4/16/09
A delayed start with the comments but I guess better late than never...
I graduated from undergrad in 2004 with dual majors. Cum GPA was 2.49. I applied to 13 schools in January of 2005 and was rejected to each (two wailisted me and I was eventually rejected as well).
I got into graduate school at the Univ. of Denver Law School and left with a Masters in Legal Administration and a 3.83 GPA. The Dean of the Law School, the Professor of Legal Writing at the School, and an accounting teacher wrote LORs for me.
I interned at a non profit in Denver and interned for my grad degree in LA (relocation) at a big law firm, and worked at two more law firms since then - progressively obtaining more demanding positions.
In 2007 I applied to two schools (Tulane and Loyola NO). I was rejected from Tulane and admitted into LNO after being waitlisted. I deferred because of serious family health issues. Unfortunately, a year later, my family was still suffering from the issues so I could not attend.
I received a Paralegal Certificate from UCLA in 2007. In my last position I was able to use my skills from the program in assiting the Regional Paralegal Manager and Senior Paralegals...
4/16/09
I've had three rejections so far: Loyola Los Angeles, University of the Pacific, and DePaul University. Waitlisted along with the rest of the world at Southwestern. I really wasn't banking on Loyola LA, but I have a problem with U of P and DePaul. First of all, I didn't intend to apply to DePaul until I got a letter in the mail and email asking me to apply based on the information that was submitted to them by LSAC. To encourage me to apply, they waived the app fee. In additon, I was also told that I was a strong candidate for their scholarships. I applied the very next day. To say that I was shocked to be out right denied admittance is putting it lightly, but I didn't dwell on it. Moving on to U of P. I applied to be considered for both the FT and PT programs believing that if I didn't have a shot for the PT program that I would be given heavy consideration for the PT program. I even did my researched and noted that many people who go into the FT program did so with lower numbers than me and got scholarship $$$. I got my letter today from U of P and wasn't even waitlisted - nor offered PT. Like I said earlier, it's just more of a shock when I see my numbers in comparison to some accepted students. I know that my undergrad stats aren't the highest but in comparison with the applicants I spoke of - and considering that this pool is mostly straight out of undergrad -it does burn a little. How'ever, the frustration is with the schools themselves. Congrats to everyone who was accepted! Especially to those who've overcome lower stats in the cycle! I know its a difficult journey!
4/17/09
Auuugh, it's a new day. Yesterday was tough and defintely left me a bit discouraged. Oh well, I just would like to get out of this state of limbo. Received an email from Tulane this morning stating that my application was now under review - we will see what happens - I hope there is some truth in "three times a charm" because this is actually the third time I've applied to Tulane - I hope they give me a chance considering my persistance (wishful thinking I know)...
4/18/09
I am assuming I will hear from San Diego today. It's been over a week according to the status checker that a decision has been made and I still haven't received anything in the mail and I'm only two hours away in LA...also, I think I am going to stop checking the online status checkers, they don't help my nerves one bit.
4/18/09
Mail came in today from University of San Diego - small white envelope - you know what that means.
4/24/09
Rejection from San Francisco via regular mail. Am I upset? Of course, rejection is never easy to handle. But, let me tell you something - the mark of many successful people is the ability to tolerate failure and overcome it. This is the second time I've been rejected at SF. It's nothing compared to the fact that I've been rejected over 20 times from schools in the past three years. I am a very driven person and I will continue to go after what I want. Sure, I should have had a better undergrad GPA but I was also able to come out of college with two BA degrees after surviving severe major depression. I've looked at all of what I've accomplished since graduating in 2004 and I cannot be down on myself. It's unfortunate that my undergrad GPA is such a big obstacle in front of me - but it's O.K. I cannot allow the 18 year old I was, determine my future at 28. I will get into Law School and if at any point of my life, shoud I come across a young person who has made mistakes in the past but is determine to prove themselves - I will give them a chance. Because those who have encountered a brick wall over and over again and still persist - must have something outstanding to accomplish once they make it to the other side...
Please, don't ever give up on your dreams.
4/25/09
Received Rejection Letter from Tulane. This is my third rejection letter from Tulane. I am dissapointed but at this point in the cycle, I've become numb. I have consistently improved my credentials since first applying in 2005. Wow - 2005...moving on, on a positive note (as one must look for such in the negative) the letter was as nice as a rejection letter could be - it communicated that I should be proud of my accomplishments and that the school hopes that I am admitted into another law school - and that I am encouraged to apply as a transfer student once I complete my first year at another law school. I don't know
how to feel at this point.
4/30/09
Checked U of Houston status checker - file has been under review since 4/27...
5/01/09
Rejected from Pepperdine. Considering their stance on Prop 8 - God probably decided that this was for my own good.
I really hope you get into one of those schools this time, I was reading your story and I really like it, I think you have the potential to get it. It sucks that they place so much emphasis on undergrad when clearly, you worked really well and have improved significantly since then All the best!