that I have no chance, but I may as well take a shot in the dark.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 28 2017
Darn- I got jumpy and sent it in Sunday night.
I sent in a page and a quarter with the following-
Paragraph one going over what started out my interest in Ut- I met an alum who told me about the network, staff, etc.
Paragraph two about the campus visit, community, and how it connects to who I am and who I want to be as a legal professional.
Paragraph three- how I wish to connect the prior two paragraphs with some of the clinics on offer to excel as a lawyer, person, and leader.
This is the body of my email-
"Hello,
I submitted my application to Texas Law about a month ago, and am currently in review by the committee. I wanted to send along an extra attachment to the application to show my intent and enthusiasm towards pursuing my legal education at Texas Law. I do not mean to bother you, but I would like to pass this along in hopes it is made part of the admissions process.
Thank you for your consideration and time,
Vladimir"
Some of you know that my dream school is UTA, but my scores fall below the qualifications, and I am in that 0-10% range in LSAC for acceptance. I am not expecting miracles here, but I was wondering if I could push my chances up by a point by sending in a "Why UT?" essay to the admissions office?
If so, how do you go about that? Do you just send an e-mail attachment to the admissions office and title it with a "Why UT? Letter add on to admissions committee for consideration" type of thing? Also, if I wished to add an addendum , could I do the same?
My application was sent in about a month ago, and it's possible that I receive an answer soon. I may be too late, as a matter of fact. Still, in case I am not, are these things I should do? Or is it best to wait it out at this point?
Basically, for each LG game that I get wrong or am off on time, I redo once and figure it out with a slight overkill on time. The second time, I get them right and am 2 minutes under time. Same with the third pass.
I stop after the third pass. I know we are supposed to print ten copies, but is there a minimum amount we can drill if we pick it up on a second retry for instance? Would you do one more? Go up to 5?
I haven't seen any kind of limit on length for these. Do you guys think that will be okay? I know personal statements are supposed to be 2-3 pages double spaced, so this will still be about half of the size.
vduran1988561
Anyone want to take a quick look at the Character and Fitness and Diversity Statement?
I have a half page C and F and 1 page (double spaced for both) diversity statement ready to go. Anyone have a couple of minutes to take a read through and give me their opinion?
Alright so, I have already posted about having regrets, but now we are getting to crunch time. I am hovering around that magical 160- 165 PT range ( 161, 163, 163, 164, 164, 164, 165) which puts me right where I want to be for 94% of Texas schools. If I score like this on test day, I will most likely get into UH, Baylor, SMU, St. Mary's, while missing out on UT Austin. So here's what I can do:
Accept a (most likely) good sized scholarship from St. Mary's. They are not a great school, but have good influence in San Antonio. That is where I want to practice post graduation.
Possibly accept smaller money to go to UH, Baylor, or SMU. Be 2-4 hours away from my wife and dogs since they will be in the San Antonio area. So I will have to commute every weekend to see them. The drive is not that long, but it does stink to be away from the ones you love.
Most of my improvement has come in the last month. I shot up from a 153 to my current range, and I am beginning to see some improvement that could make jumps elsewhere possible. Do I forego this year, study for September, and go for the big Kahuna at UT?
Which option would you choose?
The question above, and do law schools care if you have an absence? I had mine three years ago.
Also, how often do tests cycle out? My last test score was in February of 2013 and December of 2012 was my absence. Am I clear and have three retakes?
This professor is a good guy, and I like him a lot. He was kind enough to send back a draft. Can I pm one of you guys to get your opinion on the quality?
I am scoring somewhere between -4 to -6 on LR now (yesterday I had a -11 but I was frenzied and used the "5" setting on the 7sage proctor when I already have enough distraction). Anyway, I have noticed that what absolutely kills me, regardless of how much I try, is necessary assumption. I know that you are supposed to boil it down to the base necessity for the argument to exist, but my mind trails to the assumption that will often fix it. It's to the point where if I could just sort out NA, my LR would probably give me 2-4 extra points on the test.
Does anyone look at NA in any specific light that gives them clarity when doing these types of questions?
The professor that I am receiving the LOR from just asked if the LOR should be school specific or if he can write a general LOR. I am applying to 7 programs, and I haven't seen a specific prompt to make them specific to the school. Can bot my recommenders send an LOR that is generic in nature?
I just sent both my LOR's out to each respective recommender, and I warned my boss that she may be receiving one soon. Does LSAC not send them out automatically?
I was wondering if anyone knew the details on transferring from programs that don't start in the fall. Is it possible to transfer out if you start in the spring (February)? Or is that impossible since you will only have a half year of course work done, if that, by application submission?
Have any of you guys ever sent electronic transcripts to LSAC? The clearinghouse states that my undergraduate transcript has been sent, but I have no confirmation of reception with LSAC. If you guys have done it electronically, how long does it normally take to get confirmation?
Two years ago, when I applied to my current MBA program, I asked my history professor from undergraduate studies to write me a LOR. I had two work LOR's set up but one of them fell through. Is it weird to ask a person who wrote an older LOR to write another one for a different field?
I was trying to send out transcripts and have received an error. Anyone else have the same issues?
THey asked this question during the sending of the LOR. Is this to asking how many schools this LOR will be sent out to?
I am taking the February lsat and am scoring in the 159-163 range (one 159, one 160, and 2 163's). It's an improvement of 10-12 over my diagnostic so I am happy. Sad because I am convinced I could hit a 170 but alas.
Anyway, what is the average drop off that you guys have seen come test day? I will be pretty happy with a 160 to 165 since that will get me in to basically all schools in Texas outside of UT. I also want to be realistic come test day.
I have been testing with fairly standard conditions and have had some issues with timing on LG (I average around -6 whether I go over or under). I assume that opens the possibility of missing 2-3 questions come test day.
I am timing well on LR and averaging -5. RC is anywhere between -6 to -8.
vduran1988561
Are there deadlines for yearly signup to use the program that will keep transcripts, LOR's, etc?
I forget the name of the program, but it costs around 65 dollars if I remember correctly. It helps track the LOR's and transcripts, and send them out to each school you apply to.
The reason why I ask is because I have yet to spend money on it since my applications have yet to be completed. Since I will send them a couple of weeks before deadline, that service will still be available right?
vduran1988561
Wednesday, Mar 15 2017
@ said:
@ said:
Geeeeeezzzz. This really hurts my ego even more. UTA going t14 when I most likely won't get in succccckkkkkkkksssssssss.
The T14 is probably now all but officially the T13, as that name includes the top schools that haven't moved out of the top since the inception of the rankings. So it's not as if you're missing out even more than before, in my opinion, should you not be admitted. Not sure if that's what could be called "good news," haha.
Hahaha. In a weird way, it actually made be feel better.
High five.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 14 2017
Geeeeeezzzz. This really hurts my ego even more. UTA going t14 when I most likely won't get in succccckkkkkkkksssssssss.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Mar 14 2017
What's a preferred waitlist? There are multiple kinds of waitlist?
I am going to take the LSAT in February. I will be applying all over Texas. I am currently scoring well enough for most schools here, and definitely not good enough for UT (my dream school). I am seeing the progress that many talk about. It is slow, but it is rewarding.
Yet, I need to go to school. My mind has been thinking, dreaming about finally getting to my first day of law school for three years now. The wait, the wasted time spent working in a job knowing that I will leave to do something fulfilling is weighing on me.
Still, what can be is beginning to haunt me. I see the improvement, I read your stories, and I begin to wonder. Maybe a 170? Maybe a 175? Who the hell knows?
Maybe I should have started last year, when I was stuck with little work in Florida? Maybe I should just bite the bullet and accept nothing but UT?
In reality, I do just want to get into a good law school that will allow me to work in Texas without fuss. I will most likely get that. Still, biting the bullet is tough. My wife thinks I am going crazy with my constant jumps of this year or next. In a way, I think I am too.
I am not sure this post requires much thought. It's just the musings of a person thinking way too much about his options.
vduran1988561
Sunday, Mar 12 2017
Thanks guys. I apologize if the questions are dumb in nature.
vduran1988561
Saturday, Mar 11 2017
I have always had a mind for logic and argumentation. I also have always had a mind for rules and regulations. It was a natural fit.
This is probably a dumb question but is timing of response indicative of a better outcome or just of a glut of applicants?
For instance, if I am waiting on a school for a couple of months, does that mean I am still in play or could it basically mean anything?
vduran1988561
Friday, Mar 10 2017
@ said:
Thank you everyone! :)
@ @ Will do! Thanks for the reminder.
@ Yes, that's what I meant! I'd definitely recommend the admissions package!
Some of the best advice I have received was to apply to my dream school/s even if my chances of admission are nonexistent. I almost didn't apply to Emory because of that % LSAC gave me, but I am so glad I went for it anyway, because here I am!
You can't possibly understand how much hope you have given me. I almost didn't apply to Ut Austin because of that. I did, and I saw a couple of miracles from the last couple of years.
I am ,obviously, keeping my hopes extremely low, but your story gives me hope.
My biggest regret is that I didn't sign up for the admissions course before sending it through.
Either way, I am so happy for you. You deserve it and I hope you love Emory!
vduran1988561
Thursday, Mar 09 2017
First of all, congratulations! Second, if LSAC says 10% is that the bar going from 0-10% essentially?
If that's the case, I may have to jump on this admissions package too.
So....
I JUST SUBMITTED MY APPLICATIONS..... except for UT Law because they warned me in advance to wait until closer to deadline to submit since my February score will be coming in then.
Anyway, how does the process work normally and how long will it take for them to respond upon receipt of my February LSAT score? Do we get e-mail notifications from the school or does the LSAC let us know?
vduran1988561
Thursday, Mar 09 2017
Ermmmm- from a person that took the GRE, studied maybe a month while half assing it, and received a high score how in the hell can this justify application into law school?
vduran1988561
Wednesday, Mar 08 2017
@ said:
Don't bump a thread that's only 2 hours old, please...
Apologies. Somewhat antsy. Won't happen again!
Who do you send these to and how do you send them out now? Email or via direct mail?
Hey guys,
Just got a response from Baylor that I have been wait-listed due to lack of seat availability for the fall semester. They gave me the offer of being automatically accepted for the spring semester if I reapply, but that's a ways away. Does anyone know what the usual protocol for being waitlisted is? Is it a toss- up, basically a zero chance, or somewhere in between?
vduran1988561
Thursday, Apr 06 2017
@ said:
@ You'd be correct in that outside of DFW, their pull is a bit questionable. It obviously helps to be an alumni from undergrad but Aggies always try to help other Aggies and I would venture to bet that this would be the case with law school as well. In a couple of years, yes they may be able to do well in San Antonio but for right now it would be a stretch though not impossible. They're just a young school.
Yep- and this is where I am having an internal struggle. Most I have talked to here say that St. Mary's owns a good chunk of the law base in San Antonio. And I really want to be a lawyer straight out of school without issue.
vduran1988561
Thursday, Apr 06 2017
Also, considering they took Wesleyan from the depths of Obscurity to T2 in a matter of years, I think you guys are bang on.
vduran1988561
Thursday, Apr 06 2017
@ said:
@ I know Law School Numbers had that statistic. In addition, I there have been various other law school sites that have mentioned this. I also am a recent graduate of Texas A&M and one of the advisers and a couple of law school recruiters have told me that they are trying to keep the class sizes small to enhance the learning experience.
Don't let that discourage you though if you are interested in applying there. Their medians aren't super high. They are one of the big risers in the rankings the past 3 years (from NR to 90's). Extremely young school that is starting to gain traction and reputation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And knowing Texas A&M very well, they will make it a power house down the road because that is just what A&M does.
Yep. they are down to 19% in LSN in terms of their overall acceptance. That's pretty low especially considering that LSN counts you as a matriculated student unless you directly specify that you withdrew. So some numbers there end up being inflated.
As for what you are saying, that is exactly what my wife told me and why I slowly gaining steam on A&M. I am not from Texas and know very little about schools here (moved here a year and a half ago). She's a Texan since birth, and told me that it came as no surprise that A&M is trying to climb the ladder. She basically said that they have the money, alumni, and status to become as powerful a program as any other in Texas.
It's really something that's making me give it huge consideration. Though I do worry about my job prospects in San Antonio since that is where I want to practice. It seems like A&M may be best for Dallas/ Ft. Worth, but A&M normally has a solid reputation all over Texas so I am not sure if my chances for a job will be diminished either way.
vduran1988561
Wednesday, Apr 05 2017
@ said:
Wow! That's awesome! Congrats! I've heard they're pretty generous with their money.
From what I have seen- anything above a 162 basically gets you a full ride so aim for that if that's what you want.
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Apr 04 2017
@ said:
@ Yeah I think they're only accepting about 20% of applicants. They're definitely on my radar. Did they give you a full ride if you don't mind me asking?
They gave me 56k. So I basically only have to pay a years worth of tuition at 28k over three years (not including living expenses, obviously).
vduran1988561
Tuesday, Apr 04 2017
@ said:
@ Yeah I think they're only accepting about 20% of applicants. They're definitely on my radar. Did they give you a full ride if you don't mind me asking?
Will be receiving the money via email Wednesday. Will post back. I should be competitive for at least half off since I exceed their LSAT range, but my gpa is below their median.
Either way, 28k per year for a possibly great law school in the future seems like an investment I would make if it were a business.
I am extremely curious. I just need to see what SMU and Houston offer.
vduran1988561
Monday, Apr 03 2017
@ said:
@ Whooooop!!! Yes, they are one of the few schools expanding. A ton of undergrad Ags that are attorneys are dumping money into the school. They're planning to keep the classes small though. I expect them to keep climbing.
My only concern though is the jobs. Only 4 years old. The ABA jobs report will be very telling; interested to see who is hiring them. Should be a major player in Texas down the road but right now their reputation is not much at this point. Gig'em! Class of '16 A-Whoooop!!!
Had to come back here and comment. I just got accepted here, and with their low tuition rates and the scholarship money they are giving me, plus the possible expansion of reputation in the future, I am honestly considering going here (I didn't get into UTA). Their acceptance standards are pretty rigorous, and it seems like they are committed to climbing up. T2 is not UTA, but the cost and possible expansion is extremely enticing to me.
I was wondering how the admissions process for transferring works. For Instance- say I went to a tier 3 or tier 2 and ranked up pretty high in my first year, but wanted to transfer to a t16 program. What do these schools take into account? Will weight be placed more on academic achievement in the first year, or will the LSAT be put in play with equal measure thus negating my performance?
Also, do companies look negatively on law school transfers?
vduran1988561
Thursday, Mar 02 2017
@ said:
@ You're right, there are definitely paths other than big law - it's just that often times, the schools that give you the best shot at big law are going to give you the best shot at everything else.
With regards to small/medium firms being full of St. Mary's graduates - you are definitely right that it is possible, and not uncommon, to find small firms that will take you from a T3 or T4 school (and, yeah, to your point about low pay). But again, career goals. You would have to be 100% committed to your small firm and your neighborhood to make that work. For most people applying to law school, this isn't realistic because life happens and most people are young.
Also, just using St. Mary's/San Antonio as an example: while it's true that many small firms are filled with St. Mary's grads, how many St. Mary's grads /didn't/ make it to those firms? What if all the people working at those small firms were the top 5% of their respective class? Where do the St. Mary's people that strike out in San Antonio go? It's hard for me to imagine that St. Mary's has much of a reputation outside the region, let alone the state. That is what I would worry about when choosing a T3/4.
All excellent points in that regard. It is, without a doubt, a regional school and will do little to nothing outside of San Antonio and possibly Austin. More to the point, it probably takes being a top student to take a small to mid-level job out of the school.
From the four that I spoke with, none were top of the class, but all were top 50% in the class. From our conversations, they advised me that this is the metric you really want to hit if you want to get that small to mid-level job. This could be luck on their part, but they surprisingly weren't as soft on St. Mary's as I expected.
I am still weary, of course, and won't go there unless I get at least 50 to 75% off ticket.
Otherwise, I will either bite the bullet and go to SMU/Baylor/ U of H or just wait it out until next year, retake, and hope I can get UT Austin.
This next month waiting for acceptances will be brutal.
vduran1988561
Thursday, Mar 02 2017
@ said:
@ Get on that F5 game (or not if you use a Mac)!
hahahahaha
that's life advice I would get from my dad right there.
How long do you guys normally see between application acceptance by the school and acceptances/ rejections from schools? Also, do most schools respond via online source or mail nowadays?
Apologies for this since I know I have seen this thread before and can never find it.
@ said:
@ said:
Real quick- does an immigrant of Cuban/ Russian background quality as diversity? I attached a diversity statement underlining why my background means so much.
I just wonder if the Russian portion of my background kind of kills my diversity.
First generation immigrant of any nationality would seem diverse to me. Although I'd emphasize the Cuban element over Russian considering the political climate and all.
Always have. The Russian side has never done much for me in regard to applications from what I understand.