| F | Fee Waiver |
| A | Attending |
| W | Withdrawn |
| D | Deferred |
carlken (2009 – 2010)
6,554 views - user verified. Account created on 10-13-09.
| School | Status | Type | Program | $$$$ | Index | Sent | Received | Complete | Decision | Updated | |
| 1 | Cardozo-Yeshiva University  F | Accepted A | $99,000 | 10-29-09 | 10-30-09 | 11-02-09 | 01-28-10 | 4 months | |||
| 1 | Brooklyn Law School F | Accepted W | $25,500 | 10-17-09 | 11-05-09 | 11-05-09 | 02-09-10 | 5 months | |||
| 2 | Seton Hall University F | Accepted W | $75,000 | 12-23-09 | 12-30-09 | 01-06-10 | 02-05-10 | 5 months | |||
| 3 | Albany Law School of Union University F | Accepted W | $60,000 | 10-30-09 | 11-02-09 | 11-02-09 | 01-06-10 | 5 months | |||
| 3 | New York Law School F | Accepted W | $30,000 | 12-16-09 | 12-17-09 | 12-22-09 | 01-27-10 | 5 months | |||
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis F | Accepted W | $57,000 | 10-29-09 | 10-30-09 | 11-01-09 | 12-18-09 | 5 months | |||
| 2 | Loyola University Chicago F | Accepted W | $22,500 | 10-17-09 | 10-21-09 | 12-14-09 | 5 months | ||||
| 3 | Drexel University F | Accepted W | $30,000 | 10-17-09 | 10-21-09 | 11-02-09 | 01-15-10 | 5 months | |||
| 3 | Widener University F | Accepted W | $120,000 | 10-17-09 | 10-19-09 | 10-22-09 | 01-08-10 | 5 months | |||
| 2 | University at Buffalo F | Accepted W | $15,000 | 10-17-09 | 10-22-09 | 11-02-09 | 12-07-09 | 5 months | |||
| 1 | George Mason University F | Accepted W | 10-17-09 | 10-21-09 | 10-28-09 | 12-17-09 | 5 months | ||||
| 2 | Hofstra University F | Accepted W | $125,340 | 10-17-09 | 10-19-09 | 11-05-09 | 12-15-09 | 4 months | |||
| 2 | St. John's University | Rejected | 11-13-09 | 11-16-09 | 12-01-09 | 02-08-10 | 5 months | ||||
| 2 | DePaul University F | Waitlisted W | 10-29-09 | 11-02-09 | 11-04-09 | 11-27-09 | 5 months | ||||
| 1 | Fordham University | WL, Rejected | PT | 01-15-10 | 01-19-10 | 01-29-10 | 04-19-10 | 3 months | |||
Demographic Information
| City/City Type: | |
| State: | Unreported |
| Race: | African American |
| Sex: | Male |
| Years out of Undergrad: | 5-9 Years |
Self-Selected Under Represented Minority (URM)
Self-Selected Non-Traditional Applicant
Application Information
| LSAT: | 159 |
| LSDAS GPA: | 2.8 (3.1) |
| School Type: | large, urban |
| Major: | Philosophy |
| Class Rank: |
Extracurricular Information
Student Government President
Senior Editor of School Newspaper
6 Years Non-Profit Experience
LESSONS FROM THIS CYCLE:
Thought I'd start posting lessons/revelations that I have had from this cycle for future applicants in case they are helpful. I'll update this as I learn more.
1. LSP is not 100% accurate. It's definitely a good tool to gauge chances, but if you have work experience, life experience, a story to tell, etc. you should take those into consideration. Especially if you are a non-traditional applicant.
2. Ask for fee waivers. Since I was denied an LSAC fee waiver (likely because I am employed full time), I thought I'd try contacting the schools directly to get the fees waived. 75% of the schools I contacted waived the application fee. You'll notice that I only paid to apply for two schools.
3. I found these sites particularly helpful when completing applications, deciding where to apply, what to emphasize, etc.
http://www.deloggio.com/admproc/what.html
Info on what schools look for aside from #'s. Very outdated, but still somewhat useful.
http://www.hourumd.com/
This was a little more accurate in my case than LSP.
4. Apply early!
5. Write a good - no great - personal statement. I get really annoyed when I see applicants with lower GPA's and LSAT scores admit that their personal statements were "ok" or "average". The personal statement is one of the few qualitative factors that an admissions committee considers. And you have more than enough time to work on it. I also had a few friends read mine and give feedback.
6. Take the application process seriously. Being a member of this site is a good start.
7. Yes, soft factors do matter. Had I paid attention to the #'s and ranking queens on TLS and other social forums I would've decided against applying to law school because my #'s weren't good enough. In the end my #'s were fine and ad comms saw that my #'s weren't representative of my potential as a law student.
Senior Editor of School Newspaper
6 Years Non-Profit Experience
LESSONS FROM THIS CYCLE:
Thought I'd start posting lessons/revelations that I have had from this cycle for future applicants in case they are helpful. I'll update this as I learn more.
1. LSP is not 100% accurate. It's definitely a good tool to gauge chances, but if you have work experience, life experience, a story to tell, etc. you should take those into consideration. Especially if you are a non-traditional applicant.
2. Ask for fee waivers. Since I was denied an LSAC fee waiver (likely because I am employed full time), I thought I'd try contacting the schools directly to get the fees waived. 75% of the schools I contacted waived the application fee. You'll notice that I only paid to apply for two schools.
3. I found these sites particularly helpful when completing applications, deciding where to apply, what to emphasize, etc.
http://www.deloggio.com/admproc/what.html
Info on what schools look for aside from #'s. Very outdated, but still somewhat useful.
http://www.hourumd.com/
This was a little more accurate in my case than LSP.
4. Apply early!
5. Write a good - no great - personal statement. I get really annoyed when I see applicants with lower GPA's and LSAT scores admit that their personal statements were "ok" or "average". The personal statement is one of the few qualitative factors that an admissions committee considers. And you have more than enough time to work on it. I also had a few friends read mine and give feedback.
6. Take the application process seriously. Being a member of this site is a good start.
7. Yes, soft factors do matter. Had I paid attention to the #'s and ranking queens on TLS and other social forums I would've decided against applying to law school because my #'s weren't good enough. In the end my #'s were fine and ad comms saw that my #'s weren't representative of my potential as a law student.
Additional Information
Scholarship $ are 3 year totals.
10/24/09 - Ok, so I completed my first round of applications- let's see what I get. I'm not too confident about most of them, but I'll keep my hopes up.
12/15/09 - Got into Hofstra and Loyola Chicago - two acceptances in one day. Hofstra sent an e-mail congratulating me. Loyola Chicago came in a large white envelope.
12/17/09 - OMG! I got into George Mason! This is in-friggin-sane. Just got a call from the Dean of Admissions. I really can't believe this.
12/18/09 - I GOT IN TO WASH U!!!!
1/6/10 - Accepted by Albany via online status checker :-). Also found out their offering $20K per year. Not bad.
1/12/10 - Received an e-mail from Brooklyn Law School indicating that I've been deferred pending an additional recommendation from one of my employers. At least this shows that they read my app (they named 2 of my former employers).
1/15/10 - Finally got the call from Drexel - I'm in!
1/27/10 - In @ NYLS via online status checker.
1/28/10 - In @ Cardozo via phone call! The admissions rep also said I've been selected as a Public Service Scholar. Don't know how much $ is associated with this program, but I'm still very happy. This is one of my top choices.
2/5/10 - In at Seton Hall via e-mail!
2/8/10 - Got my first rejection today. St. John's is a no go. I'd be upset if I wasnt already having the cycle of my dreams :-).
3/5/10 - Found out that I'd be receiving a need based grant from Cardozo for half of the tuition, in addition to the $5K Public Service Scholarship. This puts Cardozo at the top of my list...just awaiting Fordham and response on the Webster Scholarship at WUSTL.
3/31/10 - My cycle is officially over. Cardozo it is. Got the financial aid award package from Cardozo yesterday. They increased my scholarship offer. Cardozo was my top choice at the beginning of the cycle and I'm excited that I'll be starting there this fall.
4/9/10- Scratch that - my cycle isn't quite over yet. Just got a call from Hofstra offering a full tuition scholarship. Now I have 6 days to decide. What am I gonna do?!
4/20/10 - Finally heard from Fordham. Waitlisted. I'm gonna ride it out, but I'm not gonna get hopes up. FT $ from Cardozo just makes that offer too good to pass up.
So I guess this is it friends. The cycle is over.
Accepted: 12
Waitlisted: 2
Rejected: 1
4/26/10 - Just sent my LOCI and got an immediate response from Dean Brown. He mentioned that they will continue their practice of looking beyond the numbers and movement on the wait list will be happening from now into the late summer. His quick response gave me hope. Guess I haven't given up on Fordham after all.
5/20/10- Out at Fordham via status checker :-( now my cycle is really over.
10/24/09 - Ok, so I completed my first round of applications- let's see what I get. I'm not too confident about most of them, but I'll keep my hopes up.
12/15/09 - Got into Hofstra and Loyola Chicago - two acceptances in one day. Hofstra sent an e-mail congratulating me. Loyola Chicago came in a large white envelope.
12/17/09 - OMG! I got into George Mason! This is in-friggin-sane. Just got a call from the Dean of Admissions. I really can't believe this.
12/18/09 - I GOT IN TO WASH U!!!!
1/6/10 - Accepted by Albany via online status checker :-). Also found out their offering $20K per year. Not bad.
1/12/10 - Received an e-mail from Brooklyn Law School indicating that I've been deferred pending an additional recommendation from one of my employers. At least this shows that they read my app (they named 2 of my former employers).
1/15/10 - Finally got the call from Drexel - I'm in!
1/27/10 - In @ NYLS via online status checker.
1/28/10 - In @ Cardozo via phone call! The admissions rep also said I've been selected as a Public Service Scholar. Don't know how much $ is associated with this program, but I'm still very happy. This is one of my top choices.
2/5/10 - In at Seton Hall via e-mail!
2/8/10 - Got my first rejection today. St. John's is a no go. I'd be upset if I wasnt already having the cycle of my dreams :-).
3/5/10 - Found out that I'd be receiving a need based grant from Cardozo for half of the tuition, in addition to the $5K Public Service Scholarship. This puts Cardozo at the top of my list...just awaiting Fordham and response on the Webster Scholarship at WUSTL.
3/31/10 - My cycle is officially over. Cardozo it is. Got the financial aid award package from Cardozo yesterday. They increased my scholarship offer. Cardozo was my top choice at the beginning of the cycle and I'm excited that I'll be starting there this fall.
4/9/10- Scratch that - my cycle isn't quite over yet. Just got a call from Hofstra offering a full tuition scholarship. Now I have 6 days to decide. What am I gonna do?!
4/20/10 - Finally heard from Fordham. Waitlisted. I'm gonna ride it out, but I'm not gonna get hopes up. FT $ from Cardozo just makes that offer too good to pass up.
So I guess this is it friends. The cycle is over.
Accepted: 12
Waitlisted: 2
Rejected: 1
4/26/10 - Just sent my LOCI and got an immediate response from Dean Brown. He mentioned that they will continue their practice of looking beyond the numbers and movement on the wait list will be happening from now into the late summer. His quick response gave me hope. Guess I haven't given up on Fordham after all.
5/20/10- Out at Fordham via status checker :-( now my cycle is really over.
Leave a Comment
Visitor Comments
Best of luck Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
We've applied to many of the same schools... I'm rooting for you!!!
GMU Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
wowwwwwwwwwww. so jealous! congrats =)
GMU Hopeful Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Congrats on GMU! They're my 1st choice, but my (ancient) UG GPA may do me in. But you give me some hope!
congrats WashU Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
congrats! i just got the email also...
Congrats Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
On your acceptances so far. I'm really happy for you. You're right about not relying on LSP, especially being a AA URM. I've seen for myself how varied our cycles can be. I'm in at W&L and I'm still waiting to hear from WashU, so anything is possible. Hope the rest of your cycle goes as well.
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 2:36 am
Congrats! You truly deserve it.
Thanks Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I'm glad you found my detail info./postings helpful! Sometimes I'm worried I'm being too neurotic. Anyway, I completely agree with what you've written here - LSP is definitely not 100% accurate, and definitely don't discount what work experience and a life story can do for you. You're having an AMAZING cycle. Good luck with Drexel, but it looks like you have better options! I'm anxious to see where you decide to go!
Thanks Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Thanks man, good luck to you too!
kick ass Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 1:44 am
looks like youre doing awesome man, keep up the positive results..
Congrats Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 12:21 am
Congrats on Drexel! Glad to see you finally heard from them. Looking forward to see which school you decide to attend - you have some great options!
George Mason Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Congrats on George Mason! That is really awesome! I agree with you on LSP, if i relied on that to choose where i applied i would be missing out on some great opportunities. Keep up the good work.
Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 9:05 am
LSP will be way off on predicting your chances if you have significant work experience....
WUSTL Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Hey -- Congrats on WUSTL! Do you think you'll attend?
Congrats! Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Congrats on the Seton Hall Acceptance!!!
GMU Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 12:02 am
please tell me your secret: how in God's name were you admitted to GMU???
Congrats.
Congrats.
RE: Fordham Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Thanks! Fordham was a huge morale boost. Best of luck to you as well!
Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Congrats on a fantastic cycle. Truly inspirational to me….
Great Tips Friday, March 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Hey, those tips that you posted have been pretty useful. Thanks.
Congrats! Monday, March 29th, 2010 at 2:53 am
Congrats on your cycle brother!
Wow... Monday, March 29th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Just thought I'd drop a line and say that you've had a helluva cycle, man...congrats.
Congrats Friday, April 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Wow dude congrats on your cycle... Maybe we'll be classmates at Cardozo if I can get in.
Congrats on the scholly! Sunday, April 11th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Congrats on the Hofstra Scholly. It's hard to turn down a free ride. Is it dependent on keeping a certain GPA? Those can be tricky with a forced curved in the first year. Otherwise, since you are interested in public interest law, it may be worth seriously considering. Best of luck with your decision.
P.S. It's between UConn and Buffalo for me. I visited UConn yesterday. Had breakfast with the Dean at his own house. Everyone was on a first name basis. No "Dean" or "Professor" titles. The campus is gorgeous and everyone was friendly.
P.S. It's between UConn and Buffalo for me. I visited UConn yesterday. Had breakfast with the Dean at his own house. Everyone was on a first name basis. No "Dean" or "Professor" titles. The campus is gorgeous and everyone was friendly.
hofstra v cardozo? Monday, April 12th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hofstra full ride?! Ahhh...difficult decision dude. I'd lean toward Hofstra....
what are you going to do?!
what are you going to do?!
Decisions Monday, April 12th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Dude - I dont know what to do! I'll probably just flip a coin on thursday to decide. I did the financial projections over the weekend and it seems as though we're only talking about a $10K per year difference between the two. So maybe its still worth it to go to Cardozo.
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
hey man i was following your cycle to get an idea of where mine was headed - congrads on your acceptances and choice - maybe i will see you in the fall at cardozo
sorry Thursday, May 20th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Hey bud- sorry to hear about the Fordham. I just happened to click on app updates and saw yours. But at least you got a near full ride to Dozo ! You'll do great.
And thanks for all the help during my cycle :) good luck!!
And thanks for all the help during my cycle :) good luck!!
Great job! Thursday, May 20th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I have similar numbers as you but was not as fortunate. Congrats on Cardozo and the wonderful scholarship!! You did a great job!!
good scolly$$ Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 9:25 am
NICE CYCLE!!!
