Law School Discussion

Whew, I'm glad this is being discussed. As a current UC Hastings admit, and as a former wardrobe stylist for photo shoots (how did I get into law school?), LS-appropriate clothing was, admittedly, high on my list of priorities (below finding a decent apartment in San Francisco, but above figuring out how to pay for stuff).

I would say business-casual is appropriate in professional/school situations. PJs are acceptable for 18-year-old frat/sorority kids, and that is about all. At least have the decency to put on some yoga pants and a cardigan, for the love of god. For boys, maybe you could rock a hoodie -- but perhaps put a casual blazer on top for the beloved "bloodie" effect (this might only fly in San Francisco, LA, NY, or Austin). Girls, I would say that we've gotta keep the skirts and dresses at the knee, not above, not below (just not flattering, unless a larger danger is cankles). Also, ladies, I would say that sandals/flip flops/strappy high heels/mules are probably not appropriate. I would say the most toe you should show is a peep-toe, and definitely not a super-high heel at that.

Can I get a vote on skinny pants? Appropriate? Not appropriate?

Also, no pleated slacks, please. Let's all try to make the world a better place. Unless you're an itty-bitty girl rocking some high-waisted pleated Chloe pants or something. Then who am I to judge.

This became rather elaborate but in my opinion, necessary.

Good decision going with Testmasters. I used them and got a 164 (although I started out on my diagnostics with a 160...), so I was pretty satisfied.

On a positive note, though, I'm pretty sure that law schools will notice that you improved academically during your undergrad studies, which shows them that you had trouble in the beginning and stepped it up. I think in general they like to see that your LSAT score is more or less consistent with your GPA (i.e., if you have a super-high LSAT but a low GPA, it shows that you're not living up to your potential). And as for apps, I would say apply mainly to schools you have a realistic shot at getting into, and then 2 or 3 long shots. You never know; I applied to UC Hastings as my long shot and got in, and while I'm very excited to be going there in the fall, I almost wish I had aimed higher just to see where else I could have gotten into. Anyway, good luck!

I went to UCSD as an undergrad and can say that SD is a great place to live and go to school, as I have stayed down here another 3 years. I live in downtown SD a few blocks away from Cal Western, and while there are a fair number of vagrants in the area, they are definitely of the more harmless variety.

Being a native SoCal girl myself, I don't think that the cost of living in SD is prohibitive, as there are many suburban areas within a 15-minute (or less!) drive that are reasonable considering the proximity to the beach and downtown (try Clairemont, Banker's Hill, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Mission Valley, or even downtown... there are deals to be found!). Plus, parking near Cal Western is actually not as bad as you would think considering it is in a busy area (email me if you want to know the secret places to park for free... hard-won lessons of the SD urbanite). 

Also, at UCSD I took 8 courses from 3 (visiting) Cal Western law professors, and I do have to say that they were all in my top 5 favorite professors. Really excellent, fun, challenging, teaching from all of them.

I applied to Cal Western myself, but was accepted to UC Hastings for this fall, so I am going there. However, if I hadn't gotten into Hastings, Cal Western would have been a consideration for me because of all of the positives, in my book anyway.

I can't say I know much about SUNY other than in general it is rated more highly, but I would say that if you want to stay in Cali, you should definitely consider Cal Western.