Pre-Law Chat — October 26, 1999

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Chat Transcript:
Law School Admissions Chat

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:03 PM)
First I want to welcome you all to Accepted.com's first law school admissions online chat!

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:13 PM)
I also want to welcome Maxx Duffy of Maxx Associates, who will co-host the chat with me and share her encyclopedic knowledge of law school admissions. And last but not least, I want to welcome Cindy Tokumitsu, one of Accepted.com's editors.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:20 PM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:05:29 PM)
Hello, Linda. It's good to be here.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:29 PM)
We encourage dialogue and discussion, but we would like to suggest a structure to make it easier to follow the threads of conversation. So here is the protocol:

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:36 PM)
If you would like to ask a question, please type a '?' and then your question. One of us, or another guest, will reply. If one of you wants to comment on the current topic, please jump right in. If you want to start a different topic, please type '?'.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:45 PM)
Maxx and I also have a request: We would like to avoid the brief summary of qualifications (or even the long laundry list) followed by the question, "Can I qualify for a particular school." All we will be able to say is "You seem to have a competitive profile" or "Your chances are slim."

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:05:53 PM)
Other than that limitation, this is your chance to ask questions of knowledgeable admissions people. Please fire away!

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:06:11 PM)
Who wants to go first?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:06:26 PM)
OK. I will.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:06:40 PM)
A client called today after receiving a low LSAT (high 140s).

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:06:53 PM)
She had been planning to apply early admissions to certain schools in her area.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:07:19 PM)
She asked whether she should still apply early admissions and just tell them she is retaking the LSAT?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:07:28 PM)
Or should she apply regular admissions?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:07:40 PM)
After receiving a higher LSAT (hopefully)?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:07:50 PM)
Apply regular admission. Get that higher LSAT score, and ace her application's personal statement.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:08:15 PM)
That's what I thought. Thanks.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:08:28 PM)
By waiting, she allows the applicant pool to even-out more.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:08:28 PM)
Chantell or Widget, do you have any questions?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:08:40 PM)
She also hopefully gets that higher LSAT.

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:08:43 PM)
? Is it a good idea, though, in this case to use the personal statement as a means of explaining the low LSAT score?

widget (26-Oct-99 9:09:11 PM)
?how do you rank the importance of the :personal stmt, the resume, and the letters of recommendation?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:09:33 PM)
If she gets a higher score, they probably will average the two scores, if the scores are still in close range. If it's dramatically higher, they'll go with the higher score.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:09:59 PM)
If there's a reason for the low LSAT score, then she should explain it.

kkline (26-Oct-99 9:10:11 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:10:18 PM)
What in your mind is a "good reason" for a low LSAT?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:10:29 PM)
Widget: All are extremely important, especially for the candidate that is not at the extreme, an obvious admit or, alternatively, a questionable candidate.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:11:02 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:11:16 PM)
Linda: A "good reason" for a low LSAT would be anything from being sick on the day of the test, to literally panic, to work interruptions linked to studying and prepping for the course.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:11:44 PM)
Maxx, wouldn't also a history of non-predictive test scores be another good reason?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:11:54 PM)
Linda, absolutely.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:11:55 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:11:56 PM)
For example a very low SAT and high undergraduate GPA?

emiliog (26-Oct-99 9:11:59 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:12:14 PM)
hello

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:12:25 PM)
Hi Adam!

liv (26-Oct-99 9:12:30 PM)
Hi. Can someone help me with a problem I'm having with LSAC?

widget (26-Oct-99 9:12:39 PM)
?what is an obvious admit

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:12:41 PM)
Yes, Linda, all are indicative of testing problems.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:12:44 PM)
What problem are you having?

liv (26-Oct-99 9:13:11 PM)
They lowered my GPA dramatically.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:13:19 PM)
Widget, an obvious admit is someone whose LSAT & GPA are at the 75th percentile or higher, in terms of the index.

Blayde (26-Oct-99 9:14:02 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:14:05 PM)
Maxx do you have any suggestions for liv, whose GPA was lowered by LSAC?

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:14:19 PM)
Hey everyone, just got my LSAT Score, and now I have to write a personal essay... I think i want help on this one.

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:14:42 PM)
? I am preparing my applications now (even though I won't know my LSAT score from Oct. 2nd until early November). Is getting most of them in by Thanksgiving early enough?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:14:48 PM)
I'd have to know more about the circumstances, Liv, to make an informed response.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:14:50 PM)
Do you have any specific questions that we can help you with Adam?

kkline (26-Oct-99 9:15:15 PM)
i agree, i don't have any idea on what to write for a good personal statement

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:15:18 PM)
Chantell, yes, it's definitely early enough.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:15:23 PM)
It must feel good to have the LSAT behind you.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:15:36 PM)
Well.... I'm a good writer, and I have a good idea for my essay

puck (26-Oct-99 9:15:39 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:15:41 PM)
You need to include what is most important to you and distinctive about you in your personal statement.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:15:42 PM)
but i wanted professional help on this one

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:15:55 PM)
We would be happy to assist you with your personal statement.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:16:04 PM)
kkline, a good personal statement reflects who you are, gives a sense of self.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:16:07 PM)
Please e-mail info@accepted.com tomorrow.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:16:15 PM)
They are including "F"s that my school isn't counting. My school isn't including the "F"s because I repeated the courses and received "A"s.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:16:18 PM)
ok, i was just curious, do i need to be writing more than one essay for different schools?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:16:34 PM)
kkline (continuing) It's forthright, thoughtful, reflects sound judgment, passion, and gives admissions a reason to believe in you.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:16:51 PM)
It also gives them a sense of why you are choosing to go to law school.

Diana (26-Oct-99 9:16:57 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:17:02 PM)
What experiences led you to make this decision.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:17:19 PM)
It also seems that they have lowered ALL of my grades.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:17:35 PM)
liv, there's nothing you can do about this with the LSAC, but you can incorporate your reasons for repeating your courses in your statement to Admissions.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:17:40 PM)
Liv they did that to me too, i went from a 3.43 to a 3.38

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:17:50 PM)
for no reason i could determine

liv (26-Oct-99 9:18:02 PM)
I went from 3.5 to 3.2!!!

Diana (26-Oct-99 9:18:17 PM)
Does anyone have an opinion to offer:

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:18:25 PM)
liv, you need to make sure that the grades that are on your transcript are the same grades that LSAC is using. In other words, is there an error on your transcript?

Blayde (26-Oct-99 9:18:38 PM)
(This user has left DigiChat)

liv (26-Oct-99 9:19:32 PM)
I don't think so- I spoke to my school, and they said the Fs have to stay on the transcript- but they aren't included in my GPA- but LSAC is counting them.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:19:50 PM)
Maxx, we addressed the reasons for a low LSAT. Could you address good "reasons" for a low GPA?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:20:01 PM)
liv, this is the policy of LSAC. Again, all you can do is explain in your personal statement.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:20:15 PM)
do you think that addendums that explain a poor gpa are acceptable, or do adcoms see them as a weak excuse?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:20:32 PM)
It depends what is in them and how they are written.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:20:41 PM)
Linda, good reasons for a low GPA could be anything from illness to lack of maturity. The key with a low GPA is to be honest.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:21:03 PM)
A short, to-the-point explanation without whining can make a big difference.

Diana (26-Oct-99 9:21:05 PM)
Sorry for the blooper (I'm new) I am targeting UT@ Austin. Their early decision deadline is Nov 1. I scored a rotten 147 LSAT in Oct that I'm retaking Dec2 They consider any LSDAS report by Dec 10 Should I apply for early or regular admin

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:21:15 PM)
puck, address a poor GPA honestly, take responsibility, counter, and move on. That's what adcoms like.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:21:16 PM)
Do you know why they count the Fs that my school doesn't even count? I'm very upset.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:21:30 PM)
thanks

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:21:53 PM)
How do i write about in my personal essay about my experiences and what they meant to my development, without having them sound like I am bragging or showing off?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:22:19 PM)
Focus on the experiences and don't say "I was outstanding."

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:22:27 PM)
liv, again, it's just their policy. You can't change it. I understand your being upset, but your only recourse now is in writing a knock-out personal statement. You can do this!

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:22:28 PM)
ok

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:22:32 PM)
Show you took responsibility and initiative and discuss the lessons you learned, Adam.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:22:38 PM)
A lot of classmates have already sent their applications off already, am I lagging behind if I send them in November?

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:22:49 PM)
exactly, makes sense

liv (26-Oct-99 9:22:58 PM)
I received the Fs simply because I forgot to withdraw from the courses on time, and I had just stopped going to the classes. How should I explain that?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:23:09 PM)
puck, don't waste energy worrying about the timing. Get to what you need to be doing: focusing your energy and passion on your application materials!

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:23:26 PM)
Have an addendum in which you state simply exactly what you wrote a few minutes ago.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:23:42 PM)
Also state what your GPA would be without that error.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:23:59 PM)
liv, exactly as you stated: honestly, forthrightly, and then point out the great grades you did get in those courses.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:24:19 PM)
Maxx, how do law schools view full-time, post-college work experience?

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:24:44 PM)
Ahh. good question, I am still at work :o)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:24:58 PM)
So are we!!!

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:25:03 PM)
Good point!

widget (26-Oct-99 9:25:03 PM)
?I would like to address letters of recommendation. Realistically, are letters from alumni given greater weight by the schools? One statement I read said that letters from judges and politicians were not as useful as letters from teachers and employers. Is this how it really is, or is a letter from a lawyer that is also an alum given any weight if you have not worked for them but they know you personally

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:25:15 PM)
Yes, I agree. I graduated 1994 with my B.A. so my focus is on post-college also.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:25:28 PM)
Linda, strongly. It is certainly a part of the applicant's experience and certainly should be included as part of their thought process in going to law school. Experience is what makes a difference in candidates.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:25:44 PM)
Some schools ask for letters explaining cultural, economic, or other diversity. What exactly is meant by economic diversity? Is simply growing up poor considered economical diverse?

liv (26-Oct-99 9:25:52 PM)
Thanks Maxx. I was just hoping that I could somehow contest what the LSAC did.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:25:58 PM)
How do they become aware of your post college work experience?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:26:04 PM)
Widget, the letters of recommendation should be written by people who know you and can comment directly from experience on your qualifications.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:26:13 PM)
I was not planning on talking about it in my personal essay

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:26:13 PM)
widget, the recommendations from people who know you are key. An alum's statement carries little weight unless they've donated millions of dollars to the program. :)

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:26:39 PM)
do i include some sort of resume?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:26:52 PM)
puck, that's it exactly. Poor equals economically diverse.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:26:54 PM)
Adam, if you received your BA or BS two years ago, you presumably have been doing something since then. What is it?

widget (26-Oct-99 9:27:06 PM)
(This user has left DigiChat)

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:27:13 PM)
Adam, a resume is often included, unless there's no track record of work.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:27:16 PM)
Well i was running my own business for a while, now I am working as an investment accountant.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:27:27 PM)
Does it matter whether or not you get your letters of rec from profs from your major?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:27:39 PM)
Adam, that's great experience!

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:27:44 PM)
i was planning on talking about the company i started and ran, not my current work business, but it would be nice for them to know that.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:28:01 PM)
Adam, absolutely provide a resume. It highlights all of your credentials and sometimes even affords the opportunity to cite things the application didn't ask for, i.e. additional professional honors.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:28:12 PM)
Liv, again if the profs in your major know you and can comment on your qualifications then ask them to do so.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:28:15 PM)
maxx, is it sufficient to explain that I grew up poor in my personal statement, or should I include another short essay (addendum) explaining my case?

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:28:18 PM)
Should I write the resume differently than I would be if I was applying for a job?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:28:35 PM)
Liv, the key is asking people who can comment from personal experience and will be laudatory.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:28:40 PM)
liv, a recommendation from a prof in your major certainly addresses your dedication and commitment. It would be great if you could get one from a prof in your major.

emiliog (26-Oct-99 9:28:56 PM)
LAbraham or maxx, does a grad school degree with a hi GPA make up for a low undergrad GPA?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:29:23 PM)
Adam, yes. This is a resume to get you into law school, so again you want to highlight everything from honors and awards to achievements on your resume.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:29:31 PM)
Puck, if you get a diversity question, you can address your upbringing there.

Cindy (26-Oct-99 9:29:31 PM)
Adam, keep it short and sweet. Skip the "objective" part. But include significant accomplishments, especially if quantifiable.

kkline (26-Oct-99 9:29:43 PM)
?Does it pay to put myself through law school even if I can only get in a 4th tier school?

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:29:57 PM)
Ok, its going to be hard to decide what to put on there.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:29:58 PM)
I didn't get to know many profs well, and I was thinking that I should maybe ask one that I had for an honors philosophy course, and one that I had for a law course instead.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:30:10 PM)
Emiliog, no, unfortunately it doesn't. The common denominator for grades is undergrad. But it does show your dedication and commitment, and it's hard for an adcom not to recognize that.

Diana (26-Oct-99 9:30:21 PM)
Maxx, I was referred to you by my Accepted.com writer for my question about UT@ Austin early/reg registration. Can you advise? It is the only question I have.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:30:28 PM)
Would it just be better, though, to ask one from my major?

emiliog (26-Oct-99 9:30:29 PM)
thanks, maxx

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:30:57 PM)
Ok, I am going to write my essay now, I will contact you all tomorrow to find out more about your polishing and editing services

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:30:58 PM)
Actually Diana, I asked it for you earlier. Maxx strongly suggested you retake the LSAT first and then apply.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:31:05 PM)
liv, those two sound good. In the end it's all about whether they can assess you, the way you think, the skills you have. If these profs know you the best, then obviously that's the way to go.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:31:06 PM)
Forgo the early admissions.

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:31:11 PM)
Thanks for your help so far!

puck (26-Oct-99 9:31:20 PM)
Can a resume included in my application be longer than one page? Should I list every employment during undergrad or only significant employment?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:31:25 PM)
Ok. I look forward to talking to you tomorrow.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:31:33 PM)
puck, it should be one page.

Diana (26-Oct-99 9:31:40 PM)
Linda, can you explain?

Adam (26-Oct-99 9:31:53 PM)
(This user has left DigiChat)

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:32:18 PM)
puck, if the undergrad employment has bearing or is something you're proud of, try to include it, even if it's only one page. But you don't have to include all the restaurant waiter positions. :)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:32:48 PM)
Diana, first raise your LSAT, and then apply. The idea is simply to apply with the strongest possible application.

Diana (26-Oct-99 9:33:20 PM)
(This user has left DigiChat)

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:33:28 PM)
Diana, there's a possibility that they would read your ap prior to the receipt of your second LSAT score. You don't want to risk that. Wait for regular admission.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:33:34 PM)
Any other questions?

puck (26-Oct-99 9:33:55 PM)
How does your editing service work, and how much does it cost? (If I can just get it off your page, you don't have to answer)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:34:12 PM)
It is on the Web site, but I can tell you briefly.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:34:23 PM)
puck, please do visit the website (www.maxxassociates.com) as that gives the best overview of what I do.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:34:23 PM)
great

liv (26-Oct-99 9:34:38 PM)
Thank you very much for your help!! Will there be another chat like this one soon?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:34:42 PM)
We have a comprehensive package of services which includes an interview and up-front guidance as well as unlimited editing. That is $375.

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:34:55 PM)
? As for letters, since I've been out of school 5 years, I'm planning on an employer letter and community service letter (no profs), is this okay or looked down on?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:34:55 PM)
We also review and edit at our rate of $100 per hour.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:35:06 PM)
For details, please visit http://www.accepted.com

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:35:36 PM)
Liv, I also have a chat scheduled in a month, on November 22. It will be on writing your personal statement.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:35:48 PM)
Chantell, a lot of law schools really want professor-recommends, but if you're no longer in touch, that just needs to be cited. The employer is certainly pertinent, and the community recommender carries less weight than the others, but if you've had a major role in that organization, certainly include it.

liv (26-Oct-99 9:36:19 PM)
Thank you. I'll be back!

liv (26-Oct-99 9:36:21 PM)
(This user has left DigiChat)

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:36:29 PM)
As for community service, I'm on the Board of Directors locally for Junior Achievement. Does that weigh heavily enough?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:36:38 PM)
Chantell, sure does.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:36:53 PM)
How much consideration is put on geographical diversity?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:37:10 PM)
puck, how far apart are you? :o>

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:37:57 PM)
puck, re: geographical diversity, from east coast to west coast it doesn't hold so much weight these days, but if you're on a coast, looking at the midwest or south (or vice versa) it could carry some weight.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:38:22 PM)
Any other questions?

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:38:33 PM)
? Is there usually any extra weight given to undergrad alumni of a law school?

puck (26-Oct-99 9:38:35 PM)
great state of Idaho! :0>

Cindy (26-Oct-99 9:38:47 PM)
?Maxx, can you tell me how law school adcoms view previous law-related work such as legal assistant or law-related volunteer work -- Is this very important, as in med school applications, or not necessary?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:39:04 PM)
Puck, you probably would lend some diversity to a lot of schools... or at least potatoes. :-)

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:39:29 PM)
Chantell, not really.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:39:41 PM)
Thanks, I think. LOL

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:40:07 PM)
Cindy, law schools are a little more open regarding the type of experiences people have. They don't necessarily have to have experience in law-related fields, though those who do should certainly take advantage of it.

Cindy (26-Oct-99 9:40:26 PM)
Thanks.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:40:45 PM)
How important is the "multi-dimensional" human being in law school admissions?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:41:23 PM)
Linda, after academics are determined, then the "multi-dimensional" applicant carries weight, but first they have to meet the academic criteria.

kkline (26-Oct-99 9:41:49 PM)
what is multi-dimensional?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:41:53 PM)
Last year I read the law school admissions book about HLS, and I was struck more by the initiative that the successful applicants displayed than anything else.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:42:07 PM)
Linda, I am sure it is very important, but seems very difficult to express in a two page p.s.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:42:34 PM)
kkline, multi-dimensional is perspectives, values, beliefs, goals, diversity of socio-economic, cultural background, etc.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:42:36 PM)
Kkline, the multi-dimensional person has multiple interests and is usually accomplished in diverse fields.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:43:15 PM)
Puck, it goes back to using your experiences persuasively and effectively to introduce yourself to the law schools.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:43:43 PM)
After the reader reads your statement, she should feel like she has met you.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:44:06 PM)
She should not feel like she has reviewed your transcript, resume or application all over again.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:44:12 PM)
There should be something more there. And that something is usually effective use of details.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:44:28 PM)
Admissions really wants to know the person, who they are intellectually, a sense of their personality, what they believe in, what's important to them, what they've achieved.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:44:37 PM)
But we will cover that more in depth on November 22.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:45:27 PM)
Is the slightest hint of religion really tacky in a p.s.?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:45:48 PM)
Involvement, particularly leadership roles, in a religious organization is not tacky.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:45:51 PM)
puck, it depends on the role religion plays in the applicant's life, career aspirations, etc.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:45:56 PM)
Preaching your religious beliefs can be.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:46:05 PM)
LAbraham, good point.

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:46:20 PM)
? As for the ps, does it help or hurt to mention an abusive childhood and how you've succeeded in spite of it. I'm definitely against the abuse excuse, but does it help to emphasize the positive?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:46:39 PM)
Has that affected your interest in law school?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:46:48 PM)
Or your grades?

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:47:01 PM)
Chantell, it's a hurdle overcome, a personal victory. What does it say about who you are today for law school?

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:47:40 PM)
Yes, to some degree, although I'm interested in law anyway. If I can use it to help other children in abusive situations, I most certainly will and now focus all my comm service involving children.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:48:14 PM)
In that context you probably can discuss your experience with the legal system and its effectiveness in helping you.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:48:18 PM)
Chantell, this may be something that you incorporate into the rest of your personal statement, versus being the main focus.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:48:27 PM)
But I wouldn't focus exclusively on that.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:48:34 PM)
Are law schools interested in why you are pursuing a law degree? Doesn't that force a majority of the applicants to lie and say they want to save the world or help people, when in reality most want to make big bucks?

kkline (26-Oct-99 9:48:51 PM)
Is it a waste of time and money if i can only get into a 4th tier school?

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:48:56 PM)
Thanks, Maxx, that's an excellent point to not make it the main point.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:49:03 PM)
Puck, if you want to make big bucks, why not go into Wall Street or venture capital?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:49:28 PM)
Why are you choosing this way to make big bucks or help people?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:49:55 PM)
You could be an Internet tycoon!

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:50:04 PM)
kkline, it depends on your overall goals. If you're only interested in bucks or the "name," versus the actual practice of law, then yeah, it's a waste to go to a fourth tier school. But if it's a life passion that you want to be a lawyer then no, it's not a waste. Evaluate why you want to go.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:50:21 PM)
I would like to help people. However does this seem shallow and is it repetitive to adcoms?

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:50:22 PM)
Puck, I most certainly don't care about the big bucks. I think if you do, you may be going for the wrong reasons. I actually know many lawyers who hate what they do and have warned me to look hard at my reasons.

emiliog (26-Oct-99 9:50:29 PM)
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emiliog (26-Oct-99 9:50:42 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:50:47 PM)
Also, law can be a foundation for business. Again, kkline, if you want the knowledge for business reasons, it could still be worthwhile for you to go.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:51:02 PM)
Puck, if you have helped people, then not necessarily.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:51:30 PM)
Puck, you don't want to focus your statement on wanting to help people. You want to focus on why you're good at it, the life experiences you've had up till now, and what they've instilled in you and how it affected your beliefs and capabilities.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:51:31 PM)
Admission is tired of having people say they want to save the whales, when they never visited the beach.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:51:41 PM)
Good point, Maxx.

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:52:11 PM)
That is a great question though. If you truly care about helping others, how can you say that in a ps without sounding insincere and fake?

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:52:22 PM)
And again, how specifically do you want to help people and why are you choosing law as the means?

kkline (26-Oct-99 9:52:35 PM)
I don't want to go to make big bucks, but I do want to receive a good education. Can I get that at a 4th tier school and then get a good job.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:52:42 PM)
Focus on your experiences and why you want to help people through the law.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:52:49 PM)
Chantell, it should be reflected in, and evidenced by, the work you've done so far and the experiences you've had. Then you're not "preaching," merely recounting the experiences that have made you who you are.

puck (26-Oct-99 9:54:03 PM)
If a school does not give a limitation, should I limit my p.s. to two pages?

lisa (26-Oct-99 9:54:14 PM)
(This user has entered Law School Admissions)

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:54:20 PM)
kkline, you want to explore the programs, check out the faculty, see what they have in their second year that's linked to your more specific interests. Not all will fit the picture, but those that do should then be right for you and your goals.

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:54:46 PM)
puck, yes.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:55:10 PM)
Any other questions?

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:55:13 PM)
Thanks, everyone, this has been a tremendous help!

maxx (26-Oct-99 9:55:24 PM)
Our pleasure, Chantell.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:55:24 PM)
Last call.

lisa (26-Oct-99 9:55:25 PM)
thanks for your help

lisa (26-Oct-99 9:55:29 PM)
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emiliog (26-Oct-99 9:55:30 PM)
Ditto

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:55:35 PM)
You're all very welcome. Thank you again all for participating this evening. Special thanks to Maxx Duffy for her invaluable insights and to Cindy Tokumitsu for her assistance.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:55:43 PM)
I want to mention that Accepted.com (http://www.accepted.com) and Maxx Associates (http://www.maxxassociates.com) have been extremely busy. We are booking up. If you are interested in our services, please contact us well before your deadlines.

Chantell (26-Oct-99 9:55:45 PM)
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kkline (26-Oct-99 9:55:49 PM)
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LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:55:51 PM)
I would also like to announce our next pre-law chat on November 22. I plan to build on the foundation Maxx lay tonight. She provided the strategies for success, and I would like to move on to tactics. The topic will be "Writing an Outstanding Personal Statement." I look forward to "seeing" you again then.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:55:59 PM)
Finally, I would really appreciate feedback from all of you on tonight's chat. Please send your comments, criticisms, and suggestions for future chats to chatfeedback@accepted.com.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:56:05 PM)
Have a very good evening! Good luck with your applications!

puck (26-Oct-99 9:56:35 PM)
Good night, thanks, very helpful!

Cindy (26-Oct-99 9:58:09 PM)
good night.

LAbraham (26-Oct-99 9:58:14 PM)
Bye. Thanks for coming. (This user has left DigiChat)