shakabuku (2022-2023)

Views: 2866 User Since: 08/25/06

Application Information

F - Fee Waiver A - Attending W - Withdrawn D - Deferred
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# Law School Status Type $$$ Sent Received Complete Interview Date Decision Updated
There are no applications on file for this user.

Applicant Information

  • LSAT: 158
  • LSAT 2: -
  • LSAT 3: -
  • GRE : -
  • LSAC GPA: 3.11
  • Degree GPA: -
  • School Type: small, private, liberal arts
  • Major: -

Demographic Information

  • City: -
  • State: -
  • Race: -
  • Gender: Woman
  • Non-Traditional Applicant: Yes
  • Years out of Undergrad: -

Extra Curricular Information

Dear fellow applicants, future applicants, lurking admissions officers, and lurkers in general:

Welcome. Since personal information is being removed from individual profiles with a gleefully paranoid frenzy, I thought Id take the opposite approach and post some crazy details that you wont see anywhere else. Road less traveled and all It's not that I'm not paranoid about being identified -- I am just as paranoid as the next person. The difference is that I am crazier than the next person so...

The main purpose of this "extracurricular activity" is to not-so-subtly woo admissions officers with my fantastic craziness and utter charm. Besides, there's nothing else to read on here anymore anyhow so I might as well entertain.

As you can see from my GPA and LSAT score, I am not the cream of the crop. I am OK with that. I'm not all that competitive. I go to a good school -- not a great school -- and I do OK. I've learned a lot; but mostly I've learned that I don't know a lot. Some people call me a human encyclopedia what can I say? I like my facts but there is a lot to know about the world outside of encyclopedias. For instance, I did get an A in physics but I have not yet figured out how to complete my 40 hour take-home research methods final in approximately four hours, though I am certain it can be done if only I can just master that space-time continuum thingymajig. At the same time, I only got a B- in a political theory class that resulted in my life-altering conversion to (and proselytizing on the behalf of) the Church of Masochistic Academics.

I am applying to law school because, despite being older and slightly more cynical than when I first dreamed of a legal career, I am still idealistic and hopeful that I can change the world in small but meaningful ways for the people around me. Go ahead and giggle -- I'm OK with that too. You can mock me -- hell, I mock myself. I still have dreams and I'm not ashamed of them. Law school will not crush me. It will not make me bitter and jaded. I've experienced enough of life's harshness that I would be bitter and jaded already if it was going to happen. That and, um, law school is three years versus six years of grad school did I mention Im not too shabby at arithmetic?

About me: I am crazy and poor. Neither of my folks went to college. I don't know how the hell I got into the school I'm at right now but I'm fortunate to be here despite it being populated with spoiled, ungrateful children. Truth be told, they are part of the reason I have no interest in T1 schools. Sorry! Let me be with my people -- I am a commoner and I want to be among commoners. (My apologies, dear advisor. I know you hoped to push me into the elitist ranks. I am an anti-elitist elitist - but thanks. You know I adore you even though you are purely elitist.) I dont aspire to make millions of dollars or marry blueblood, I just want to make a decent living while challenging myself and maybe bettering society. And I dont want to become my mother but you cant really help me with that

Keep those fee waivers a-comin'. I may not be the brightest but I do know how to balance my checkbook. If I have to choose between applying to School X and paying my electric bill, well I do need to keep my laptop charged.

And one final message: Show me the money, honey. That thing about money not growing on trees? Engineers are still working on that and I dont think theyve made much progress, so I will have to attend law school the good ol fashioned way by going insanely into debt, whoring myself, or marrying a sugar daddy.

Love,

shakabuku

Additional info & updates

27 February:

I realized I need some time away from school. Since I'm a non-trad student, "time" is costly, so this was a tough decision. But I miss work, being an adult, earning money, having a life, etc... I may apply as a part-time student at a local school for the next cycle. Or I may reconsider going full time somewhere else. If I do reapply, I'll probably study and retake the LSAT. Or... [fill in the blank]. It's funny -- I've been convinced that I should go to law school for my entire life, but I am just so damn tired of being a student right now.

6 December:

Took a break from a few dozen projects to type uber-important message for "extracurricular info" section because all that empty space looked lonesome. Procrastination is fun.

2 December:

I'm still behind in the application process. The official GPA verdict is in -- and not nearly as scary as I thought it might be. The personal statement is gathering dust. I'm not all that certain about a few schools on the list. (Plus I've received a few fee waivers that I might throw in to the mix - what the heck.) One school has emerged as my #1 pick but I'm still open to other possibilities. I've got two strong LORs. Originally, I thought I'd max out the four limit and even throw in a few targeted letters for good measure but I've decided against that. I think these two should paint an adequate picture of where I've been, how far I've come, and give credence to where I hope to go. I hope to have everything complete by the end of the month.

Free apps: Lewis & Clark, Willamette, Quinnipiac, St. Thomas, Ave Maria, Arkansas, Hofstra, Case, Campbell... (OK, know what? I'm going to apply to most of these -- yeah, I'm that easy. Who knows...)

22 October:

All of this -- the score, my ambivalence, the odds -- seems to point to waiting a year and reapplying. The thing is, I don't want to have to go through all of this again. So, maybe I'll apply to a few schools and see how it goes. I've narrowed it down to ten schools now and will probably apply to five or six.

21 October:

I just checked my e-mail and saw that LSAC sent my score yesterday. I've got a lot to think about. Apply now or wait, study, and re-take it? Hmmm....

14 October:

With about a week to go until September LSAT scores are unveiled, I've been thinking about some of the schools on my list. I just removed my preference tiers because I hate the whole rankings game. There are some schools that I'd be thrilled to attend despite the perception that they occupy some lowly stratum. I'll narrow the list after I learn my score and have a better understanding of my odds.

1 October:

I survived the LSAT yesterday! I can't say that I did well but it's over and it's time to move on to other considerations. I removed a few schools from the list and added a few. I'll be paring it down in the weeks to come.

24 September:

Being something of a procrastinator (and rebel), I haven't studied for the LSAT. Today I took the free practice test that accompanies the LSAC info book and got a 161. (I really shot myself in the foot on one of the logic problems and didn't have time to answer 8 or 9 questions which really cost me -- so now I need to devote some serious time to reintroducing my mind to logic games and time management.) Overall, I am not entirely displeased with the score but I do hope to do better on exam day. Six days to go...

25 August:

I registered for the LSAT recently. My GPA sucks because, quite frankly, I never cared about grades. Now that I've begun researching law schools, I realize that UGPA is an important factor and understand that I have effectively eliminated any possibility of getting into a top tier school. Fortunately, I'm not really that interested in them anyhow.

Visitor Comments

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Top Tier
Wednesday, August 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

If you score a 160+ you absolutely have a great chance at a first tier school. Of course soft factors can help, but really, if you do well on the LSAT, everything else means almost nothing. You can go to a great school with a 165 and a 3.0.

Legal Interest
Wednesday, August 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

I really enjoyed Securities Litigation and Securities Regulation. I had a great experience with the SEC and would love to go back as a staff attorney. As far as your list goes, I think it has some very solid schools on it. If you are interested in Dispute Resolution & Arbitration/Mediation Services, Pepperdine has a fantastic program. Seattle is a good school, U or Oregon is also a good school. That said, I would take Cooley off of your list. Unless you have a particular reason for going there, the school does not have a very solid reputation. They may, however, offer you a full ride there (I think if you break a 163 or something like that the tuition is covered).

No Offense Taken
Wednesday, August 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

I was born in CA, but raised in Philadelphia, PA. I moved back to CA about 4 years ago for work. Aside from the weather, I don't much care for the atmosphere either.

Thanks..
Friday, October 06 2006 at 08:00 PM

for the encouragement about my GPA. I hope you are right. You know, what's really tough is that there is not good way to gauge my likliehood of admission anywhere. There are all these tools out there that you can plug your GPA and LSAT into to try to see where you fit well, but when your GPA track is like mine they are of little use. I'm confident that I won't be seen as a 2.6 student, but I also know that I won't be seen as a 4.0 student, either. But just where I am viewed between these extremes is going to be different for each school I apply to. It is frustrating to be going into the process somewhat blind... I hope your LSAT score comes through for you. If you are within a point or two of 160 or better, you should be in at nearly all of the schools on your list...

Best Wishes to you as well
Wednesday, October 18 2006 at 08:00 PM

Yeah we do have some of the same schools in common. I am having a hard time deciding where to go and figuring out where I can get into. Well, best of luck to you.

Definately Apply
Saturday, July 01 2006 at 08:00 PM

I scored lower on the LSAT...and you still have a great chance of getting into the schools on your list. I agree...I fought the same battle (especially since I was averaging 163 on my practice exams) but the year wait would be difficult. Good luck with what ever your decision is!!!

Give it a shot...
Friday, October 06 2006 at 08:00 PM

You may as well send out a few apps and see how it goes. After all, you're already invested somewhat into this admission cycle. Good luck. I think you'll be surprised at how well you do...

Same Numbers, Same Schools
Tuesday, May 09 2006 at 08:00 PM

We have similar numbers and schools. I'll be watching your profile. Good luck!

Hey Shaka,
Friday, October 06 2006 at 08:00 PM

AmberRen posted a fairly comprehensive (and sensible) response to my (our) question about application timing on my profile. You may want to check it out....

Thanks, stsherri
Thursday, August 24 2006 at 08:00 PM

That is interesting. I'm going to have to give that some thought. I wonder if/how an early, complete application can be bolstered a bit by sending transcripts as soon as grades are posted in December... or if once they're complete, that's it... Guess I should buy the book, eh?

Once they're complete, that's it, I thin
Friday, October 06 2006 at 08:00 PM

You could include an addendum to your app in which you clarify that you expect your cum GPA to rise after grades post for the current semester, and that you are happy to forward them an updated copy of your transcript (or update LSDAS with the new information). That way they know to look for the updated information (if they are interested). The notification is important, I think. The law schools will request your academic report from LSAC on some date, and will not know to request another, updated report (or to request an updated copy of your transcript from you) unless you tell them it is coming or could be made available... I'm going to play it something like this, I think. I don't expect many will care or take the time to look for udated numbers. I'm more or less going to have to trust that my recent record speaks for itself...

nubers twin
Tuesday, July 25 2006 at 08:00 PM

Thank you so much for your post. Good luck to you too! I think you have a great chance of acceptance to all the schools on your list

Broaden Your horizons
Wednesday, November 15 2006 at 07:00 PM

I think your numbers make you a more competitive applicant than you give yourself credit for. Apply to at least a few of your dream schools and a few of your day-dream schools. I wish you the best of luck as well. Take care!

I Agree W/ softfactors
Wednesday, August 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

Your numbers are very competitive. T1 is still definitely within reach.

Why I took down my #'s
Wednesday, August 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

Paranoid about admins seeing my profile, not that I have done or said anything to be ashamed of.

Re: Paranoia
Wednesday, November 15 2006 at 07:00 PM

People have been removing their info because of paranoia alone. They (myself included, probably because I'm too imaginative) fear members of admissions comittees lurk in the LSN shadows, waiting to match up applicants with their corresponding information on LSN/LSD in an effort to learn about the person in a voyeuristic manner. I might have said some stupid stuff, so I go blank until all decisions are final. I view this as a database of information from previous years for the future LS applicants anyway.

daddy didn't love me
Tuesday, November 07 2006 at 07:00 PM

apparently i'm supposed to make a comment here since our numbers are similar. Good luck?

thanks!
Tuesday, May 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

thanks for the message. fee waivers are always a great thing! applying late is a pitfall though... i applied towards x-mas of last year and it didn't work out well for me so i had to reapply this cycle. i just wanted to share my little personal tidbit, but your numbers are higher and so i hope things work out better for you. best of luck to you!

Thanks,
Saturday, December 09 2006 at 07:00 PM

and good luck!

That was me!
Thursday, September 21 2006 at 08:00 PM

Ooops! That "logged user" listed above was me.

Good luck!
Friday, December 30 2005 at 07:00 PM

Hey, I just came across your profile through a weird series of random clicking. I *love* the essay you've written above (use it for your personal statement. . .if only we knew whether adcomms have sense of humor ;). I'm with you on the posting personal information thing. I originally didn't, but now the important stuff is up there. Why not? I'm proud of it. Good luck with your applications!

Thanks for the kind words
Wednesday, August 16 2006 at 08:00 PM

And I also have to say that your 'Personal Information' section is by far the most interesting I have read. When do you plan to start sending out applications? Thanks again for your kind words and support.

'pplied yet?
Thursday, September 21 2006 at 08:00 PM

How are things shaping up? Have you polished your apps to a gleaming auto-admit shine?

the same
Sunday, November 26 2006 at 07:00 PM

We have the same numbers. Best of luck this cycle.

Re: your reply
Wednesday, May 03 2006 at 08:00 PM

Hi, I hadn't logged in for a long long time, and so I just saw your reply on my page. How are things going for you? Still possibly going to L&C? I expect to hear back from them this week...

Ach!
Thursday, September 21 2006 at 08:00 PM

Thanks! I was extremely excited to hear back from the Oregon schools. Their scholarship offers weren't quite as awesome as I hoped, but maybe I can sugar them up. I must admit that I'm a little saddened by your decision to not go to law school. At the same time, I think you made a smart decision. I jumped right into my Masters program straight out of undergrad, and completely didn't realize I had already burned out on school. Now that I'm a few years out of school and used to the 8-5 thing, I feel like I'm ready to hit the books again. Time away from academia could be just the ticket for you to come back refreshed and ready to save the world. I wish you the best of luck in your next step! Feel free to email me; I'd love to hear what you're up to!