Tigers75 (2022-2023)

Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. -Langston Hughes

Thanks for the luck. Best to you as well!

thanks. same to you, brother.

Thanks. I'm not too optimistic, but I figure if I apply to enough "reach" schools one will let me in. Best of luck to you in your cycle.

Had a kinda frustrating day today. I got an email from one school that said I needed to fill out a residency form but you couldn't reply to the email. Furthermore, the link that they provided came back undeliverable and on the online status check it said they give only a couple of weeks to fill out this residency form. Why couldn't the residency form just been part of the added stuff at the end of the online application?

I had a LS send me a letter saying they need me to send them my letters of recommendation. On my online status checker, it says they have my letters of recommendation. Also, isn't that the whole point of doing the letters through LSAC, so the service can send this stuff to the LS?

That's smart. I hadn't thought about that. I'll be grateful to get into any tier 1 school with reasonable tuition. I think you're wise to apply to a lot of schools in Texas. I wish I was from Texas just for the insanely low price on in-state tuition. Do you know how hard it is to establish residency there?

Thank you very much! Same to you!

Hey Tigers75, the reason why I did not apply to UH was that they did not offer Constitutional Law specialties, and without such, I saw no need to go to a school that did not offer such because, although Con Law wont be my only specialty, I would be miserable practicing something else without the chance of practicing some con law... out of the vast majority of the applicants I've viewed on here, despite your numbers, you've already earned--and deserve--a seat at some law school. God Bless Ya and Thank You for your service. Best Always, MikTexan Miki

FYI, the following schools to which I applied asked questions on their applications about military service: Widener, Univ of The Distr of Columbia, Texas Wesleyan, Baylor, and University of Arkansas Little Rock. What's also interesting are the schools on my application list that did not ask anything on their applications about military service: UofH, South Texas, Texas Southern, and St Mary's. Why is this interesting? First, as someone who is Hazelwood eligible, I would get free tuition to UofH or Texas Southern, if accepted due to what? Military service. Yet they didn't ask anything on the application about military service. I guess that's a financial aid thing. Also, South Texas is the one LS that has a strategic partnership with Texas A&M, almost as military-oriented a school as anyone can imagine. If ever there were a TAMU LS, South Texas would be it, although that may sound strange, given how far away the two physical locations are and the fact that South Texas is a private institution. Finally, the other school, St Mary's, which I thought would ask something about military service on the application is the home of The Center for Terrorism Law, which deals in all things regarding The Law of Warfare and The Rules of Engagement. Curious. I also found it interesting that UDC and Baylor asked about career experience. I am inclined to think that helps an old-timer like me but I don't know for sure. Baylor asked for how many months of career experience you have. Lastly, UDC asked for an essay on how I might have seen or experienced injustice in my life and my reaction to it. It seemed odd, especially since I'm not looking for all that kind of thing in my particular LS experience, although I don't disparage those who do, but they're in charge so I just do as they say until I get accepted or rejected and then make a decision from there.

Thanks, bro. Wish you the best.

Hey, I wish you the best this cycle but your LSAT had me wondering--have you retaken the exam or considered retaking it? My reason for asking is because I think you deserve better and can do better. My first LSAT score was actually below yours and after taking a PowerScore class, reading the WSJ everyday along with a philosophy book I got my score to where it is now.

Good luck. I am also applying to St. Mary's part time. But I am going with regular admission, didn't make the decision until early admission acceptance passed. Good luck!!!

Don't mean to be Pollyanna at all but I have a theory I'd like to test and study more. Supply for LS grads has, for years, exceeded demand for them, which has decreased real wages and negatively impacted working conditions/hours for young lawyers. However, since, in my experience, real retirement from legal practice happens later than most fields, and a negative PR campaign to discourage students from attending LS is gaining momentum, the combination of the baby boomer supply of labor cliff fall-off, from death and real retirement, and the fewer graduates, from the negative PR campaign, will drive wages for new graduates back up, over the next 5-10 yrs. Suggestions on data, especially in TX, on how to test this theory? I don't know if the state bar goes into data this deep?

Maybe a reason why lawyers make so much money, they are always on the Department of Labor's top 10 list when you put all the different kinds of doctors into a "doctors" box, is because lawyers train to fight. Really, the kinds of conflict that lawyers engage in, and often seek especially to engage in, is the kind of conflict that most people don't know how to control or even process. The lawyer is often the one with the will to fight the doctor who has misdiagnosed and refuses to make the patient whole for damages caused by the misdiagnosis, which his/her license says he/she should have known better for. I want a license to fight via the law and all the compensation that my fights get in return. Maybe some folks don't seek this conflict-based experience in a legal career but I still believe it's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog. Maybe it is cheesey but I believe it...along the lines of the saying that it is the spirit of a man sustains him. So here's to the fight.

Thanks for the congrats Tiger. I am still waiting to here back from my TX schools...I really enjoy the area. GL with your cycle. -Airborne

Quick question regarding your St. Mary's application: How long did it take them to recieve your CAS paper file in order to place your application under review? .. Also, best of luck in your cycle!

I know! I was pretty crushed. They literally took two weeks to let me know. So I can tell that they really put their heart and soul into my application haha Good luck in your applications! Feel free to post anything! I barely saw your comment.

Good luck to you!

Found out today Baylor is a rejection.

Sorry about Baylor. Keep your head up for UH!

Just got word that I've been accepted to Widener. This is a great day because I've been working toward some kind of acceptance since the late 90's. Widener's business organizations specialization program is really good and, unless UH offers me admission, I don't know if I'll realistically get a better offer. I'll hold on and see but I am quite happy to be accepted after all these years.

Congrats on the Acceptance at Widener! This is truly great news. Congrats again.

TSU never sent me an email to notify me when my application was complete/under consideration. They only sent an email when they received it. I found the information via the status checker. I can't verify the complete ap date. My current status: "File Completed and Sent to Committee," and it was last updated 10/25/2012.

Congratulations on your Widener acceptance!

Congrats on Widener. Have you been following the Texas A&M TexWes Law purchase? If it happens I will be more willing to attend. GL with the rest of your cycle.

Congrats on the acceptance at Widener! I'm happy for you. Sticking with your dream so long shows character. You'll do great. I'm still pulling for you at UH and STCL though!

Thanks, bro. Good job on Widener!

Wow, the admissions office at Texas Weslyan, soon likely to become Texas A&M at Texas Weslyan, pending all approvals of the merger, was great to interact with. They showed a lot of professionalism and efficiency. Now if they'll just admit me.

Baylor, although a rejection, was quite efficient and gracious...classy school (oldest LS in Tx). They're grads will be tough to contend with in court.

Just out of curiosity, how did Baylor notify you? And did you apply early decision? (only reason i ask is I went complete before you but haven't been notified of a decision)

Oh ok, thanks for sharing that. After speaking to one of their advisors at the Houston LSAC forum I decided to apply for both Summer and Fall (you can choose if admitted to both). Hoping to hear from them soon.

Thanks man! Hopefully some more good news is coming for both of us.

Maine LS sent me a nice email today, a 3L. I hope this means they're leaning toward admitting me...no decision yet but very cordial 3L student offering to answer questions I might have.

Just found out I got accepted to UDC...will have to consider the DC area.

I am, and I can hardly believe I'm saying this, two for three so far on being accepted. I've decided that if UH accepts me, I'm taking the day off of work and having a party, even if it is just me at the party

Ya, I feel fortunate so far. Utah or BYU would be a dream, especially BYU because of the <10,000 tuition. Congrats on Widener and continued luck in your cycle. We'll be in touch.

Congratulations on your acceptance to Widener and U of DC! Best of luck on your cycle, especially with Houston. And most of all, thank you for serving our nation!

I like to look around the Bureau of Labor and Statistics website b/c my work projects often require it. A few days ago, I found that median attorney wages in the Houston metroplex are almost double what I make. I love Houston.

One indication that it is time to stop dropping so many LS apps is that you have to open your Law School Numbers webpage to remind you of what school online status checkers to check.

Thanks for the congrats. I am still waiting on the scholly info from NYLS however at 47k/yr in tuition its not likely I will be attending. If I had the full 9/11 gi bill (Im stuck at 90%) I would reconsider being NYLS & VA add an additional 30k of bennies. I second having to log into LSN to check status checkers. Maybe a few more apps wouldnt hurt.

Congrats on D.C. I mean what else can I say, with an acceptance rate of 35% at LSU, maybe I'm fortunate enough that I still have a fighting chance of becoming part of that 35% instead of being rejected; I was very creative in my response by sending a LOCI and a booklet, which may oddly complement one another quite well. I still have some time to hear back from them and the other schools I applied to. Most likely than not, I'll get rejected at Emory (despite visiting them) and UGA (whom I should hear back from within exactly a week)-- Just being realistic with some hope that an absurd dream such as a kid who was told by doctors that he (I) would never walk or talk can will get accepted into a great law school one day. Anyway, congrats on D.C again!

Thank You. Congrats on your acceptance!

Thank you, sir. I'm sure you've got a good shot at Wesleyan. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and withdraw promptly if I decide against it.

Thanks Tigers75. Yep, I'll still be applying to SMU as well. Hoping to get a scholarship offer from at least one of them. Still waiting on admission packet from Tex Wes to find out if I got any scholarship from them. Online status checker just says "admit"

Thank you for the congratulations on OKC! St. Mary's is probably my top choice, but definitely a long shot with my numbers. I'm really hoping for Tex Wes though. What Texas schools are you hoping for? Also, good luck on your cycle!!

That is much appreciated. If I don't get in then I am going to have to shell out the cash for a personal tutor.

thanks a lot for the luck, and for being a genuinely nice person. like everyone else has already said, best of luck to you too!

Thanks for your kind words. Your cycle seems to be going great. Best of luck to you on your remaining schools. :)

Thank you! It was a relief to hear back so soon! Best of luck with the rest of your cycle.

Sorry to bother you but are you getting spam posts to your comments in the past few days? I've had a few and I can't tell if it's someone spamming me or legitimate posts that are just getting all mixed up due to some LSN bug or something.

I received a correspondence stating they have my app but I never was notified on it being labeled complete. I assume it is because my tracker says all decisions are communicated via email. Have you received anything from them?

You will be attending law school this cycle, if you so choose. So it's a victory no matter what. Good luck on the rest of your cycle.

Just found out the first app I put in back in Oct went complete a couple days ago; just in a waiting game for now. Sure would be nice to go to TSU and get the free tuition thru Hazelwood.

Pretty happy, first TX acceptance today-- St Mary's. They psyched me out with the thinvelop (thin envelope) that said accepted.

Wow! Congrats! Do you plan to attend?

Dude, I can't hardly believe it. I'm 7/9 so far. Come on UH, TAMU-TexWes, or TSU. I didn't think I'd have so much positive vibe going into the home stretch. Hazelwood! Hazelwood!

Yea that totally makes sense. I'm sure Texas Wesleyan and TSU are in the bag. I know that TSU takes a long time to respond back with decisions. I knew someone who applied last year and they said that it was kind of ridiculous. But I guess we have to remember there are a bunch of other people applying as well. Good luck on going to law school in TX! I'm hoping for some miracles on my part lol

Great question, anonymous. I'd love to go to TT, especially b/c of their Fin Plan/LS opportunities...just outstanding grads too. However, I have a couple kids and wife who will need a more metro job mkt--my MBA/O&G wife has to support the fam while I do LS.

Also, just to be clear I've tried unsuccessfully for admission to TT LS in years past. TT just did what was rational, given the talent pool they were picking from at the time. Very thoughtful question though and I appreciate the inquiry. If I had my way (wife's job-wise), I'd probably chose TT LS over almost any LS in TX--really.

Thanks for your kind words and congratulations on your acceptances thus far. I am always hard on myself. I always feel I can do better and sort of let myself down by not scoring higher on the LSAT. I took it twice while working a 40+ hour job and even took a prep course. 155 was up from a 150. Anyway, I digress. The Lord will put me in the school that's best for the season I am in. I have a husband and young child and it will be in my best interest to work just a tad. So there you go. Good luck with the rest of your apps!

It's been a while since I've checked your profile. Congrats on a great cycle thus far. Continued luck.

I want to go to STCL. I even went to the open house yesterday lol I've been studying for February's LSAT so hopefully I break 150's! What is your first preference? I noticed that you applied to some part time programs. Would you prefer full time or part time?

Thanks! This was definitely a crazy cycle... I believe my count was 65 applications, if you can believe that. Ugh, all that money... and Idaho was my 4th application *facedesk* - but, it could not have worked out better... so I wouldnt change a thing. Im not exactly the gambling type, so if I didnt apply to as many, and things didnt go well, it would have been horrifying. Congrats on all your acceptances! Youve got some choices already.. I hope you get into your Texas school of choice! The application process is not for the faint of heart, but it will be worth it in the end :)

Congrats on your apps as well, and thanks!

Hey! Anything is possible. If that's where you were meant to go then God might work a little bit of his magic! Haha And at the open house at STCL they asked about the hazel wood act. Apparently of course not all of your tuition will be paid for but they work with the yellow ribbon program? I'm not too sure what that is but they basically implied that there were other opportunities that STCL considers for veterans considering to apply. Yea I was considering applying to part time as well. I probably should have done that but I decided to endure the LSAT one final time. Hopefully it will pay off. Great schools! I have no doubt that you will be a 1L this coming Fall in the great state of TX! Haha keep me posted! I'm excited for you

Well that sounds like just enough for law school! Good luck! You are already off on a great start!

I'm actually reconsidering applying at all. I'm afraid the tuition is the only thing that I would enjoy.

I've withdrawn from all of the schools that have offered me admission, except one--I'll attend there if not accepted at my #1,2,3, or 4. I remember being on the waitlist for one school in 2005 and even visiting thinking I would be admitted from off the waitlist. Well, I was rejected and that was a memorably bad day. I would have probably already been a few years into my career as an attorney by now had I been accepted from the waitlist. Well, here's to someone out there getting in from off their waitlist and not having a memorably bad day. Robert Frost talked about the road less traveled making all the difference. I hope I can say that when I'm as old as Robert Frost was in the early 1960s.

Withdrawing from schools you are positive not to attend is very noble. As soon as I get one solid offer I will be doing the same. Good luck with your 1-4

A 148, 3.08 URM, with moderately good softs, no pings on the character/fitness, and an app submitted a few months ago or maybe thru the end of this months probably gets you in their PT program. This is a wild year though...wild in a good way so go ahead and drop a bunch of apps if you're thinking about it.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I wish you the best of luck in your law school application journey.

I think this cycle, TexWes will be a little harder to get into than St Mary's b/c of the announcement that TAMU is working toward finalization of the purchase of the school. The force of a $3B institution, TAMU, behind what is valued at ~$60MM LS, TexWes, ($25MM + 40 yr lease), with the added effect that TAMU has decades of pinned up desire to climb in prestige, real scholarship, and rep, will make for a well-funded, well-regarded LS in TexWes, especially over a long career. I will not be shocked if I get waitlisted from TAMU-TexWes and accepted to S Texas and I've been accepted to St Mary's. Your numbers 148, 3.08 are better than mine. In short, it will be a little harder to get into TexWes than St Mary's but in the end, probably not impossible.

With regard to the difference b/t St Mary's, S Texas, and TexWes, I think it is just a matter of specialty and geographic preference. From a macro view, S Texas makes great trial lawyers, St Mary's has some political clout and a growing geo-market almost cornered, and now TexWes will have the Aggie nation behind them...wanting to do what it takes to put TAMU law right up there with UT, in time. I'd prefer to attend TAMU-TexWes at this point, provided the rejection from UH does come. I will play it how it ultimately lies and mostly just be thankful I'll now have an outlet for my decades of law school angst.

Yeah, from a USNWR formula standpoint, txlaw2013, your numbers are better than mine...matters a lot to most schools. News this Friday from TexWes would be great...looking forward to it.

U have me nervous, txlaw2013, but I don't exactly know why. Fingers crossed and best of luck. Aggie Law! Aggie Law!

Nothing from TexWes yet, rats!

Hey man just checking in. Looks like you are having an awesome cycle! St. Mary's is great but I think you have a great shot at STCL and TWLS too.

Given my personal situation and being married I would choose STCL. We live in close proximity to Houston and my wife could continue going to school. It's my number one choice, but St.Marys would be great also. Just harder for me to accommodate. How long did it take you to get a decision to St. Mary,s?

I wish I shared your optimism. I would be thrilled, but I'm not getting my hopes up just yet..

Best of luck to you. I hope it works out for you.

Check out this article. It looks like things are progressing accordingly. I wonder if they will be able to change the flag/logo/tuition in 2013 or have to wait until 2014. Lets hope for the former. http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/2013/01/24/texas-am-is-one-step-closer-to-obtaining-law-and-health-related-schools/

Thanks! I really was not expecting it. I am thrilled to have this option and they have been beyond helpful. We have been praying about it and as soon as it is clear I will post. It's amazing when you truly stop worrying and hand things over how God just shows out. He's gotten me through the good and the bad.

Does it seem like a long time since we've heard from schools? I know a lot of people have big decisions to make and factors to weigh and that creates a cascade but I'm kinda ashamed to say I'm a little addicted to the good news I've received so far...tempered by the fact that most of the decisions to this point have been non-TX.

Yes, seems the Texas schools are crawling compared to others. Frustrating.

I wonder if the national trend of the # apps being down isn't really the trend in the state of TX...or not quite as much? There's a distribution of scores within the # of apps rec'd by schools. Let's say by Feb 1st, maybe they should expect to get 60% of total apps. So then they decide how they want their median scores to shake out, mostly for USNWR. This whole question of who gets in is likely colored by how much revenue they need to keep things going in the black or maybe to fund their new expansion--stuff particular to each LS. I just hope all the financially secure private LSs pull enough of the would be TX public LS attenders in, thanks to sweet packages or prestige (aka expected future earnings), and the public LSs don't shrink their numbers too much in response...so that I can get into a TX public LS. UH would be optimal, probably won't happen, but TexWes(probably public by '14) or TSU would be nice too.

When your online status finally said "Complete"- how long did it take for St. Mary's to give you a decision?

UALR status has changed but it is weird: "In an effort to develop a more complete profile of the applicant pool, the Admissions Committee has deferred making a decision on your application. Your application will be revisited in mid-April or sooner." I guess it isn't too bad. It is weird to me because it is not a wait list and it is not a rejection...and yet not an acceptance. I'll probably look to withdraw pretty soon b/c I don't think I'll be attending.

I won't be attending UALR, that is. I most certainly plan to attend somewhere, just not UALR, at this time.

txlaw2013, you shouldn't be afraid. UALR probably doesn't know what to make of this app cycle, like a lot of schools. The climbing lower tier schools, like UALR, have to decide whether they want to let a little of the progress they've made over the last several years, in terms of LSAT/UGPA or likely future bar passage, erode or if they'll just simply decrease their class size and keep standards up, thus decreasing revenue in these budget strapped years. In this PR environment, they can't have both a climbing set of numbers for USNWR and fill all the seats they likely wanted to at the outset. I don't think the distribution of high or medium formula candidates are out there for UALR...they're all headed to UA Fayetteville, TexWes, OU, KU, and some of the surrounding schools with more to offer (better career network, better specialties, etc). Here's an experiment I suggest. Do like one candidate I know of. Call the admissions office and let them know you are very interested in attending UALR and that you're getting calls and emails from other schools, who definately want you, which is probably true...see if your status changes then...it did for this one candidate I'm thinking of...and she's already committed to attend the school she called. This is the year to not be afraid and take the bull by the horns (which is easy for me to say but I think bears some truth).

txlaw2013, unless you've got some character/fitness thing going on I'm not aware of that you had to answer for, with your list of schools, it isn't a matter of if you'll be accepted but when...and by how many schools. You're very kind to suggest UH will accept me but if I am accepted, my scores will be the lowest maybe in the history of the UH PT progam--which I wouldn't care about and would accept their acceptance. Nevertheless, among my list of schools, my stretch schools were Maine and Dayton (2-yr) but my mega-stretch schools were Baylor and UH.

With no C/F issues, you'll get into at least one of those schools. Thanks for the luck.

Thank you! Congratulations on St. Mary's!! I loved the feel of the law school when I went to visit. I wish you the best on the home stretch! (From one person affected by the Tx Hazelwood Act to another.) :)

Thank you!! Congrats on your acceptance to St. Marys and on the rest of the applications.

It'll definitely be stcl for me. I'm just gonna try to bug them for the next few weeks (perhaps months!) and see if I can't get any scholly money or aid of some sort!

Denied at UH for the PT program. Darn, that would have been nice but it isn't like I didn't see that one coming.

Tough luck at UH man, sounds like you were ready for it though. You'll have several options in Texas though from the looks of it. What are your thoughts on St. Mary's v. TWU v. STCL?

Thanks for the UH sympathy, myost. Great question about St Mary's v. TWU v. STCL. I was telling someone else they are all about the same but do read on. Exception 1: rough research shows that St Mary's really is a.) quite politically connected b.) located coincidentally in the most under-served portion of a really growing geographical market within TX and c.) quite a good school...not 8/9 in Texas, more like 3/9 some years, 8/9 others, and floating between in others. Exception 2: TexWes is going to get bought by TAMU and although the prelim timeline said by 2013 class start, it's gonna be bought by 2014 class start. What does that mean? TAMU does not play around when they say they want all their programs to be in the top 10 in the country, although this jump would be a world beater if done even within 7 years for the LS. TAMU's a $3B university, with lots more oil $$ than my undergrad school, LSU. They really do the ring knocker thing...you know, like West Point, they take care of their own and keep the network strong---which could be awesome over a 20+ year legal career where networks in non-legal areas are extremely important (down the line I'd like to own my own firm one day). Exception 3: STCL has probably the most storied trial advocacy program, besides Stetson, in the country. Guys with scores like mine don't ever talk about going to law school and being the best in the country at anything...unless guys like me go to STCL and spend the time getting ready for and critiquing and getting chosen to compete...it is nuts how many national titles that Dr Treece has brought home for STCL....he's the Bear Bryant of competitive mock trial, as far as I can see, and can take marginal talent and make them own the competition. All in all, St Mary's says I'm in at their school and if TexWes and STCL reject me, I'll be very happy to attend St Mary's. If I get accepted to STCL and TexWes rejects me, I'll attend STCL and reluctantly decline St Mary's. If all three accept me, I'll probably attend TexWes, b/c of the TAMU network and the fact that I'll have 2/3 years of free tuition under the TX Hazelwood act...when the merger goes thru and is finalized in 2014.

WL at Southwestern LS in Los Angeles but I've withdrawn b/c I wanta stay in TX...hoping the good karma makes its way to TexWes...I withdraw from the Cali school, someone withdraws from TexWes...they get their spot, I get mine....everyone's happy....maybe naive but hope counts b/c it keeps me tryin'.

TAMU buying TWU is great news. You get in now, and I do think you will, and then your degree appreciates after the takeover. As you said, TAMU is ever ambitious so they won't be content to just have a law school, they'll put their full force behind it in effort to make it a true power. I remember a couple years ago they were trying to buy STCL. It was kind of a mess and I'm not sure the order of things but the jist of it is that UH pulled some strings to prevent the sale and TAMU pulled some strings of their own to prevent UH from buying or starting a med school in Houston's med center. UH is my alma mater so I was hoping that might curry some added favor. It may have and it may not. I'm not sure if I was a fringe candidate for the WL and being an almunus pushed me over the top or if I was always a WL candidate and being an alumnus had no bearing. Guess it doesn't really matter though I would like to know. The more I read about C-K the more excited I get. There's a certain allure for me of starting over in a new city, so even if dear old UH does take me in off the WL, I may still choose C-K.

Well if UIUC accepts me I'd consider attending even at sticker. Loyola would likely have to offer similar or higher scholarship. At that point it would come down to which school I preferred after visiting in March.

Declined my admission to STCL today. Hope that spot goes to you!

I'm extremely interested in TexWes (soon to be Texas A&M at TexWes). We might see each other there!

I app'd to 15 schools and the three I care about most haven't gotten back w/ me after 4 months of waiting. I guess I knew it would be like this but I'm still anxious. I bet over half those accepted to schools they don't want to attend, b/c they got a better offer, don't withdraw prior to Apr 1. I guess in mid-Apr, we should here more word...WL, Accept, or Reject.

Thanks for the congrats man and good luck to you with getting in at one of those TX Public institutions. The hazelwood act is where its at man. Best of luck!

Thank you so much for the congratulations! I actually had decided on Tex Wes this weekend after attending one of their "Admitted Students" events, but just found out today that I was accepted at St. Mary's, so now I'm really wondering if I made the right decision. Any thoughts?

Thank you so much for your response! You basically had the same outlook that I have. I am originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area so Texas Wesleyan would be much cheaper for me than relocating to San Antonio, plus I also have the high hopes for TexWes that you do. I really hope that you will be there in the fall, too!

I see that you submitted your application to Texas Wesleyan back in October. My status checker current says that it typically takes 4-6 weeks for them to render a decision and I submitted mine on January 23rd, I believe. I'm hoping to hear something soon. Has your status checker said 4-6 weeks this whole time? I'm really surprised you haven't heard anything back yet!

In at UALR, which is nice, but still waiting on TexWes, TSU, and STCL.

Congrats on Ualr, I'm hardcore waiting on them. How were you notified?? If email, who emailed you? I've talked to Valerie a few times, and I'm just wondering. Thanks!: )

I'm in the same boat on the April 1st date with the seat deposit due then for St. Mary's. I'm hoping to hear from STCL before then. If I don't get in there I'll gladly attend St. Mary's. I've visited campus and met several faculty members. Really enjoyed it, it would honestly probably be my number one choice over STCL if Houston wasn't close enough for me to commute daily. Beat of luck to you with Tx Wesleyan!

I withdrew from TexWes today. I hope that spot finds its way to you. Good luck.

raschsl, I just checked my online status checker and it said admitted...then a few hours later I rec'd an email. As soon as UALR sends me a method, whether that be via snail mail or online, I'll withdraw b/c, with admission to St Mary's, I'll be staying in TX (hoping to hear soon from a TX public LS with an admitted notice).

I guess I should take the time to stop and smell the roses and be thankful, even though I'm still waiting on three key TX law schools. I've sent out 15 apps to various calibers of LS, rec'd word back from 12 and only been rejected from three. I'm just hoping that trend continues, with three left to go, and get into at least two out of the three.

Dude, congrats on St Marys. Hope things work out for you with Tex Wes. The advisor I talked to at the LSAC conference was a jerk. Cold shoulder and everything. Ah, the life of being a previously dismissed student. Like your profile, will keep checking.

Thanks for the best of luck of SMU, literally would be a dream come true to either get in SMU or Utah (an acceptance at emory would be beyond comprehension). It really seems like St. Mary's would be a great fit for you and I hope the best from the rest of the applications.

Thanks for the post. I'm hoping to get into a Cali school. I'm tempting to switch my application to part time at Southwestern or Chapman to increase my chances of getting in.

I got accepted via status checker today, will be withdrawing early next week because I will either be attending STCL or St. Mary's. hope the spot goes to you if you haven't heard anything yet. Best of luck!

Thanks for the congrats. I sure hope you receive a decision soon...I really believe you have a strong shot! Will keep watch and good luck!

I have been thinking the same thing throughout this whole process regarding the numbers about TX Wesleyan and South Texas. This definitely gives me more hope. I just hope what is traditionally true is true for this cycle!

Tigers75 from a fellow vet, congrats on all your accomplishments and the positive attitude. I will probably be withdrawing from STCL so hopefully my spot goes to you or another deserving person.

Just a random question, you seem to be very knowledgable about the application process. Have you heard of any instances where someone who was admitted PT emailed or spoke with someone from admissions and was switched over to FT program? In my meeting with a lady at St. Mary's mentioned it to me that if I interested to "take a shot". I am of the mentality that it doesn't hurt to ask, but I'm trying to make up my mind if I would even be able to handle a FT course load while commuting. I am interested as to your thoughts...thanks in advance.

Never heard of a successful transfer like that before but have wondered about it myself. I read once on a blog that the ABA makes students declare PT or FT but don't know that for sure. Depending on how you commute, whether you plan to go home each night, it could be tough or you could do it. If u really think u can do it, give it a shot.

Thanks man, I really appreciate it. I don't know how I feel about being wait listed, but right now I'm glad it wasn't a rejection at Chapman. Any idea how I could turn this wait list at Chapman into an acceptance incase Southwestern rejects me?

Thank you :) Hopefully you get into your desired school. You seem very determined. I am sure you will succeed wherever you end up attending.

Well, gone is Feb, or month #5 in the waiting process. I suppose the next real wave of info will come in mid-Apr as the top candidates make the choice b/t the full ride at a place like Duke or big loans at HYS. Then from there the cascade flows down ultimately to a candidate like me. I hope it becomes clear by mid-Apr or early May that extending acceptance offers to folks like me is something that schools like STCL and TexWes and TSU want to do. I guess I can easily think of a scenario where TexWes denies me admission, not being unduly pessimistic or unreasonably optimistic. Why? TexWes make applicants declare b/t evening PT and day PT, unlike STCL. I picked evening for TexWes and that might end up being a mistake for me as the candidates that have applied to the evening program are quite strong, probably maintaining day careers in the DFW area, and don't seem to be applying to many other places. STCL looks to be having a typical applicant pool when this is the year pools of candidates are supposed to be down. Lastly, given the HBC mission and historical numbers, TSU only really admits 34-40 whites each year, which I ultimately don't have a problem with, but given that number is cut in half by gender, that's not many slots, especially at TSU's good public school tuition rates and HBC strength. Therefore, once again, not being unduly pessimistic or optimistic, I could see STCL, TexWes, and TSU sending me denials...then off to St Mary's I'd go.

Thanks Tigers75. Any good news yet? I see you are still waiting on some schools. I'm becoming extremely impatient with all this waiting.

And cheer up! You haven't gotten a rejection from those schools.

True, the temptation to over think is strong when waiting. I guess I'm just trying to prepare myself for any scenario.

I'm thinking the same thing. What's the worst the can happen in your case, you don't get accepted? You still have St. Mary's which is in TX and a pretty decent school. It can honestly only get better.

Tigers75, I'm pulling for ya to get in at Tex Wes. I'm negotiating with them on scholarship $$ myself. Decided not to apply to SMU so it's either Wesleyan or nothing for me this year. Had a good visit (at least in my view) with the new Dean of Admissions & Scholarships for Tex Wes a liitle over a week ago. My online status checker showed they mailed me a "scholarship letter" on 2/28 and even though I'm only 40 miles away still haven't received it. Hopefully it comes Monday and is a positive to my request for additional $$$ Hope they come through for you as well Mike

Congrats! How did you hear about your acceptance to Suffolk?

I find it interesting how there's a lot of talk over the past few years about there being a surplus of lawyers in the U.S. What's kinda nuts in the whole discussion is the aggregation problem. I see statistical samples, projections, trends, both alleged and valid, that address national concerns. However, states run their own bars. I just want to reiterate, states run their own bars. Sure, in places like California and Ohio and Florida and NY, where there are a heck of a lot of law schools and law seats, there are likely a lot of lawyers and LS graduates. If you add to this the fact that these are high media-centric populations, I wonder if the aggregation problem may be throwing out some babies with bath water. How? In TX, we have only nine, soon to be 10 law schools, to support a population of 25MM. Furthermore, with the exception of STCL, our law school classes are small. In general terms, as far as I can see, TX is 25th in the country in attorney to population ratio, we have a similar ranking in terms of law graduates per population, and we are, by far, just in terms of gross numbers, the most growth oriented state in the U.S. Sure, we have limitations on damages that kill lots of the impetus for actions but, to the extent that I can see, the business law end, which is stimulated by limitations on damage payouts, makes up for the fewer trial lawyers. The BLS puts the median salary of an attorney in Houston at $168K...even with this "glut" of lawyers that schools have been putting out. Sure the median can be deceptive, especially with the two headed distribution monster but, let's be pretty clear, the attorney career, although maybe not as much of a sure bet as it once was, provides upside earnings potential that is rivaled by very few. If, as an attorney, you are willing to adapt, (don't just take your social science undergrad and JD and ride the seven year wave to partner; retake some of the gray areas accounting and other firms have been encroaching in on for years...like compliance and tax and mergers), and take evaluative risks, I'm betting that you will be deeply satisfied and richly rewarded over the course of your 20+ year career.

Sorry to see you weren't offer admission at STCL. I'm having doubts myself if I'll be admitted...

Well, I got rejected from STCL today via email. It isn't too much of a shock but I will admit that the word of rejection was a tad bit harder to accept than I thought it would be, given that I've been admitted this cycle to schools of the same general tier and I guess I thought I might be at least wait listed. I'd been studying a little about STCL for a few months, how it is the oldest LS in Houston and how it tried unsuccessfully for many years to establish itself as part of the TAMU umbrella. I even took the LSAT at STCL, at least this one, my old one had run out of life a few years ago. The location of the school in downtown Houston would have been both good, in the sense that my home is in Houston, and bad in that traffic downtown can be quite bad. Well, I guess if I'm going to be attending LS in Houston this year, it'll be at TSU. My wife was really hoping I'd get accepted to STCL and asked me to call a friend now to see if he could do anything to help get me into TSU. As it stands now, there are only two of my 15 app schools remaining, TSU and TexWes, that have not mailed me a decision. The overall distribution is four rejects, one wait list, and eight acceptances, which is much better than I thought it would be originally. My Hazelwood dream still lives though, with TSU and TexWes-TAMU still yet to make a final decision.

I hope you hear something from Tex Wes soon. They are having an admitted students open house on March 23rd. I plan on going if I haven't heard from STCL by then. I Might still go even if I do get accepted to STCL. Especially, if I haven't had a chance to visit South Tx campus yet. So here's to hoping you receive favorable news and can attend also, if you so desire.

So sorry about STCL. There a lot of people pulling for you. Hopefully Tx Wes comes through. I wanted to share I received an email from Tx Wes that the office of admissions is closed for Spring Break from 3/11 to 3/15, so no decisions will come out next week. I'm in the same situation waiting on a decision at SMU. Hang in there! I try hope Tx Wes is where you land.

iPhone fail ... *truly hope!!!

I'm sorry about STCL. Don't lose hope!

Thanks ws56. Best of luck with SMU. It is a great school. I'm very appreciative of all the folks pulling for me and well wishes. In terms of context, just a few years ago I had big doubts about ever being able to attend LS but I'm now a lot more optimistic and still very hopeful. Also, I see it as a good sign that the TX law schools are seeing increases in applications this year while most others are seeing decreases. To me it means that the market for labor sees the effort worth the rate of return.

Also, ws56, thanks for the data regarding the TexWes admissions office being closed next week.

I'm shocked to hear about STCL man. Continued best of luck with TWU and TSU!

I've held off for quite a while and I guess I'll have to send in my deposit to St. Mary's before Apr 1st. I was hoping to hear from TexWes or TSU before needing to send in the $300 to St. Mary's but I'm not sure I'll get that luxury...maybe not from TexWes and likely not from TSU. Interesting aside, I did a little research on a law firm where I'll likely be attending a school open house here soon. I'm still trying to assess whether or not they're a big name firm or not but I did find out that they employ 40+ summer associates each year, very few of which are 1Ls. 40 is quite a lot of summer associates and they pay $3K/week, which is big time law firm pay. I'm going to try to get a feel and see if it is the kind of place that hammers summer associates in the competition mill, which I suspect, given that they likely don't hire nearly that number of new associates upon graduation or if they have a bunch of offices in different cities and the summer associates do end up getting hired on with them eventually.

Just got off of a website called Law School Transparency, which is quite good. Their analysis gave St. Mary's a very good score in the way graduates being employed at law firms, long-term, bar passage required...you know, the kind of jobs that get a long lawyer career going toward good earnings and good work. I'd heard from other sources of St Mary's being pretty good upon graduation/bar passage and this seems to be solid data evidence (see website for methodology and details). They list only Baylor and UT as better than St. Mary's, within the state, at this kind of real, employed graduate view. Harvard got the top slot, all schools included...no shocker there. Also, TSU got the worst rating in this category, within the state, and TexWes the second worst, within the state. From these data, and some LSAC data, you can assume that from entry into St. Mary's, you'll end up having about a 50% probability of working in a real law firm associate job fresh out of school, which is good...much better than most. How much better? That same type of job at present is only about 44% likely from STCL, 30% from TexWes, and 20% from TSU. Sometimes economics really is demographics and I think St. Mary's just has so much going for it in that regard...growing, multi-cultural area w/o a lot of lawyers. Here's how I think about it sometimes...just generally. DFW has SMU, TexWes, lots of Baylor, lots of UT; Houston has UH, STCL, TSU, lots of UT, and a few others; Austin has lots of UT and a few other. What does San Antonio, the 7th largest metroplex in the U.S. and a place with 70% more population than Austin, have? Just St. Mary's, a school with significantly fewer aggregate slots than UT...overall, I find this very interesting.

If this website is any indication, STCL gets ~25% more apps than TexWes, ~30% more than St Mary's, and ~50% more than TSU. Come on numbers, work for me at TexWes and TSU.

I know but still not as high as I hoped. I'll take what I can get! Do you know of any particular law schools being closed for SB? I only know that STCL admissions work mon-wed this week. I can't find anything on other schools.

Tigers I was just accepted at SMU. Withdrawing from Tx Wes...here's hoping this spot goes to you!

Just TexWes closing all this week for SB...don't know when TSU has SB.

Thanks for the support. I keep praying that Arizona will let me in. I actually emailed them about 10 days ago letting them know that I'm still interested as well as to let them know that if they do accept me, I'll have to defer my enrollment until 2014 because of my recent enlistment in the U.S. Army Reserves.

ws56, that is so awesome! I would be psyched. You should celebrate b/c SMU is a classy, great school and you've earned it. That's right, here's to hoping I get a spot at TexWes b/c hope keeps us tryin'.

Thank you! Youve had such an amazing, admirable attitude throughout this whole process. I wish you all the best in the world!! My two cents: I REALLY, REALLY hope you get TxWes. It was the hardest to walk away from, but Tech was just a better fit for me and my husband. If anyone deserves the spot, it's you.

Hey, you asked if I was going to attend any of the receptions for St Marys. I'll be attending the one in Houston on the 22nd. Excited about it.

Thanks! I appreciate your support. Best of luck to you as you continue along the process as well.

Thank you for the post Tigers, I see your cycle is pretty much set, but GL at Texas Wesleyan! They take a long time to get back to you but hope it comes soon.

Well, paid for my seat deposit online to St Mary's today. I got the confirmation screen and confirmation number but didn't print it out thinking they would send me a follow up email immediately. However, I haven't gotten an email confirmation yet. I guess I'll give it a few days and if they don't send an email confirming I've paid for the seat deposit online, I'll give them a call to confirm. On another note, as alum, St Mary's actually has the senior active US Senator from Texas, the richest member of the US House of Rep, and even the present governor of PA is a St Mary's grad. Not bad for a T4. I'm actually quite happy with St Mary's reception of my app. They didn't put me on a wait list or reject me, which I might have expected. They just accepted me pretty early in the cycle. One of my rec letters is from a friend of mine from PA who actually was a member of the US House of Rep for a couple of years. He is on the opposite side of the spectrum as the present PA governor, and St Mary's grad, and I paralegaled for him in Iraq while a paratrooper. He was a great lawyer to work for and quite a media darling. I helped on this one case where he actually argued in front of an Iraqi judge and jury. Well, that's my six degrees of separation, in light of St Mary's, for today. Still hoping for acceptance to TSU or TexWes-TAMU but would happy to join the St Mary's family too.

I just took a look at the LSN data from the year I applied to TSU, '05, out of pure curiosity. I'd only applied to TT, UH, and TSU that year...only free Hazlewood tuition schools then. Anyway, there was a guy that year who got accepted to ASU, #26 on the USNWR rankings (2.98 and 157 LSAT), but rejected from TSU. It wasn't like he had any C&F problems or applied late or anything like that. They just rejected him; no wait list or anything. I guess he probably got a little laugh out of that situation. I wish I could have laughed about my app cycle that year. But then again, I guess I probably wouldn't have gotten to know how interesting the science of Finance can be if I would have been accepted off the WL. Here's to new hope and TSU not rejecting me simply b/c they rejected me before.

I appreciate your input my man! I think it is gratifying for us to cheer each other on here. Really. Thank you. I am also in 'the waiting game'... do we have anything to lose by waiting for the seat-deposit deadline to pay?

Thank you for the congrats. I am hoping and praying for things to continue to work out for you. Based on your determinism I know you will make an excellent attorney and then some. Maybe we will cross paths in this small world of law!

Tigers!!! CONGRATS! Sooo happy for you!

Pretty awesome, just checked my online status checker and I've been accepted to TexWes's Pre-Admission Legal Studies program (PALS), which is a summer three week conditional admission program. At the end of the three weeks, if I earn a B- or better on the exam, I'll automatically get invited into the regular class. First, I'm thankful for the chance at this PALS program. Next, if I get in after the conditional program, I'll likely get 2 of 3 years of free tuition, when TAMU finalizes purchase of the school. I'm awaiting details in the mail on the PALS program but conditional admission is one step closer to the real deal so I'm pretty happy.

Thanks a bunch, ws56. I'm considering taking off work tomorrow to celebrate on my own.

Congrats! You got what you wanted. You deserve it

And you should!!! Seriously...I actually jumped for joy when I saw you at the top of the list "Admitted"...you so deserve this!

Feelin' good right now.

Congrats, sir! I can imagine your excitement. Hard work and perseverance pays every time. Good for you! If I don't get accepted to STCL I'll be seeing you in the Fall! Congrats to your and your family again!

Congrats on TexWes! I was so excited to see that first thing when I logged in today. You must be on cloud nine right now!

Haha sounds like a good idea. Start the trend and everyone will follow shortly after. Yea hopefully I can stay in TX.

Tigers75 what is your view on TSU v. A&M law?

Yeah, in trying to avoid paying Apr. 1 seat deposit at Tx Wes, but I don't think I'll hear anything before them. Luckily, the do it in two installments so I will only be out a couple hundred bucks if admitted to STCL. Oh well, "you gotta do what you gotta do", right? Haha

awesome, saw you at the top of the list. Congratulations! I've been pulling for you. Knock it out of the park at the PALS session

I just wanted to wish you CONGRATULATIONS ON TXWES!!! I couldn't be happier for you!! FACT: You're going to kill it this summer!

ws56, it has been a couple days, I have the flu, and I'm still psyched about getting into TexWes--A&M. In general, I'm about the happiest sick guy I know. I remember actually first hearing about the merger b/t TexWes and A&M on this website and thinking wow, I'm glad I applied there. I really hope they let me in. Just feeling really positive right now about the outlook.

My two favorite Bear Bryant quotes: "It's not the will to win that matters--everyone has that. It is the will to prepare to win that matters." Also, "Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world." My undergrad record showed a clear lack of commitment of any sort, much less winning. I know I'm lucky to have a shot at LS. Nonetheless, I intend to commit to prepare to win in LS. I believe in the 10K hr rule which states that if you engage in an activity, whether it be chess or a musical instrument or computer programming or study of a field, like law, for 10K hrs, with the intent to get better and more proficient at each hour of the 10K, when you hit about the 10K hr range, something clicks in your mind and you no longer start learning in a linear progression. Instead the progress starts compiling exponentially and a mega learning and reasoning phase sets in. I hope to test this theory over the coming several years. Therefore, here's to the 10K hours and here's to Bear Bryant.

Thank you! Good luck on the rest of your applications.

I don't see why TSU wouldn't accept you again if they have before. But as for A&M law, if I don't get accepted to STCL I think I'm going to do TSU. My father graduated from TSU and he said it was a good small school. I visited it over the summer and it is a lot nicer than when my dad when but I still want STCL over TSU but Its in gods hands right now lol and the admissions commitee. I hope you choose whatever school is best for you. Congrats on staying in TX! Your family is probably extremely happy and I'm sure your hard work will pay off soon.

That is so terrible!! Oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing. You are definitely not small anymore! Look at you! Well off with a family and attending a really good law school in TX. To be honest, you have come a long way and you have only begun! Our past is what makes us stronger. Don't ever be ashamed to tell that story because it will be hilarious once you are in law school and an accomplished attorney.

Well, today I emailed off my two seat deposits and my small tuition check to the TexWes summer Pre-Admission Legal Studies program (PALS). This means that I'm probably passing up regular admission to St Mary's, and TSU if they end up accepting me in time, for a conditional admission at TexWes, which of course bears some risks. The return would be from acceptance, eventual free Hazlewood tuition for my second and third years of LS, upon merger with TAMU, and the increase in wages/non-economic compensation over the 20-30 years I'll probably work in the legal field. Also, the reality of the commute from Houston to Ft Worth on Mondays and back late on Thursday nights could be a little challenging but probably not bad. What's funny is that I'm going to contact the housing folks at TexWes undergrad and try to get a spot in the cheap dorms, meal plan included--single room, for the Mondays thru Thursdays during the semester. I say that's funny because I'm 37 years old--not too far from Rodney Dangerfield in "Back To School." I'm hopeful they'll give me a room reservation but really think they could deny me because I only have a conditional admission at this point to the LS and won't have actual acceptance until after I've taken the PALS exam in late July. Also, because the stakes are so high for me, with quitting my fairly good paying job here in Houston to attend the PALS program, I'm signing up for a LS preview-typed course probably in early May (only $300). Of course, this LS preview-type course should have a lot of the same stuff as the PALS program but I want to try to get a jump on the competition. Shakespeare said, "...readiness is all." Hopefully the judges at PALS feel like I can keep up with the regular admit class, B- or better, in the 1L environment when all is said and done.

Tigers, you will do great! Your positive outlook and preparedness will get you past the PALS final! Perceive the PALS program as a Law Preview...imagine what it will do to boost your performance in your 1L courses! I'm still ecstatic about SMU so I know your excitement to get in to one of your top choices. Sorry you got sick...but hey...You are going to law school! :))) Keep me posted!

Absolutely, ws56. That's how I see it.

I just want to point out today that there are a lot better ways to manage your seat deposit money than I have this cycle. First, thinking I wouldn't hear from TexWes before Apr 1, I paid my first $300 seat deposit to St Mary's. Then I found out about a week before Apr 1st that I'd been conditionally accepted into TexWes. Well, gone is the St Mary's $300. Then TexWes required a $400 seat deposit..really two and I've paid them. However, I'm still waiting on TSU to accept or reject me. There's certainly no guarantee they will accept me but if they do, I'll still have to seriously consider them and could likely lose the TexWes $400. Why? Up until a couple days ago, I thought I was going to go to TexWes regardless, which is why I paid them. However, my wife and I have been talking and considering some of the needs of my sons, both under five years old and quite reliant on me for some things, and we're leaning toward TSU, provided I'm accepted eventually. If it were just me, I'd be going to TexWes but it is not just me so I'm also looking quite seriously at TSU again. Therefore, it is after April 1st, I started this app cycle in early Oct, I've been accepted to nine law schools, and yet I'm waiting on the one left of all those I've applied to.

I certainly hope so, Tigers75. The wait is excruciating! Haha

Hey, you sent me a message back in February, sorry for the late reply. Houston's scholarship was really tempting, but UT Law has been a dream of mine since I was little. I just got a small scholarship offer from UT, and I'm waiting on third party scholarships. I think it's going to be UT. I just hope the student debt is worth it in the end. Best of luck! I did my undergrad at St. Mary's, and I have a bunch of friends at the law school. They all seem to like it, but I hear that the curve is brutal.

Well, truth be told I also applied to Akron and they deferred my decision. After getting accepted in state I withdrew my app. So, I guess I'll never really know if it was a perfect run (assuming I do get into STCL). Haha I expected to get into maybe 4-5 schools total and only Texas Southern in Texas. Needless to say, I've been pleasantly surprised! Are you leaning toward TX Wes or TX Southern ( I'm certain you'll be admitted)?

If TSU accepts me, I'll probably attend there. I took my oldest son to the movies tonight and was reminded that being away for three nights out of the week, although something I'd very much like to do in attending TexWes for the sake of my career, is not something that would be optimal for my overall family. That being said, in order to strengthen my chances of getting on with a solid firm upon graduation and bar passage, I'm inclined to begin focusing my studies as early as I can, which is basically now. So I'm thinking I'll really try to learn the US tax code, in pursuing the IRS Enrolled Agent designation during X-mas breaks and between semesters while in LS at TSU, provided they accept me. My intent for some time has been to get strong at tax, estate, and the general financial arena of the law, work for a firm for a few years after graduation, and then open my own specialized tax and estate planning firm several years down the line. I really won't make up my mind on TSU vs TexWes until I get an up or down letter but I'm trying to think as creatively and yet realistically as I can. I'd like to very much start with the end in mind in my LS journey. The more I can see, feel, taste, smell, and hear my objective, the better.

I know! I was in denial for a couple of minutes. If only STCL were to accept me. Then I would be the happiest person.

Thank you so much. You have been extremely encouraging and I thank you. Are you excited for A&M law? I wonder how that pals program will be and how many other students are in it as well.

Hi Tigers...long time. I have decided against both Txwes and Howard. While I am still holding out for Bama and Illinois, I have put a deposit down at Ole Miss. So if nothing changes....Hotty Toddy! What about you...are you still following the A&M Merger?

Thanks for the TSU congrats. Maybe I'll see you there.

Can you believe that is has been over 14 weeks for TSU? Ridiculous. STCL is taking a long time too.

They told me that in the next two weeks I would hear something.. It has been 3.

Thanks! I'm sure I am really going to love it as well! So where are you leaning towards (in terms of attending law school)? It seems that you have a lot of part time schools, would you consider going full time in your 2L year?

I apologize, it appears I did not retain the letter I got I'm the mail. I search high and low, but couldn't locate it and the online status checker doesn't show it. I've withdrawn my app there. I hope a seat finds you soon! Best of luck.

I hope you get into a fulltime and get into the program you want to go to and I wanted to thank you for the supportive updates throughout the cycle! Best Always, Miki

Tigers, do you get an e-mail from Wesleyan as well or do you have to check the status checker?

Thanks Tigers. I'm guessing it is probably just through the status checker. I hate that because it makes me feel like a crazy person checking every 5 minutes. Oh well haha

Thanks Tigers! We might be classmates after all.

Thanks Tigers! I find it so weird and a bit frustrating that I haven't heard anything yet. I hope it is a good thing.. Or maybe they forgot about me! Hopefully I will find out soon. I am graduating this week! I would like to start looking for places to live. Wherever I might be attending. Have you decided on which school yet? I saw that your were considering TSU over Tex-Wes.

Hahah thanks Tigers. Unfortunately no celebrating quite yet. I have two more finals. One easy one which is due later today and another one tomorrow which is a bit more difficult. As long as I pass I don't really care haha which is pretty bad but I don't care. I just got waitlisted at Tex-Wes for that summer program. I think that was the one you got as well? I'm not too sure. It doesn't matter because I will be withdrawing from there once I get my package in the mail. I hope TSU gives us some word soon. I e-mailed them again and no response.

Yeah, the PALS Summer program is the one I'm looking at doing at TexWes. It starts on July 8th, lasts three weeks, then they tell you if you're in or not for regular Fall admit. I'm optimistic and do hope to get a spot.

It sure seems like a long time since I've heard anything from any LS regarding a decision. I'm waiting on only one school, TSU. My app went complete and sent to the committee on the 2d of January and no word yet thru the middle of May. I don't remember exactly when it was in the cycle that TSU put me on the WL back in '05, before they ultimately rejected me, but I'm inclined to think that it was about this time of year. I'm really wondering if TSU is actually obligated to make an accept or reject decision. In other words, can they just not respond to my app? I actually googled it the other day and found nothing on the subject. It is like LSAC and the other sources get that question so seldom that it isn't worth answering but here and now, I'm really wondering with TSU. I've heard both sides of the argument of whether or not to send a LOCI now but I can't really justify that as I haven't even been put on a WL or anything. I'm not super concerned but do hope that a few days after May 15th or a few days after June 1st, I get some kind of word.

Tigers, I know! Yeah, leaning toward UNL. I visited the school during accepted students day and really liked what I saw.

I did something I was hesitant to do a few days ago. I withdrew from St Mary's. Their acceptance came very early in the cycle and I still feel thankful for their offer of acceptance. What a great organization. My instinct is that over a long career St Mary's would have paid off for me but probably not as much as TexWes, due to the prospect of free veteran tuition here soon as TexWes becomes TAMU Law. Well, just glad I had the option to go to St Mary's.

Gettin' psyched about starting law school. Still a ways off but I'm psyched anyway.

Thanks Tigers! I won't get a decision until the end of July because I am doing the CLEO program so my grades will help determine whether I get in or not. So I hope to do well and get in through that! Good luck to you and I hope that one day we cross paths somewhere in our legal careers haha

Well, I'm pretty close to making the decision to go ahead and do the TexWes-TAMU conditional admit (PALS) program, even though I'll have to drive up to Ft Worth from Houston on Mondays, stay most of the week, and leave on Thurs nights to come back to Houston. Clearly my family will be paying some of the overall cost, in terms of my not being around, for attending TexWes-TAMU, provided I'm accepted after the PALS program, and I hope I can pay them off and make it a good rate of return in other ways throughout my time in LS and my long career. The prospect of getting most, 67-75%, of my tuition for free at TexWes-TAMU, upon the merger, made the school very interesting from the start. I just really feel fortunate to have the chance to go to a good law school (90% most recent bar passage is quite good--UT often doesn't see that number). Also, I visited TSU a few weeks ago, and although I would have been priveleged to attend there, the fact that there was a huge sign across from the LS building say, "This is a gang-free zone," and that sign sat right in front of a run down looking elementary school, made me feel quite uncomfortable. It was like that old mental trick that tells folks to picture an apple then tells them to try not to think of the apple. It is tough not to think of the apple--the gangs. In fact, I had my wife and young children with me when I went to TSU a few weeks ago and made a mental note that this was not a neighborhood I felt my wife should ever go into at night. UH is actually several blocks away from the TSU area so it isn't too much better but as I looked through my old emails of police blotter reports, from when I took at tax course at UH in '08, I was reminded that the security situation surrounding both TSU and UH is one of the few drawbacks of attending either institution. Overall, I try to think of these kinds of decisions like I did when doing capital budgeting for finance courses and for Baker Hughes, back in the day. The value of any asset, whether physical or human capital, as in the case of LS for me, is the present value of the stream of benefits realized at a proper risk adjustment, over the life of the asset--the human capital in this case. Now in Texas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics puts the median difference b/t what I do now and what a lawyer does at $25K/yr, but that's just data. I'm fairly confident I've properly adjust for risk in my analysis, time will tell, and I've been fairly conservative. I just see a lot of upside in being part of the Aggie network in a field I've almost always wanted to practice in.

My TSU status checker changed today to "Decision Mailed", which is good b/c they're the last school I was waiting for a decision from. I'm a little optimistic b/c on this LSN site, I don't see anyone who has been mailed a rejection or even WL notice as of yet from TSU. In short, only acceptances have been mailed off so far. I'll have to make a final decision, after some discussion with my family. It will come down to TexWes-TAMU, which I'm inclined to want to attend b/c of the network and the rising air about the school, and TSU, which is here in town and would require less overall cost, in terms of time and upfront attendance costs, to my family.

Congrats on your acceptance at TSU. I hope to see you at Wesleyan, but if not, good luck. I've enjoyed watching your attitude and upbeatness (that's probably not a word, LOL) this session.

Well, I took the TexWes PALS conditional admit program from 7/8 to 7/29 and should find out if I'm officially accepted or not by 8/5 or 8/6. We took the exam on the 29th and it was like a real torts final exam, with a bunch of transactions and torts, but all we went through in the three weeks of class was intentional torts so it wasn't completely like a full blown torts final, which I understand is loaded with negligence stuff. The non-exam class time was socratic and several people stayed on their feet for 30 minutes straight, just getting question after question. Just once looking at that and you know for sure that briefing your cases b/f class in the best way you can is the only way to go. I had taken an online law school prep course, not the LSAT prep but a real law school prep course, and they had said to get Gilbert's or Emmanuel and use them along with your case briefings. I found my Gilbert's torts outline helpful, although in a couple instances it had different or more stuff than my prof said (just went with it to try to get in if the data was extremely different). Also, I found several of the other students to be quite bright. By the third day I knew almost all 26 of the PALS students' names and had made some friends. I couldn't help but try to figure out which of us would make it through, although I knew that undertaking would be inherently flawed. The first day, one of the PALS administrators said that the previous year they had a PALS class of 27 and had admitted 18 students. Then later we found out that the present class had like 50 who were admitted in the regular way and had accepted their offers and that they had admitted a class as large a 75 in years past, which meant that, technically speaking, they could eventually accept almost everyone in PALS for '13, although I'm fairly sure that will not be the case. Several of the candidates undoubtedly had to pull all nighters or work the entire weekend through if they were going to get all the readings and study done. I was fortunate to not have to work during PALS and that was clearly the right move for me. It was eye opening to know how important the reading comprehension and just straight memorization of the rules were. To the extent I may have been successful on the exam, knock on wood, it was b/c I was able to memorize the rules to the point that writing them did not take much cogitation, at least for the six main intentional torts we dealt with. My weakness on the essay was the time constraint. I could have thrown a lot more facts in my analysis and, heck, done more analysis. I could have thrown more defenses and counters in there to make it more robust and really just need to be able to work faster when I enter the regular semester. I'm glad I got the opportunity to do PALS, both from my wife's support and from TexWes giving me the invite. I'm fairly certain I had the lowest LSAT/UGPA combo of anyone in PALS but if I'm in, my UGPA or LSAT won't matter very much at all anymore and this is a place I'd like to be.

Well, it is official. I got the rejection call from TexWes-TAMU for PALS on Friday. They said my score on the exam was not good enough to get in. I can't say that Friday was a great day but I did my best and thought the time in the PALS class was well spent. Nonetheless, I am glad I will have the chance to go to TMSL, here in my home town of Houston, and will be able to see my kids more each night. Being away in Fort Worth probably would have had negative cumulative effects, not that I would have been likely to decline if accepted. Also, not to rationalize my failure in PALS, because I know I should have worked faster, smarter, and integrated more facts into my exam's analysis, but I couldn't help but doubt the assertion that all the members in PALS were on a level playing field for acceptance. I came to this vague idea when considering that several of the people in PALS already had formula numbers that were high enough for regular admission, per LSAC and other sources of median scores, and I even quizzed a few of them to see if they had any oddball things to consider, like criminal records--nothing. In the end I couldn't help but wonder if the PALS exam score was weighted such that if a guy like me, with low formula numbers who would undoubtedly impact USNWR numbers, would score toward the middle or barely good enough, it wouldn't be worth it for TexWes to give me a slot. Oh well, I'd anticipated that my lifetime earnings from being part of the TAMU network ultimately would have gone up substantially and I'll guess I'll have to chalk this one up to another lost opportunity. I guess it is like that Kipling poem that says that you should treat triumph and tragedy just the same. Not that this is a tragedy but certainly a memorable lesson in the need for me to work, faster, more aggressively, with a stronger purpose, and for goodness sakes apply more facts to the rules when doing IRAC.

Well, I'm pretty happy to have the opportunity to attend TSU Law this semester. I remember when I didn't have this chance in 2005. I submitted a lot of my Hazlewood paperwork today and things seem to be progressing smoothly. I have quite a bit of pre-orientation reading to do for next week. It seems to be good reading about how to read more efficiently and how to brief cases. One of the lessons I'm learning from PALS is not to get too far ahead of myself. For example, I've been accepted to TSU, I'm beginning orientation next week, and I'll begin classes the week after that. Goal 1: keep at least a 'B' average for the first semester. If I can do that, I'll set the same goal for the next semester. If I can do that, I'll set other goals. Certainly I want to have the end in mind before I begin but I don't want get too far ahead of myself. I saw on a TED Talk a few weeks ago that when people think and talk too much about a big long-term goal, they often trick their own minds, thru imagining what obtaining that goal would look or feel like, into thinking they've already completed the goal. I don't mean to belabor this but at this point, I don't need to be tricking myself into thinking I've accomplished anything with regard to my law school and career goals.

I'm guessing this will be my last post on this site for a while b/c I really don't think I'll have much time to do anything but brief cases, do outlines, and study/memorize stuff for tests for quite some time. I have some general goals while in law school: 1) stay alive and in good academic standing throughout law school, 2) do as much practical and reasonable tax law work in law school as possible and expand my financial planning/tax base of knowledge, 3) try and complete the EA exams during x-mas breaks and any time in summers that I might have off from LS (but don't go nuts; keep calm, reasonable, and rational and have the capacity to remember this data for the long haul career), 4) stay close to my wife and children while in law school (I'd much rather barely graduate, remember all the data I studied and set myself off in a strong career trajectory while remaining close to my family than graduate first in my class and suffer huge family losses along the way b/c of the economics of time), and my last goal, 5) continue to run half marathons and 10-milers and get back into the kind of physical shape I was in during my late 20s.

1L year is over for me and has been for almost a month. I should get my grades in a couple weeks, which is unique to my law school. Usually folks know their grades by now in other law schools. My school, TSU, curves out the bottom 10-15% of the class (surviving 1L is the biggest indicator of whether you'll get your JD at my school) so knowing your 1L grades in kind of a big deal. I think I made a few grades in the B range and a few in the C range, which will probably land me somewhere in the middle of my class, but I don't know for sure so it will be nice to know when I get the news. I had a dream the other night that I curved out. I'm hoping that's just subconscious, irrational fear. For the past couple weeks I've been working in Gleim on my IRS Enrolled Agent course work. I tried to schedule my first test today but didn't have the right browser. I'm pursuing the EA to expand my financial knowledge and setup a strong career in tax law. I'll need to focus to stay on track with the three EA exams this summer. Passing all three is my goal and would be a great accomplishment. BTW, I'm barely getting back into exercising. I could only run about a mile at a time for a few miles. I ran a mile in 7:45 and then immediately swam 12 laps and was seeing stars afterwards. In short, I'm not at all on track for my fitness goals thru my first year and I don't know if I've met my 1L grades goal of a B average (B- or C+ sounds more like what it'll come in at within the next few weeks). I have to try harder for the rest of the summer and during my 2L and 3L years.

Well, I survived my 1L year. I ended up with grades slightly above average for my class but certainly not stellar and that's about where I thought I'd end up. For one class I thought I'd get a B- but ended up with a C+. I'm not too wrapped around the axle about it. Friends in my class say that for our total 1L class of 185, 30 students curved out (academic attrition) this year. Last year I heard only 22 curved out. Well, I'm just happy to be alive and moving on in law school. I also took the first of my three EA tests last week and passed. So over the last couple weeks I've had a couple things to celebrate. Now I've just gotta keep it going, keep getting better.

Well, it has been quite a long while since my last post. I have only six weeks left in my 2L year. I did better last semester than in my 1L year. I was happy to get an A- in my Individual Income Tax Law class. I thought I'd make an A in Con Law but ended up with a B. Also, so far in the second semester of my 2L year, I've made all A's and B's through my midterms. I'd like a good mix of A's and B's or all A's, with hopefully no C's or below, for this semester. I also found a paid tax/estate planning law clerkship that I'm excited about this Summer. I emailed a bunch of local law firms looking for just the right kind of tax law practice (LLM-type/real tax expertise, at least on paper that I could tell) and I suppose my resume was interesting enough because I got a few interviews and ultimately got one of my first two choices. This is the kind of clerkship that has the potential to expand into something really great. I hope to perform to or above expectations and learn a ton during this clerkship. Now that Summer's almost here, everyone's thinking about the bar in my class. I'll admit that I've thought about it quite a bit too but I'm mostly trying to focus on classes. Oh, I did pass all three tests for the Enrolled Agent Exam and I should get my IRS/Enrolled Agent card here soon. In short, I'm over half way through my goal of getting my JD and Enrolled Agent status with the IRS and I've just gotta keep going and stay in the groove.

I bet there aren't many people who post here on this site at the end of law school. I have four finals next week and then one final the week after that and then I should graduate (that's 90 hours). Unless I mess up on a couple of these finals, I should graduate with honors. I'm mildly happy about that but know that graduating with honors from my school is no guarantee of passing the bar. I need to take it one at a time: (1) finish these last few finals with my best effort and maintain honors, (2) do as much of my Themis bar prep program as I can, with a goal of doing all 100% prior to the bar, and (3) take and pass the bar in July. Law School has not been easy for me but it also has not been impossible. I've taken a course on every single subject that will be on the bar (commercial law, community property, consumer, family law, business associations, wills and trusts, and all the 1L stuff). I don't think any subject has been easy . Fortunately I was able to stretch my brain in classes like BA and Wills and Trusts. In short, even after taking all those classes, the Texas Bar is gonna be a beast. Granted I've waited until July but our school only passed the Feb bar at a 41% rate. I'm not planning to attend our hooding (graduation ceremony) for a couple reasons: (a) I want to focus on the bar (don't want to jinx it, I'm 40), and (b) there's some, but not a lot, to celebrate in getting my JD.

I'm certainly happy for the chance to work hard and get my JD but I'm not getting many hits for jobs yet, which I'm not too concerned with but my wife reminds me of this when we talk about how much I use to earn prior to law school (more than small firm associate pay). Nonetheless, I'm looking to celebrate double if I pass the bar in July. Positive bar results for first time passage is worth celebrating with a ceremony, I think, not just getting a JD from my school. If it were, I think more employers would share in the celebratory air and offer interviews/associate positions. I suppose hiring an associate from my school at this stage is like flipping a coin as to bar passage and there are better odds out there for employers seeking talent that they need licensed soon.

I'm certainly happy for the chance to work hard and get my JD but I'm not getting many hits for jobs yet, which I'm not too concerned with but my wife reminds me of this when we talk about how much I use to earn prior to law school (more than small firm associate pay). Nonetheless, I'm looking to celebrate double if I pass the bar in July. Positive bar results for first time passage is worth celebrating with a ceremony, I think, not just getting a JD from my school. If it were, I think more employers would share in the celebratory air and offer interviews/associate positions. I suppose hiring an associate from my school at this stage is like flipping a coin as to bar passage and there are better odds out there for employers seeking talent that they need licensed soon.

All that being said, I'm rationally optimistic about the future.

I'm continuing my oddball inclination to post post-law school stuff to a pre-law school website. With that in mind, we are set to receive our results from the July 2016 Texas Bar Exam later this week. Passing the bar on the first try was one of my goals but I really don't know if I passed. When I took the MPRE, I didn't know if I'd pass but I did. When I took each of the three EA tests I didn't know if I'd pass but I did. Now my mind is so clouded by desire that I couldn't tell you with any certainty if I passed. I suppose I'm the kind of guy who should barely fail if you go by LSAT (I've heard 150 is the mark to hit and I was a 149 LSAT) but if you believe my school (they say 3.0+ GPAs generally pass at about 70%) and Themis (75%+ program finishers pass at 80+% in Texas and I did 90% of the Themis program), I should pass. I'm sure I left a lot of points on the table for the actual test but just don't know. Let's hope I surprised myself. If I'm disappointed, I'll dust myself off and go give it my best again next time. I'd like to say I'll treat success and failure just the same, like Kipling says, but I don't know if I'm that strong.

Well, I'll likely know whether I passed the July 2016 Texas bar by the end of the day today (almost certainly by tomorrow). I've spent more time thinking about the results than I should have. My boss at the law firm I clerked for texted me yesterday and today in support, which was pretty thoughtful. I'm now resolved to view these results like I think Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger would. Since law is a career passion of yours, keep on keeping on. Stay calm and rational because strong people (the equity owner types) handle the bumps in their lives with calm, rational decision-making. If I passed, that's great. I'll keep working toward the 10K hours in tax law and look harder for work that leads me toward the 10K hours in tax law. If I failed, I'll stay calm and rational and spend the next 15 weeks preparing for the February bar exam in a manner that steadily improves enough to pass.

The last half of law school ended up pretty successful. I obtained my Enrolled Agent designation, hit that goal, and then finished the last half of law school with nearly all A's. I actually graduated with honors (cum laude), which wasn't likely after my 1L year. However, I had said at the beginning of law school that I'd take graduating with a 2.0 from my JD, with first-time bar passage, in exchange for graduating with any honors without first-time bar passage. I'll likely see if I hit my first-time passage goal today. If I did that would be great but if I didn't, I'll just keep plugging away and hopefully hit the bar target next time (stay calm and rational).

Well, the pass list just came up and I passed the Texas Bar Exam on my first try! Wow, I got accepted to an ABA law school, passed the first year courses without curving out, obtained my JD with honors (cum laude), passed all the Enrolled Agent exams and got that designation, and passed the Texas Bar Exam on my first try. I'm on a roll. I've gotta keep this momentum going and charge forward toward the 10K hours. My mantra, keeping practicing, keeping getting better with every hour real progress toward 10K hours of tax law.

Spent the last couple of hours reading through your feed. Congratulations on your journey!!! I swear I must have felt every emotion, anxiety, stress, excitement. it's 2019, and I'm waiting to hear from TSU, crossing my fingers I get in. Your story helped put my anxiety at ease. Thank you!