sillykitty
New York City
A question about this place:
Answers:
Eleanor's Trousers
Pittsburgh
I moved here for law school as well, and as a political junkie, I love a lot about the town. I don’t have a car, so I don’t really notice traffic problems- the Metro goes wherever I need to go and it’s pretty easy to get a cab (even if it’s a little pricey) if you’r ein hurry or it’s a late night.
In my opinion, I wouldn’t have gone to law school anywhere else- the internships I’ve had here never could’ve happened anywhere else- the Pentagon, the Kennedy Center ,on the Hill, K Street, etc. Everyone you meet is doing something interesting on a national level.
As for the rest of life, I love the fact that you can get anything here- every kind of food, stuff from around the world, dive bars to local bookstores. You can have experiences no one else gets a chance to have- dinner at embassies, large protests on the Mall, sitting in on the Supreme Court or confirmation hearings- all for free.
As for complaints, well, it ain’t cheap. But neither is life in any major city- my friends in NYC actually think I have the better deal money-wise.
I’d be glad to help if you have more law school related questions as well…
sillykitty
New York City
Hey that’d be great! I’ve been chatting it up with students from various law schools, but mostly from D.C. I’m planning on applying next fall for the Fall 2007 just to give myself more time to get work experience and stuff. Where do you currently go to law school and do you have any advice on the application process?
Eleanor's Trousers
Pittsburgh
I’m at the University of DC- it’s a great program focused on public interest law, which was the draw for me. I applied to a bunch of programs and had some offers, but for the almost free ride and the focus on helping others, UDC was my choice.
I have friends from various internships at most of the area schools, so I have a little info on all of them and would be glad to get further pointers if you have specific questions.
As for the application process, obviously, the higher your LSAT scores the better, but I wouldn’t take it a ton of times, since they only average your scores. I was a one-timer as far as that goes. And, I found that the more unique your essays the better, as long as they were well written. try to make yourself different from the crowd- they’re not only seeking the best and brightest, they’re seeking a diverse mix of people. I would get your apps in early as you can, just to have the best shot. A lot of schools take people as they apply, which means that if you wait for the deadline, you’re stuck with the number of slots they have remaining.
As for work experience, it depends on where you go. I, and a lot of people I know went to law school with no legal-related background and had a better shot at getting in because we had interesting other experience. I did professional theatre for a while before school and my friends have done every sort of work imaginable- police officer, school teacher, carpenter, social worker. Anything can be “related” to law if you spin it right. And it makes you a more well-rounded student.
If you’re more interested in traditional law firm corporate work, you’ll blend well at most of the local schools where that tends to be the class focus. GW and American have great federal govt ties, Catholic has strong academics if you want to teach or publish, and of course Georgetown has the inside track to the upper echelon. Howard is a great school for business law. UDC has a mandatory clinical program and great ties to the poverty law community- I’m working on a job in social activism/ legislation, so it was a good fit for me.
I’d be glad to stay in touch and answer questions as you have them. Good luck!It’s been a wild three years (I graduate in May, thank God).
sillykitty
New York City
Hey thanks. That was really helpful. I actually struggling w/ my personal statement right now and don’t feel like I’ll be ready to apply this fall. I have diverse experiences, working on a radio station, doing tutoring, and working for a women’s foundation. I’m trying to really finetune what I have learned from those experiences.
Good luck to you as well in your final year!
sillykitty
New York City
I went to the Law School forum in LA this past weekend and I checked out UDC. Thanks so much because I don’t think I would have made a conscious effort to go to that table because I had never heard of UDC before. Definitely a school I’m looking into!
I met Professor Christine Jones at a Law School Forum and she had a lot of great information and I got a good sense of the vibe. She said it’s like high school (how everyone knows everyone). What do you think?
Eleanor's Trousers
Pittsburgh
I’d have to agree with Professor Jones. It’s a small, very tight community. The Dean of the law school even knows my roommate by name and she’s not even a student. It’s great to be able to walk the halls and know everyone you see- even faculty you haven’t had classes with know all the students. Just the other day, one of the professors ran into a group of us out on th etown and treated us all to a drink. :)
If you’re specifically considering UDC, I’d be glad to answer anything that comes up. It’s the least I could do on my way out! Good luck!
