2004 Law School Admissions Chat with Catherine Cook

Please feel free to let us know if you would like to be informed of future chats by sending e-mail to chat@accepted.com. We would also be interested in knowing if you would prefer a different format or different topics.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 8:59:52 PM)
I also want to welcome Catherine Cook, currently an editor at Accepted.com and formerly a member of the Duke Law Admissions Committee. She will be answering your questions this evening.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:00:00 PM)
Hi everyone!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:00:01 PM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:00:14 PM)
I encourage dialogue and discussion, but I would like to suggest a structure to make it easier to follow the threads of conversation. So here is the protocol: We will post material to the chat. If you have a question on that material, please type a '?' and then your question. I and/or other participants 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 '?'.

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:01:29 PM)
?How's the applicant pool this year compared to last one?

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:01:51 PM)
?Do you have suggestions on how to compose a compelling personal statement?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:01:52 PM)
In terms of numbers, the numbers are up.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:02:22 PM)
We have lots of tips on the web site.  But one of the most crucial is to start off with a compelling and interesting lead. 

njl4 (Oct 21, 2003 9:02:40 PM)
When is the best time to send our applications?

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:03:08 PM)
How important are the personal statements in an application?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:03:11 PM)
Our law section at http://www.accepted.com/law has lots of tips on writing the personal statement for law school.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:03:27 PM)
Jp - very important!  It is the one place where you can really "introduce" yourself to the adcom.  Let them get to know the person behind the numbers.  And honestly, that's really what they want to know.

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:04:48 PM)
?Is it fairly accurate to state that the personal statement may be as important as the LSAT score?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:04:59 PM)
njl4 - the best time to send your application is when they are polished and ready to go.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:05:16 PM)
Tones - That is a hard question to answer.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:05:22 PM)
Catherine, assuming they are as good as the applicant can make them, is there an advantage in applying earlier?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:05:35 PM)
Yes, absolutely.  The adcom is fresher, they haven't been reading essays for months and months.

njl4 (Oct 21, 2003 9:05:40 PM)
Even if that is in March?

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:05:58 PM)
?Will they actually read every single essay for every file?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:06:07 PM)
Yes, they read every essay.  At Duke, we read each and every one, regardless of the numbers.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:06:08 PM)
nj4, it makes no sense in this competitive environment to turn in something that is mediocre or half-cooked.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:07:18 PM)
Catherine, would it be fair to say that the essay takes on decisive, critical importance when the numbers are "in the ballpark."?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:07:28 PM)
Yes, if your numbers are completely off, it will be tough to gain admittance.  But if you are in the range, your personal statement may become the deciding factor.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:07:56 PM)
I have heard that the numbers posted on the LSAC site (GPA/LSAT - Admissions indicator) are off - is that true?

hmb (Oct 21, 2003 9:08:43 PM)
Can you describe the types of themes I might want to cover (in the PS) as a prospective student that graduated 4 years ago? (I've been working in a largely unrelated industry). Should I try to show motivation for studying law or should I try to show who I am as a person (through various accomplishments and experiences)?

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:08:48 PM)
Also, I have read that if you are applying to a "reach" school, you should be more daring with the essay to maximize chances for admissions.  Is this a good idea?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:08:59 PM)
Jazzlaw, I haven't heard that at all. What's the source?

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:09:18 PM)
One of the archived law school admissions chats on this website.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:09:26 PM)
hmb - I would opt for the second on the reach schools.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:09:44 PM)
I don't remember the comment and really can't say whether it's accurate or not.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:09:59 PM)
Unfortunately, I can't speak to that either.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:10:06 PM)
jazzlaw, you want the essays to reflect you.  If you are a marginal candidate or a highly competitive one, the essays should reflect who you are, not someone more or less daring.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:10:39 PM)
I am not sure "daring" is the word I would use.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:10:47 PM)
I agree with Linda

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:11:13 PM)
Njl4 - One size DOES NOT fit all.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:11:13 PM)
Yes, Catherine, the essays should reflect us, but during my college admissions process I played it safe, a lot, and I feel a more creative essay may have helped my chances for admissions - then again, the law school admissions folk seem to be somewhat conservative at most schools.  What are your thoughts?

hmb (Oct 21, 2003 9:11:40 PM)
So does that mean that I don't (generally) need to show motivation for studying law anywhere? (I understand some applications ask this directly, but many don't).

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:11:42 PM)
I understand. But creativity is not necessarily the same as "daring."

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:12:07 PM)
Jazzlaw, perhaps you are more creative now than you were when you applied to college, but it is hard to analyze this without discussing specific options and seeing the essays. We are really writing out of the air.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:12:31 PM)
Ok - I understand what you mean -

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:14:20 PM)
hmb - I think it is important to show why you are interested in law.  You certainly don't want a "why I want to be a lawyer" essay, but your goals should be clear to the committee.

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:14:23 PM)
?Linda/Catherine: When you mentioned "range" before on the LSAT, would you give me an example? Are you referring to 170 +?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:15:06 PM)
When I was talking about range, I was talking above about the 25% of average LSAT scores for a given school.  That goes for the GPA too.  When you are below that 25% range your essay really is fighting the numbers. Above that point your numbers show your qualify academically and the essay has to do its job of introducing you as a contributing and interesting human being.

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:16:38 PM)
?Can work experience play a big role in an applicants chances?

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:16:45 PM)
?If the essay is about yourself, then doesn't it appear to be a one size fit all type to law schools?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:16:55 PM)
jp - Yes, particularly if you can highlight skills that are applicable to a career in law, like leadership, writing skills, public speaking skills. . .

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:17:56 PM)
liangx, you can write a basic personal statement but then have at least a paragraph that is directed to the particular school and its program and strengths. The rest of the essay you might just tweak.  But take the time to customize the essays.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:16 PM)
I agree with Linda.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:19 PM)
?Sometimes we are not in touch with professors from college (especially if we have graduated from college a year ago or more).  How can we best connect with professors to get letters of recommendation?

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:24 PM)
Okay...thank you.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:28 PM)
It is important to show that you have done your homework.

josh (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:28 PM)
Can you address the issue of taking a semester off just as a break? What kind of impact does this type of transcript anomaly have on an application?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:42 PM)
Jazz, how many years?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:18:58 PM)
Josh, you have two choices:  One is to address the "break" and explain what you were doing during the break.  I would do this in an addendum.  The other is not to address it at all, particularly if it didn't impact your GPA.  But if you address it in an addendum, you should have a good explanation for the absence. 

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:19:08 PM)
About 1 1/2 years out of school.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:19:37 PM)
Send the professor a letter or e-mail, jogging his or her memory about your work and the way they would remember you. Ask for an in-person or telephone appointment.  Then supply them with a resume and additional info if they agree to be recommenders. 

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:20:12 PM)
Thank you.

stater08 (Oct 21, 2003 9:20:34 PM)
Catherine, are there any particular jobs that admissions professionals just can't get excited about their future students having?

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:20:50 PM)
Linda, I have emailed them both, but they are abroad.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:21:00 PM)
Jazz, can you phone them too?  Alternatively, can you ask other professors?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:21:31 PM)
stater09 - Can you give me an example?

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:21:49 PM)
Yes Linda, I will be following up by phone.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:22:06 PM)
It is difficult because I went to a large university, but I will be calling on other professors as well, if necessary. Anyway, thank you for the response - I appreciate this forum - it's very helpful!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:22:15 PM)
You're welcome. Thanks for your great questions.

stater08 (Oct 21, 2003 9:22:22 PM)
I just got two job offers, one as a legal assistant at a major corporate law firm on the East Coast, the other as a legal assistant to a district attorney.

josh (Oct 21, 2003 9:22:31 PM)
Really? That's interesting. I've always heard that you need to invent some kind of reason or purpose for any type of gap in your record.  My problem is that I really just did it for the sake of taking a break.  Maybe I just won't address it at all. Thanks.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:22:52 PM)
Well, both of those jobs would certainly be acceptable and interesting to an adcom.  Particularly if they are framed as being good foundation experience for whatever you want to do post law school. 

njl4 (Oct 21, 2003 9:23:36 PM)
Part of my statement addresses a weakness of mine. Is this ok or should I stick to my strengths?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:23:48 PM)
Njl, usually I prefer to address weaknesses in the addendum. 

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:23:48 PM)
I agree.  I would stick to your strengths. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:23:56 PM)
And stick to strengths in the personal statement.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:24:07 PM)
BTW, Catherine wrote a great article on "Application Add-ons" at http://www.accepted.com/law/AddOns.aspx .  If you need to write an addendum, diversity essay, or something else in addition to the personal statement, check it out.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:24:37 PM)
?I am interested in Healthcare law, but does it mean that I have to go to a school with a Healthcare law program? Also, for JD/MBA, should I apply to the school first as JD only and then try to "crash" the MBA program to maximize my opportunity for admissions?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:25:19 PM)
Jazz - You don't have to go to a school with a healthcare emphasis but I would certainly mention your interest when applying to the schools that DO have a specialty.

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:25:29 PM)
?What about two LSAT scores, if one is significantly higher than the other do they still follow the "average them" protocol, or could special attention be given to the higher?

hmb (Oct 21, 2003 9:26:05 PM)
?I am a software engineer and I am applying to law school.  Should I try to use the personal statement to mitigate the stereotypes of being an engineer (not a leader, poor communication skills, unable to deal with ambiguity, etc)?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:26:20 PM)
jp, with two LSAT scores, schools average, but they do look at both scores, and it helps if the second one is higher.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:27:08 PM)
Sure. Officially, most law schools average the two scores, but they see both and I think it looks different than one at the average number, and certainly much better than a single low number.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:27:32 PM)
hmb, I would use the personal statement to showcase your strengths without somehow "slamming" stereotypes. Though I certainly see your point.

Guest (Oct 21, 2003 9:27:53 PM)
That's great to hear!! Another question, I spoke with a pre-law advisor who said that, in fact, no one really cares about these addendums explaining weaknesses in things like GPA, is that really true?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:28:15 PM)
Guest is Stater. I don't know why the program changed the nickname.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:28:42 PM)
Yes, (re: health care law) and I also have job experience dealing with healthcare law.

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:28:46 PM)
Should the lower LSAT be addressed in the personal statement?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:28:49 PM)
jp, I would only address it if there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to the low score.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:29:36 PM)
Also, I will submit all of my application materials by the end of Nov.  But, is it true that the committees will not review the application until it is entirely complete, including letters of recommendations?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:29:55 PM)
Yes, they will hold the file until it is complete.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:30:35 PM)
Ok, well that is good to know.

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 9:30:40 PM)
Of course I will showcase my strengths, but I (obviously) don't want to write about software in the PS - I want to exploit the opportunity to show my strengths, but I want to position myself as different from the stereotypical engineer - I don't want to 'slam' a stereotype.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:30:56 PM)
hmb, I should have stated that differently.  I meant that you want to show how you are excelling in your field, without saying anything negative about those in your field.  And I agree that you don't want to discuss software in your PS. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:32:12 PM)
You may also want to use the PS to discuss something non-professional where you do communicate well, deal with ambiguity, etc.

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:32:21 PM)
?Is it then true that your chances are significantly better if you apply early, if you are ready?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:32:40 PM)
I would agree that the earlier the better, but only if you are ready.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:32:47 PM)
?Can you please address my earlier question regarding subjectivity in law school admissions? Based on my LSAT/GPA, there are certain schools I consider "safety" schools...but I have read that law school admissions are unpredictable, and people even get rejected from their safety schools? Also, does knowledge/experience of non-American cultures enhance the application?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:33:00 PM)
jazz, yes, there is subjectivity in law admissions. 

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 9:33:00 PM)
Is that in addition to trying to show my motivation to study law?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:33:38 PM)
You can show motivation or affinity for law in lots of different ways. One of the best law school essays I have ever read was about the applicant's love of the interpretive qualities of jazz.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:33:43 PM)
How do you like that, jazzlaw?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:34:00 PM)
The school decides who gets admitted and who gets rejected - and sometimes that is unpredictable.  Diversity always enhances an application. 

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:34:37 PM)
ha ha, my screen name is not a testament to my love for jazz music but because of my first name :o)

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:34:51 PM)
Had me fooled. :-)

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:34:57 PM)
hmb - yes, that is in addition to "why law."

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:35:16 PM)
And all in 2 double spaced pages!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:35:16 PM)
What are valid reasons to offer up as explanations for low numbers?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:35:26 PM)
Family crisis, serious illness on test taking day, history of poor standardized test taking, with demonstrated aptitude in college.  I like the term explanation - as opposed to excuse.

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:35:28 PM)
?Is it necessarily better to have a letter of recommendation from an alum of the school?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:35:47 PM)
jp, if you have a choice between two people who both know you well and can both comment on your qualifications for law school based on personal experience and one is an alum and one isn't, then ask the alum.  But if the alum doesn't know you well and can't comment from personal experience on your qualifications and the non-alum can, then go with the non-alum.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:36:58 PM)
?If my ethnic group is not "under-represented" and in fact, perhaps is "over-represented", then would it hurt my chances of admissions to discuss my heritage? This is why I am hesitant to divulge my race on applications.

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:37:06 PM)
?Don't those reasons just sound like bad excuses, though?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:37:09 PM)
No, not if they are delivered in a factual, non-complaining way.  The adcom knows that sometimes life gets in the way.  But you definitely need to be careful about how you deliver the message. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:37:30 PM)
jazzlaw, if you can talk about why your background is meaningful to you, then it could make a great personal statement -- how it adds to your distinctiveness and reasons for wanting to pursue a law degree. Then it could be an excellent topic, provided that you include detail and insightful analysis.

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:38:38 PM)
?I have a question regarding recommendations; I would like to get a recommendation from a professor who's not coming back till Dec. Do you think I should get a recommendation from another professor who does not know me as well as the previous one so I can finish the application earlier or shall I wait till the better recommender comes back?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:38:52 PM)
liangx, can you contact the professor before December?

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:39:38 PM)
He specifically told me he can't get it done till Dec.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:39:48 PM)
Well, I am inclined to say go with the better recommender.  Even if you do ask someone else, they might not be any faster.  And you want the best possible recommendation you can get. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:40:13 PM)
Me too.

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:40:41 PM)
OK, thank you.

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 9:40:45 PM)
?How does one select which schools to consider as 'safety' schools and which to consider as reach schools based on numbers?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:41:22 PM)
Research the numbers on the schools' web sites, for a start. 

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 9:42:42 PM)
I've done that, but should I consider a 'safety' as a place where I am in the 70-75% GPA/LSAT, or is that too stringent?

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:42:51 PM)
?Big question - financial aid - what if you are earning currently but are not planning on working during law school? How to finance a legal education? Availability of grants/scholarships?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:43:01 PM)
hmb, I think you are on the right track, if you are in the 75%, and you write a compelling personal statement, you should consider that a safety school. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:43:21 PM)
hmb, I think that constitutes a safety school.  It's a good guide.

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 9:43:51 PM)
And conversely, the 25/25 is a reach?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:43:56 PM)
hmb, exactly.  Unless you have diversity factors in your favor, I don't think it is realistic to apply above the 25/25 numbers.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:44:03 PM)
I am less well versed in the financial aid area.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:44:56 PM)
Should you coach your recommenders on what to say in their LOR's?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:45:09 PM)
Yes!  If they are open to input, I would definitely let them know what strengths you'd like emphasized. 

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:45:11 PM)
?All of my recommendations have been forwarded to the LSAC forum. Is it possible to find out what my former professors have written?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:45:50 PM)
Tones, if you signed away your right to see the recommendation, then you can't see it, unless your recommender shows it to you.

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:46:21 PM)
jazzlaw: if your GPA and your LSAT are both high, you may be eligible for scholarships as well as grants. That's how I will be getting through law school.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:46:25 PM)
Good question, Linda! Also, to help your professors, is it unethical to provide a framework for a LOR? I'd rather know ahead of time if they feel they cannot write something personal.

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:46:31 PM)
Thanks Linda - I was not aware of that.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:46:58 PM)
jazzlaw, it is not unethical to provide a framework.  You are just offering a guide, and the recommender, can decide what he would like to do with it. 

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:47:13 PM)
My circumstances (life) are much different than your average applicant, or undergraduate student for that matter.  My personal statement, so far, is pretty centered around this. I am getting worried it could get to much like a sob story, turning into a overused clich. In the applicant pool, do people often right about the bad/crazy circumstances of their lives? And does it turn into a clich?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:47:36 PM)
jp, people often write about experiences that have had a huge impact on them.  These are often excellent essays that speak volumes about the person who has written it.  But you do need to be careful about how the story is told - as you say, you want to avoid a sob story, or one that is filled with clichs. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:48:21 PM)
JP, it's a sad truth that the most difficult experiences are frequently the most influential and educational.

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 9:49:03 PM)
?How should I select recommenders? Some details: I have been out of school for almost 4 years, having held two jobs, both as a software engineer. I feel like I have grown a great deal as well as succeeded in my profession. I have at least one strong faculty recommendation, but I feel like my employers would represent me better with their more recent knowledge.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:49:18 PM)
hmb, if you've been out of school for 4 years, it is fine and expected that you will have a recommendation from an employer. 

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 9:50:11 PM)
?Are committees receptive, then, to extremely personal statements?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:50:26 PM)
Yes, they really want to get to know you!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:50:36 PM)
Yes, within reason.  Stay away from stories of sexual experiences.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:50:58 PM)
I have only read one essay where I thought "That's too much information"

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:50:58 PM)
Don't laugh, we've seen it.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:51:04 PM)
That's the one!!!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:51:15 PM)
I guess it was memorable, but negatively so.

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:51:22 PM)
I read on one website about the 10 most common essay topics - Do adcoms frown or become totally disinterested in reading essays on these common topics (e.g. overcoming difficulties, persistence, etc)?

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:51:53 PM)
?I will be attending law school directly from undergraduate. However, I feel that besides the 2 professors, my summer/university employer might also provide strong recommendations. If I include one employer recommendation in the application, would it be helpful?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:51:57 PM)
They are disinterested if the essay is bland and general.  Everyone has a story to tell.  Much of it is about how you tell the story. 

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:52:02 PM)
liangx, yes, it could be very helpful.  A summer employer could really add a valuable perspective if they worked directly with you and saw you in action.

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 9:53:13 PM)
Thanks a lot! :)

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:53:19 PM)
What kinds of skills are admissions committees looking for in their applicants?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:53:36 PM)
Strong writing skills, public speaking skills, leadership, organization, the ability to work in a team. . .

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 9:54:19 PM)
?Is three letters of recommendation to many?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:54:27 PM)
How important is community service? Work experience?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:54:34 PM)
Three is fine.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:54:42 PM)
What if the school only requests two?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:54:51 PM)
If you have more, save them for when you get wait-listed.  If the school specifically asks for two, then only send two.  It is important to follow directions!

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:55:06 PM)
?To piggyback on liangx, I have a supervisor, who I know really likes my work and my work ethic. The adcoms say they want someone who can speak to applicants' academic ability. What kind of value could a positive employer recommendation add to my letter of recommendation file?

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:55:22 PM)
jazz, as Catherine just noted, schools are also interested in leadership and teamwork skills as well as interpersonal skills.  An employer may be able to address those qualities better than a professor.  Consequently, if a professor writes about your research and writing, for example, and an employer writes about leadership, interpersonal skills etc, they will be adding a lot of value to the application by presenting different perspectives and confirming you have qualities of interest to law schools. 

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:56:25 PM)
Linda, community service and volunteer work is important.  If you have done significant community service work, you really should mention it. 

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 9:57:26 PM)
Thank you, Linda.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 9:58:28 PM)
How does one address "encounters with the law", i.e. DUI or other arrests? (I can't believe how many of these I have had recently!) or academic probation, etc.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 9:58:48 PM)
These have to be addressed.  I have had many applicants who have asked if they can just not bring it up.  I don't recommend this.  If the adcom finds out you have omitted information, they will deny you admission or rescind an offer. 

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 10:00:18 PM)
How do we address them, in our personal statement or addition?

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:00:26 PM)
In an addendum, not in your personal statement.  The PS is all about the positive!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 10:01:34 PM)
jp, discuss extenuating circumstances, take responsibility, and then point to how well you have done since whatever it was.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:01:46 PM)
Agreed.  This is what happened, this is what I did to fix it, this is what has happened since. 

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:05 PM)
Thanks.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:33 PM)
Thank you again all for participating this evening. Special thanks to Catherine Cook for her invaluable insights.

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:43 PM)
I want to mention that Accepted.com has been busy. If you are interested in our services, please contact us well before your deadlines.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:47 PM)
It was my pleasure!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:51 PM)
Have a very good evening! Good luck with your applications!

jazzlaw (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:56 PM)
Thank you to both of you - this has been very helpful.

liangx (Oct 21, 2003 10:02:58 PM)
Thank you Catherine and Linda!

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:03:07 PM)
You're welcome!

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 10:03:14 PM)
How long would be long enough, not to reflect on your character in a "criminal matter" (when I was 19, now am 25)?

hmb2 (Oct 21, 2003 10:03:21 PM)
thanks!

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:03:30 PM)
jp, you'd need to address it.  Just explain it - just the facts. 

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 10:04:17 PM)
Thank you so much for all your help

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:04:30 PM)
You're welcome!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 10:04:34 PM)
You're welcome!

jptorres (Oct 21, 2003 10:04:41 PM)
I really learned a lot tonight!

Linda Abraham (Oct 21, 2003 10:04:59 PM)
Thank you all for your great questions. It makes a big difference!

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:05:24 PM)
Best of luck to everyone!

Tones (Oct 21, 2003 10:06:01 PM)
Thanks very much for all your information.

CatherineCook (Oct 21, 2003 10:06:16 PM)
My pleasure! Good night.

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