stansbury (2022-2023)

Probably my biggest thing (hope it matters) - In my personal statement I focus on working hard for goals in spite of medical condition as teenager.
Also a senior design project involving green energy coupled with a glowing letter from my advisor about it. Had the same professor write a Stanford-specific essay and teacher evaluation.
Community involvement including mentoring, boy scouts, and others.
Worked in engineering industry during most of undergrad.

Originally I hoped to get into Stanford, but I am glad I didn't - Duke is the school for me, and if I had been accepted to Stanford I would have taken it and missed out on what Duke has to offer me.

Before I even visited Duke I was pretty sure I wanted to go there. I am planning on practicing patent law, and Duke is the only school which would allow me to complete an MS in engineering within three years (plus I didn't have to take another entrance exam!). I have a wife, a 1-year-old, and a baby due this summer and I could not imagine trying to raise kids for even three years in NYC, Chicago, DC, even SF area. We got a 1300 sf apartment in Durham for 1/3 the cost of a 400 sf apartment in NYC! With COL and scholarships considered pretty much everywhere else I applied (except Mich) would have meant an extra $100k of debt. With the exception of Stanford, Duke is the smallest school I've applied to and there is a real colegial environment there. When I first walked in for the admitted student weekend Dean Levi was standing there and chatted with my wife and me for about 10 minutes. I personally spoke with a lot of the staff and everyone was very helpful and friendly. I also made quick friendships with several entering students, 1L's, 2L's and 3L's. I just can't wait to get there in another month!

Current summary: So far, it looks like my top choices will be NYU or Duke. I really like Duke so far, especially because I'm in for a JD/MS in electrical engineering (only takes 3 years!). The scholarship offer should come within days, then a visit to campus in March will seal the deal.

10/17 - Just got the new LSAT, sending the apps in!

11/17 - Gtown says decision rendered...awaiting the letter!

11/20 - Gtown letter came with a nice handwritten note and UMich changed to decision...waiting for another letter.

11/23 - Nice big package from UMich came.

12/10 - Already notified by Duke but big package came today. And surprise, surprise a big purple envelope from NYU! Didn't expect to hear from them so soon. Unless Stanford or Harvard accepts me, this may prove a difficult decision as to which I should attend!

1/11 - First scholarship letter came - Dean's Scholarship at Mich. And I'm going crazy waiting to find out from the rest of the schools. I'm already excited for where I've been accepted, but I just want to know what the other answers are so I can make my decision already!

1/15 - So, my first rejection. Oh well, didn't have a whole lot of hope for Harvard. I'm so excited over the ones that have accepted that it's really not that disappointing.

1/29 - Waitlist at Chicago. Actually a little relieved; I wasn't really planning on going and now I don't have to visit Chicago *just in case*.

2/3 - Sad day! I had figured it was coming for a while now (especially after the Harvard rejection), but I kept hoping Stanford would be different. I can't complain, really - Duke and NYU are more than I ever expected.

2/10 - Waitlisted from Virginia by email. Been wondering for a while, but I honestly don't care - decided not to go anyways.

2/18 - Columbia rejection - now I have all the decisions, I'll have to just wait for the scholarship $. Duke said they sent the scholarship decision today, so I'll know soon.

2/22 - Got the Duke scholarship letter today for $48,000 plus a $3000 grant for summer start. Going to call them tomorrow and see if they will match Michigan's offer.

3/30 - Cycle's over for me. Go Blue Devils! I can honestly say I would not take any school over Duke (including those who rejected me). After the initial offer of $48,000 I sent them my letter from Michigan, then called John Ahlers (great guy!) to let him know as a summer starter I would have to put my deposit by 4/1. He got the new scholarship offer to me in time for the admitted student weekend, when I put in my deposit. Loved the visit, really excited to go!