3.79/172 but... substandard Undergraduate institution?

[Jamie Stringer]

Thanks for your help all!

I'll definitely consider applying to the schools you mentioned, I would love to get into the University of Chicago but never really thought that would be a possibility (from what I've heard, it's for ultra-academics, a group I can't say I belong to). Also, yes, I suppose I am not giving my UG enough credit, as it definitely helped me to achieve my score. I'm just worried, though: for anyone who attends one of these 'T14' schools, are they tailored towards super-intelligent, no-fun-allowed students? I'm not saying I don't appreciate the joys of learning and classes, but I wouldn't want to pay an incredible sum of money to find I'm completely out of my depth.

I'm going to a T14 (well, in the fall...I'm a 0L now), and I have to say that I'm not a super-intelligent, no-fun-allowed type of girl   Really, I had the same fears about law schools but when you go to Admitted Student events, you'll get a really good sense of the other law students.  There were some schools that I didn't vibe with and others where I felt comfortable immediately.  I visited a school with a hardcore academic reputation and while some people were more than intense, there were also plenty of people with whom I got along that let me know if I decided to go there, I'd have a niche somewhere. 

I know you'll be in Europe, but is there any way you can take a trip back to visit some schools.  Law school is such an investment -- not just financially, but emotionally too.  You'll want to find a place where you can be happiest (note: I didn't say happy because some people think it's impossible to be truly happy in law school) while still having all the things you want from a school (perhaps job placement, clerkship placement potential, portability, etc).

[Sprintz]

Hahaha, fair enough, I would agree on the 'learned so much about myself and other cultures' bull that most people who study abroad spout on and on about. Having lived in America for 7 years, I can say that only recently have I begun to understand the Midwestern culture.

[big - fat - box]

Actually, T14 schools are mostly filled with average, privileged, upper middle class white kids.

[Matthies]

Actually, T14 all schools are mostly filled with average, privileged, upper middle class white kids.

fixt

[big - fat - box]

Very true, though having attended a lower ranked school before transferring to a T14, I will say the proportion of privileged, silver spooner type students here is definitely higher.

[Matthies]

Very true, though having attended a lower ranked school before transferring to a T14, I will say the proportion of privileged, silver spooner type students here is definitely higher.

I think the asests your family has goes a long way at imporving your chances of landing at a better law school (i.e acess to better education k-12. better UG, more money for test prep, extra time becuase you don't work ect.) So its not suprsing to me that top law schools are filled with more privladged than otherwise

[dashrashi]

Thanks for your help all!

I'll definitely consider applying to the schools you mentioned, I would love to get into the University of Chicago but never really thought that would be a possibility (from what I've heard, it's for ultra-academics, a group I can't say I belong to). Also, yes, I suppose I am not giving my UG enough credit, as it definitely helped me to achieve my score. I'm just worried, though: for anyone who attends one of these 'T14' schools, are they tailored towards super-intelligent, no-fun-allowed students? I'm not saying I don't appreciate the joys of learning and classes, but I wouldn't want to pay an incredible sum of money to find I'm completely out of my depth.

I'm going to a T14 (well, in the fall...I'm a 0L now), and I have to say that I'm not a super-intelligent, no-fun-allowed type of girl   Really, I had the same fears about law schools but when you go to Admitted Student events, you'll get a really good sense of the other law students.  There were some schools that I didn't vibe with and others where I felt comfortable immediately.  I visited a school with a hardcore academic reputation and while some people were more than intense, there were also plenty of people with whom I got along that let me know if I decided to go there, I'd have a niche somewhere. 

I know you'll be in Europe, but is there any way you can take a trip back to visit some schools.  Law school is such an investment -- not just financially, but emotionally too.  You'll want to find a place where you can be happiest (note: I didn't say happy because some people think it's impossible to be truly happy in law school) while still having all the things you want from a school (perhaps job placement, clerkship placement potential, portability, etc).

[twiddles thumbs]
[whistles]

[Jamie Stringer]

I'm going to a T14 (well, in the fall...I'm a 0L now), and I have to say that I'm not a super-intelligent, no-fun-allowed type of girl   Really, I had the same fears about law schools but when you go to Admitted Student events, you'll get a really good sense of the other law students.  There were some schools that I didn't vibe with and others where I felt comfortable immediately.  I visited a school with a hardcore academic reputation and while some people were more than intense, there were also plenty of people with whom I got along that let me know if I decided to go there, I'd have a niche somewhere. 

I know you'll be in Europe, but is there any way you can take a trip back to visit some schools.  Law school is such an investment -- not just financially, but emotionally too.  You'll want to find a place where you can be happiest (note: I didn't say happy because some people think it's impossible to be truly happy in law school) while still having all the things you want from a school (perhaps job placement, clerkship placement potential, portability, etc).

[twiddles thumbs]
[whistles]

I was obviously talking exclusively about you

[dashrashi]

I was just as obviously taking credit! Weird!

[clairel]

UChicago is definitely possible....and trust me, we're not all hardcore study people (though some people are...as in any law school). this past year, i went to class, um, rarely. i went to a much lower-regarded undergrad than UIUC though it wasn't "substandard" (yay UC system!).