3/7/11: Started pretty late in the cycle, mainly bc I was bouncing back and forth between Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 admission.. but we'll see what happens. Probably won't hear back until mid-May - June.
3/8/11: Email from Albany about application confirmation and status checker. I estimated the TCOA for going here, and it's about $160,000.... so they definitely aren't my top choice anymore. I just liked the strong governmental job prospects, but I'm sure I won't be making $100k upon graduation, plus Albany isn't the best of areas; nevertheless, it's a strong school.
3/18/11: Finally got the email from Cleveland State acknowledging my application and saying that it is complete. Annoyingly, they do NOT offer an online status checker. I only applied her bc of the strong reputation of the school throughout the region... and am not completely sold on living in Cleveland.. but we'll see.
3/24/11: Called TJSL to try to schedule a campus tour since I'll be in SD for my friend's event at Cal Western this weekend.. and was accepted. Admitted students event tomorrow 3/25. Weird/Perfect timing..
3/25/11: In at FC via status checker... not that my numbers are high, but the only thing I was surprised at is how quickly they made a decision. Four days must be a record somewhere. Basically I only applied here at the slight chance they would fly me out to see the school - aka free trip to the Florida beach! I'm horrible, I know.
3/26/11: Went to visit TJSL for the Admitted Students event. Gorgeous new building, in the East Village of SD, very nice (i.e. expensive) area of the city. Was impressed with the faculty presentation, and the new facilities. Felt very comfortable there, which seems unusual for law school. Really hoping to get money here, it would make the school even more attractive than it already is. The only thing is that I'm slightly uncomfortable going to the "#3" school in SD - although I'm almost certain that CW wouldn't offer me any $$ - and they're not significantly higher regarded than TJSL. I'll be checking the mail for that scholarship letter.
3/28/11: Received official 'acceptance email' from FC... only offering $6,000 - when the original emails from N. Schumer (i.e. "spam") had said $7,500. Not that I'm going here either way, but that just solidifies that decision.
3/30/11: Received official offer of admission from TJSL in mail. No scholarship offer, although I'm hoping that comes later.
4/1: Finally received email from UDC about the receipt of my application and the availability of my status checker. This is probably my #1.5 choice, but is also the most selective out of the schools, with a 20% acceptance rate. The opportunities/cost are much more positive than San Diego, but then again I know close to nothing about living in DC.
4/3/11: Came home from a trip to Big Bear to a scholarship offer from TJSL - $40,000 over the next 4 years. Much more than I was expecting, and makes me feel much more confident about being in San Diego. I have until May 2 to respond, so hopefully I hear from DC by then. I just can't get over the $7,000 tuition, and the strong employment prospects, especially in gov't/public interest. Continuing to obsessively check status checkers.
4/4/11: Albany status checker changed from "complete" to "in review".... should hear within 2-3 weeks.
4/28/11: Called Albany, DC, and Cleveland to check status. Albany said they would update me by tomorrow (4/29). Cleveland said file was coming back from committee also tomorrow, and decision letter would be sent out early next week. DC said committee was meeting on my file on Tuesday 5/3 - would update status that day.
4/29/11: Received voicemail from Albany (as well as status checker) stating that I have been "added to the waitlist". Semi-surprised, but it doesn't matter too much bc I doubt I would move that far and pay sticker ($160k ) for a T3.
5/3/11: In at UDC via status checker... pretty excited as this was the only school I was realistically considering other than San Diego. Their clinical program is Top 10 in the Nation, so the opportunities may be higher than at TJSL. But it is 3,000 miles away... finally feeling the stress I've heard others talk about.
5/4/11: Received an email this morning from FCSL about how they had "increased my scholarship award" to $15,000/yr, contingent on a 2.9 GPA. Considering I didn't send in my 1st seat deposit for the initial scholarship amount, I find it interesting that they are so aggressive in their recruitment efforts. It's also worth noting that tuition there is "only" $32K.. which makes the award about 1/2. Not bad I guess.
5/6/11: Received waitlist letter from Cleveland-Marshall via snail mail. Not feeling much either way on this one, since further research about Cleveland has not exactly yielded positive results. Oh well. Going to withdraw. At least I finished my cycle without officially being "rejected".... ha.
5/9/11: Received admissions packet from UDC. Offered a $3k scholarship, which consisted of a $1,500 Mason Civil Rights Scholarship and a $1,500 Americorps scholarship - the former is NOT renewable.. though it mentioned I could apply for a Continuing Merit Award. The TCOA for one year is $50K... since I am a non-resident. Pretty high. Plus I only have until the 18th to respond - if they say no to an extension when I call tomorrow, I am going to withdraw. They can't expect me to make a decision this big AND send the deposit without so much as a visit.
5/12/11: Officially withdrawn from UDC :( As August approaches, reality starts to set in - and a cross-country move just isn't feasible the way I thought it was. Plus, COL in the District is even more ridiculous than I had anticipated. Oh well. At least someone else can take my spot. Still sucks, though.
I do feel like UDC's focus is exactly what I want to pursue with my J.D., however I am weary about the elitism in a city such as the capital. Though, I still don't want to rule it out just yet..