bcensoni (2022-2023)

- I have taught high school for the past 5 years (I have milked this job for free trips to DC, NYC, San Francisco, Hiroshima and Kyoto Japan, PLUS they are paying for my master's in poli. sci. which it looks like Ill finish before law school now)
- Graduate degree in Education (pointless academic endeavor)
- Pretty damn nice PS if I do say so myself
- Good LORs, one from a Bush Admin cabinet member whose politics I couldnt be further away from, but he is a good man.
- I walked across Spain
- I lived in Russia for a year in high school
- I like to write and cook.
- I love my mom.
- I dont have any pets.
- I do yoga.

None of this matters. Its all about those two numbers above. I knew I shouldnt have taken Chinese and I definately should have stayed away from that girl freshman year. She was BAD news to the GPA.

I took three classes at a community college while still in high school amd because I never went and never dropped them I received 0.0 for all three (12 credits). That brings down my LSDASGPA (the injustice makes me want to vomit.)

So without those grades, I am more like a 3.0. I had a 3.6 for the last two years. I wonder if they look at trends or whehter they just say they do.

Late February, a thin letter from UMiami, "your credentials qualify you,"
'Yeah?' I think, 'then what's the problem? I accept.'
"...no final decision has been made at this time."

Today (3/23) Cal Western, my "safety" , "the committee has placed you on our waiting list."

Im thinking I should have applied to more places. But, I figured, i like my job, I like my life, I dont have to change yet. Now, ego is taking over and I am ready to raise the middle finger to this whole admissions process thing.

So, life back on hold till April, May...June. The plane continues to circle. Although, circling is better than crashing... I just saw "Alive" last night for the first time. Things could be worse. Ill have to wait until school next year, (maybe) before I start eating other people.

(4/10) Miami rejected me. F 'em. Their letter was ridiculous. "Our incoming class is very keen." Keen? What the hell is that? Is that an insult to all of us, "unkeen" people? Whatever... Im not bitter...

(4/23) Seattle rejected me. They say it is because I applied so late. Ironically, I got the rejection letter (thin white envelope that just screamed rejection) upon returning from a Kaplan prep test (probably should have done that first time around.) More LSAT life-consuming prep hell. I am going to buy some rope.

(5/3) While I'll be damned, San Diego waitlisted me. And while that isnt an acceptance, and the chances are probably low that I am high on that waitlist, it still isnt a rejection. Its a little encouraging. I just wish that I had applied a few months earlier...

(5/9) The San Diego schools keep the good news coming. I received an acceptance from Cal Western today (thin white envelope) So, now its trying to decide on waiting another year, improving the LSAT on June 6th, and reapplying to higher tier schools.

If USD said waitlist, would they have said yes if I applied earlier?

Loyola rejected me. I didnt want to live in LA anyway.

6-7-05 Took the LSAT again yesterday. I was scoring 10 points higher on practice tests leading up to it. When I got in there though I was pretty damn nervous. We'll see... I thought I did well last time and the score was much lower than I had hoped for. This time I am less sure. It depends on the unscored section (games)

7-2-05 I got the exact same goddamn score the second time around. I was scoring 163-165 on practice tests. (They were at home and self-timed, but I was honest.) At least Im consistent, and I made it easy for schools to average...
Hopefully applying to more than five schools, two of which were extremely late, will help my chances. Im also hoping that applying early gets the returns Ive been reading about. Ive got the list together and hopefully Ill have everything mailed out by labor day and the start of school.

10-19-05
Battered and bruised, but not beaten, I embark on another year of applications, with lessons learned from last year. You may notice how late I got started last year and I still got waitlisted at USD and Miami before being rejected very late. I got into Cal Western, but the acceptance came late too because I didnt appply until February. I hope that getting an early start this year will make a difference. I hear it can. Ill see. Im mad at my piece of garbage LSAT score, especially since I was scoring 8 points higher on practice tests at Kaplan 1 WEEK before the test in June.
Anyway, its mid-October and my files are complete at every place I have applied to. Ive got two dream reach schools that were probably unwise to apply to, but you never know (UW, UT) I really hope that USD, San Fransisco, Lewis & Clark, UO, Miami (I like their Ocean Law program) or American give me the nod. That would be wonderful.

Ive got the safety schools, of which I would most prefer Cal Western and its nice location. I figure, if you have to go to a tier-4 school, you mine as well be in a place you can surf.

11/27/05
I am completed everywhere and now just wonder when decisions begin and when I can expect to hear one way or another. I received emails from UW, Seattle, Gonzaga, L&C, UW, Oregon, USF, and American.

San Diego and Miami sure take their sweet time letting you know they have everything. Miami finally sent a little card with nothing checked which I guess is their way of telling you that you are complete...

Golden Gate sent a card telling me a decision will come in 4-6 weeks. Its been two.

I havent heard anything from Southwestern.

12-4-05 After watching Texas dismantle Colorado in the Big XII Championship game I received their rejection letter in the mail. This wasnt a surprise with my numbers. The letter was very thin. Almost ridiculously so. I mean, dont be cruel about it...

12-15-05 Happy Holidays from the University of Miami: I am not "keen" enough to gain addmission there. Last year they waited until April before they told me to fuck off... So much for applying early.

12-17-05 Happy holidays from Santa CLara... maybe we will take you, but not now... Ahhhh, the holidays.

12-28-05 My first acceptance! Gonzaga with $5500 per year... If only Spokane werent so dreary and conservative...

1-5-06 I looked into my chances of getting into Northwestern... Ill save my $60... When the hell are these admission committees going to get back to work?

Seattle's website says that "decision mailed" Stay tuned.

1-7-05 Deferred at Seattle "until (they) receive all of thier applications for this cycle." This one kind of stung. SU would have been a good place for me. Its still a possibility, but a dim one.

1-19-06 Last minute addition of Chapman as it appears, perhaps, a step up from some of my other "safety" schools - though I am realizing (and have secretly known) that my safeties are really simply realistic chances of getting in, rather than shoe in places...

1-30-6 - I havent heard anything, from anyone, for nearly a month. I applied VERY early this year, the first week of October hoping to get back more than rejections by now. Gonzaga is mentally nice to know, but really would prefer not to live in Spokane, freezing my ass off, walking to bball games to watch Adam Morrison dominate. I somehow managed to survive American's first round of rejections. I guess being an alumnist may help out now and then.

I hope all are doing okay with your mental outlooks.

2.2.6 - Hey, wow, another deferal/waitlist from Lewis and Clark last night. Im getting pretty tired of this whole process. I know my numbers were a little low, but I feel like my EC should matter for something and Im beginning to think they dont at all. I went to LC for my graduate degree, shouldnt that give me a little love?

AND, while Im at it,why the hell are third and fourth teir schools taking their sweet ass time with decisions. Cal Western has been making decisions for over a month accepting people with lower LSATs than me who applied after me. What gives? Getting tired and frustrated...

2.3.6 If admin people are looking at our profiles, (and I dont know how they would know who individuals are with names like ImNobody or PandaMafia or Lax11Slice or c5367ss...) then they should see the passion and desire and let me in...

2.4.6 Ding at UW. No surprise. i would point out that their basketball team has really taken a dive, and with it, my interest in attending there.

2.6.6 Ding San Francisco WHAT A WEEK!

2.8.6 Seeing some profiles similar to mine getting in at American and USD. We can dream cant we?

2.13.06 An acceptance at Whittier last night raises my spirits after the horror that was "rejection week" last week... I would hope that I can still get into a school that isnt on ABA probation. (When I spoke to an admissions person about this it seems that the school is rather upset about that decision and it sounded somewhat unfair.) Nonetheless, I hope this is an indication of things to come... and soon. I am getting ulcers.

$5000 first year Whittier cheese. C'mon guys, show a little more love. Give me some books or something. Or fill up may car with gas.

3-3-6 No news in almost a month... I have stopped rushing home to the mailbox. Whatever. I think rolling admissions is a bunch of crap. I think that Cal Western is just having fun with me or something... they dont even return my calls. I feel like the guy in the Twilight Zone episode that has the spot put on his head for a criminal punishment, and he is ignored by everyone...and goes crazy. That is how Cal Western, Southwestern, AMerican, and USD are treating me. Its so cruel...people have lives to plan. I might need to sell a house, quit a job, leave family and friends, and these folks are pushing their decisions into March and later for someone who applied in October...

Im going to go pour a drink.

3-4-6 - THE DRINKING WORKED!!! It always does. In at Golden Gate today. Ca$h to follow. I received a thin envelope which when I saw it made me shutter... "rejected at G.G? Where is the nearest cliff!" But, alas, it was from the financial aid office welcoming me... it bat the accepatance letter to me. So, that brightens my day. I still cant believe that USD and American have yet to make a decision. Who knows... BUT, to now rain on my own parade, I do have all those schools ranked lowest for a reason... Chapman? Cal West? Seattle? LEWIS AND CLARK!!! perhaps?

3-7-6 My first OFFICIAL waitlist at U of O. The thin white enevlope almost was destroyed prior to reading. You notice that the rejection letters often arent even sealed? As if it is too much energy for the admin people to take care of that...

I am thinking about writing a short story about law school admissions entitled, "Thin White Envelope"

So, as of last night, yes at Gonzaga, Whitier, GOlden Gate... Gonzaga is in the lead I guess...

3-10-6 I finally got a response from the CWSL admissions department... I really began to believe that I was their one candidate who they would have fun with and NEVER send any correspondance to or reply to any emails or phone calls. They said a decision had not yet been made, give them about two weeks, which perhaps not coincidentaly, will approximately be the one year aniversary of their deferral (see above) That would be a devestating blow to the ego. Though I am creatively visualizing myself at USD, Lewis and Clark, and American, I must be reasonable. Reasonable at this point, if I want a warmer climate, is CWSL, Chapman, and perhaps Southwestern (who also are taking their sweet time...) So, more holding of breath. I dont know that I buy into the whole apply early thing anymore, not with all these folks that are comparable to me applying in February and getting in (with comprable numbers...)

3.24.06 Chapman waitlist...

4.1.6 Ahhh spring is upon us. Going to play hooky tomorrow and go to Mariners opening day against the Angels.

Took my California/Spokane law school tour this past week.
My impressions:
1st Southwestern - Admin department can bite me. No one returned phone calls or emails for the two wweeks prior to my visit. I finally got some less than enthusistic about having to work in the addmisions office student who said, "come in if you want." I was already in Los Angeles. After spending 1.5 hours driving 30 miles from Anaheim to LA, I got the quick once over from a 3L who was less than enthusiastic about having to take me on a tour.
Great looking facilities. No where to live close by that would be pleasent. I asked some students how long their commutes are. 45 minutes and 50 minutes respectfully.
Me: "So, in law school, with no time to eat and shit and breathe, you spend upwards of two hours in your car a day?"
Them (SoCal sunshine on conspicuously white teeth): "uh-huh, yep."

I then spent the next three days gambling and drinking cocktails with friends in the desert. My advice, always double down on 11, it made me over $300 (that and a TOTALLY irrational ace split on a $50 original bet that than became $100. Queen of diamonds on the first ace, and a Jack of spades on an ace of hearts on the second. It was so beautiful, I asked if I could take a picture. The dealer said no. Drinks were weak, but cheap.

Whittier - Ahhhh, no.

Chapman open house on Thursday 3/30 - Gentile dean makes everyone smile before telling us obvious truths, "law school hard. Do well in school. Do well on LSAT." After an admissions PowerPoint that included great information such as how to apply (it is the end of March) we were introduced to 5 of the most self-serving, self-important 2 and 3Ls Ive had the pleasure of meeting. One of whom had his nose so far up the ass of the ultra-conservative Con Law professor that teaches at Chapman that used to clerk for Clarence Thomas and that fascist Michael Luddig who even wossie-assed Democrats opposed to being nominated to the court of appeals. Of course, i get him for my tour guide. I asked him if Clarence Thomas ever asked ANY questions AT ALL, EVER. He became increasingly annoyed with me.

Its livable LA. Clean, small, neat.

But I think people who go there are rich sons of bitches. I dont know, just a felling I got. I think they are ALL trustafarians with no connection to reality. I say this because of the 5 students who were there to show us around, they were all bitches and jackasses.
Me: I know that you already go to CHAPMAN LAW, ohhhhh, but, show some respect to us peons who have not yet entered into the ranks of people of greatness like yourselves.

Saturday at Gonzaga. -- Oh, they are so great up there. Everyone is so nice and helpful. Tour guide was so enthusiastic about everything. He knew everyone and the students who were milling about on a Saturday am all seemed happy and light. We saw the finals of the schoools 2L Legal Writing Moot Court competition with a number of Washington, Idaho, and Montana Supreme Court justices. Then they fed us and I was "selected" to go and talk to them while we grubbed on. I asked advice, they gave it. The jist of it: Have fun in law school as you learn. Its all attitude... How refreshing.
The fiancial aid lady spent 20 minutes with me and gave me great advice. For example, if you can (most cant) but pay the interest on loans every month, and go with the PLUS loan as some people are paying 11% from last year in private loans that CANT BE CONSOLIDATED.

Then, the Dean of Addmisions gives me a ride through the rain to go meet a real estate agent, which gets me to the bad part...

Gozaga is in Spokane. And while I could get my drink on at places like Jack and Dan's, the town is drab and depressing. It didnt help that it was raining.
Spokane is also dirt cheap. $500 will get you a nice pad. $150K will get you a house! It also has good cheap golf, and GREAT, cheap (weekdays) snowboarding.

But, alas, it is no Seattle, or Portland, much less a San Diego.

i know it is shallow of me, but it was hard to "feel" Spokane. I mean, you want to enjoy where you live, right? I also know that you will be indoors most of the time anyhow, if you want to do well at least.

I got home late last night to PDX and American had waitlisted me. Unbelievable. Another f'in waitlist.

I also got a nice, long email from Carol Cochran of Seattle U. which I would have LOVED. Apparently, only 20 people have been accepted off the waitlist IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS!!! So, looks like Seattle is slim and none, and slim just left town. (Probably for Spokane)

Gonzaga still leads by a mile, but did I mention how dreary Spokane is?

4-12-6 I mailed my Gonzaga seat deposit in this morning. With the scholorship money and the lower cost of living its by far the best choice. I still hold out hope for a USD yes and/or a L&C, Seattle, or American acceptance off the waitlist. It would be more expensive though.

I have been going through all of this for almost a year and a half now and I am ready to be done, as is everyone around me.

Spokane isnt that bad. rent for a nice place is cheap. Real cheap. Less than half of Seattle or San Diego. Id prefer Lewis and Clark because I can kee[p my job part-time and not have to sell my house...

then, I walk in this morning and the boss wants a decision soon. Totally fair, but the pressure is growing parallel with my blood pressure.

I also need to buy a computer. Any sugestions?

Also, can American really have that many applicants withdraw? Whats with that? 50%ish!? I would like to get excited about the waitlist, but seeing as how they have waitlisted just about as many as they accepted, I am sceptical.

4-16-06 WOW! Another waitlist! San DIego. Thin White Envelope...

4-28-06 At least when Southwestern said in their rejection letter that they spent considerable time reviewing my application, I knew they werent bullshiting... After almost 7 months, the assholes rejected me. Are you kidding? Not even a waitlist? I ad made up my mind that I would not go there anyway after my "visit" in March, and Im not just saying that to make myself feel better...

I will be accepted off the LC waitlist by May 15th. Mark it dude.

5-4-6 Finally, accepted to Cal Western.
No more decisions, no more running home to the mailbox every day.

Im really curious why it took them so long. Was it that I passed on them last year? Was it that I misspelled "cited" in my application regarding past criminal behavior "cited with an MIP in high school" NOT "sited" (Never quickly write anything to anyone official)

Regardless, while I wait for the final USD, Seattle, L&C, and AU decisions, I now have to make up my mind between beautiful, if not more expensive, San Diego, where I know one person and his lovely fiance, or Spokane, where I know nobody...

I know that school, particularly our first years will be hellacious. And that the inside of a law library looks the same under gray, cold Spokane skies, or sunny, warm, surf breaking majestically to the right this morning as a cool breeze finds its way across your face while you sip coffee and read the morning paper before class wearing shorts and flip flops...

Also, if I went to Cal Western, I could transfer to USD after the first year. That would motivate me to do well...

PLEASE!!! Share your thoughts and musings...

5-4-6 Game Set Match, accepted at Lewis and Clark. What a day!

Im attending.

5.22.6 Seattle rejected me. Oh well. I guess Ill go to the higher ranked Lewis and Clark...

Still curiously holding out for USD and American...

For all of you that are still waiting, best of luck. This has been a great place to vent. As a wiser man than me said:

Dude: Take care, man, I gotta get back.
Stranger: Sure. Take it easy, Dude--I know that you will.
Dude: Yeah man. Well, you know, the Dude abides.