<p>Legacy… unless your parents are major university donors, or are prominent politicians, it is unlikely that legacy would be a huge benefit. A hair, perhaps, but not much, if any.</p>
<p>I applied Early Decision, what is the average acceptance rate for ED? Am I considered competitive with a 3.8 UW and a 4.3 W GPA with 7 AP classes?</p>
<p>gwgrad, S2 is majoring in Biochemistry. He hopes to teach in college or med school someday. In two years (wow, it seems like only yesterday when he was applying to colleges), he plans to apply to grad school or med school, also at GW. Unfortunately, GW med school’s recent acceptance rate is 2.9 %, so he will apply to many other med schools (or grad schools), although his 1st choice is GW.</p>
<p>Recently, S2 landed two internship jobs for the coming summer; one at a biotech firm near a Maryland metro station, and at a DC law firm (walking distance to a DC metro station) that represents pharmaceutical companies. He will have to decide by mid-December. He hopes to apply for a job at many nearby hospitals in the summer of 2012 (by that time he will be able to bring his car near campus, he thinks). So, as to S2, so far so good at GW.</p>
<p>gwgrad, I thought I saw in one of the threads that you are a GW law school student? If so, I suppose your BA from GW got you into an otherwise very difficult law school to get into? Also, after you graduate from GW law school, the chances are excellent that you will get into a high paying associate position in a law firm anywhere in the country, making any school debt disappear relatively quickly? (If my initial premise of you being in GW law school is incorrect- so sorry, I misread.)</p>
<p>Rok,
I would call that average, not necessarily competitive. Many to most applicants have high GPAs in top schools and/or advanced classes (honors, APs, IBs), amazing extracurricular and/or sports. There’s thousands of people with similar stats applying in any class. Either way, select some other schools to apply to and compare their scholarship packages. Good luck.</p>
<p>Euro456,</p>
<p>Yes, I am in law school. I wouldn’t stay that GW undergrad was my ticket in. I’m sure it didn’t hurt. My LSAT and upperclassmen GPA were very high. Solid work experience, too. Other than not wanting to move all my stuff, I didn’t have much of a reason to stay here instead of accepting a spot in the other law schools I applied to. I actually like GW Law rather well- much better than undergrad. Thanks for the uplifting comments.</p>
<p>I don’t want to be a lawyer, unless it’s charitable, so I’m not counting on my student loan debt shrinking much. I also don’t plan to remain in this city and/or region. I’ll quite possibly be paying off my student loans for the rest of my life.</p>
<p>Is GW Law really so well regarded that I’d have an associateship at a firm of my choosing? Compared to friends at better-ranked schools, I don’t feel like I have too much of an upper hand.</p>
<p>Euro456,</p>
<p>Wow. Sounds like your son has a lot of opportunities here. I vote for med school. (I should have done that myself, instead.) With parking rates and the general annoyance of it, it might be easier/equivalent in cost to take a cab places (if you include car payments, insurance, parking rates, gas). He might think about that. I’m sure he’ll have a number of options for med school. Thinking about grad school so early on like this is great. (My education was more like, “oh %h!7, it’s time!”) I would see if he could get to know any professors in the med school that he can, either with undergrad research projects, classes, or clubs.</p>
<p>GW Grad,</p>
<pre><code> As a current and soon to be former undergraduate student (transferring), I absolutely agree with most of the points you mentioned about GW. Honestly, students, including myself, need to consider whether their UNDERGRADUATE education is really worth $200,000! Despite the financial aid, scholarships, and other resources, students are taking significant amounts of loans, particularly those attending schools in DC (over $30,000 = average debt according to NASFAA). I really hope that you can find a successful opportunity that allows you to maximize your education in the future.
</code></pre>
<p>gwgrad, we wish you only the best and good luck! </p>
<p>gwgrad, -S1, the one who was rejected by GW for class 2011, is actually now (or perhaps started, I’m not sure) applying to law schools; and of course, GW remains his dream school. Any help you can give on how to get into GW law school would be very much appreciated. </p>
<p>I know this is a broad request, but anything (e.g., applying to GW undergrad, the “Why GW essay” is extremely significant; S1 may have batched this up, but S2 learned from S1’s error) that may help his application to GW law school will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Ignacio-</p>
<p>Thanks for the good wishes, and I’m glad that I have company in the “$200,000 for an undergraduate degree is nuts” boat. What made you choose to transfer? I almost wish I had transferred out early on in my BA to a cheaper, more relaxed, fun school. Good luck to you, too!</p>
<p>Euro 456:</p>
<p>I’ll have to think about law school application advice. For now, here’s a few general things for him to keep in mind as he applies. What are his stats? Is he applying for Dec. 15?</p>
<p>LSATs:
LSATs are vitally important. I got a 178 on the LSAT. LSATs and GPAs make it or break it.
Took it once, “studied” a review book beforehand. I would say that taking the LSAT too many times would be a minus, as well as blowing the score the first time you take it (if you start with a 120, then end up at a 160, that doesn’t look right). </p>
<p>GPA:
Undergrad GPA of 4.0 in last 2 years. Strong (very strong) undergrad course curriculum- took higher levels in whatever possible. I took a variety of classes in international law and political policy. Plenty of research projects as an undergrad. </p>
<p>Recommendation Letters:
Strong recommendation letters (2). While recommendations are not required for GW JD apps, I sent in 2. Both were very strong. I can’t remember which 2 I mailed in, but I think I had one from a professor, and one from a boss. I definitely recommend submitted letters of recommendation, but only if they are strong (or very strong).</p>
<p>Personal Statement:
This should be highly reflective, and highly edited. Succinct, precise, and grammatically glamorous. They need to see an essay that sounds very mature, and like a lot of significant thought has gone into choosing law school and which specialty. I like to think of this as similar to the “Why GW” essay. But, it also needs to be a “why me/why law” essay. I suggest including reflection on any previous law-related experiences (internships, jobs, undergrad law classes) and ideals (wanting to improve the world, or instill social ideals… blah blah). I would avoid going into discussions of tragedy or changing the current legal system. I would add something about leadership experience, and what series of events, educational experiences, or enlightening moments led to applying to law school.</p>
<p>Optional Statement:
I suggest it. Use this paragraph to tell what makes you unique in terms of law school studenthood, and how you can fit in and behoove the law school community. A sentence about “why GW” here as well couldn’t hurt. I wouldn’t over-do the “why GW,” but, if it’s a thoughtful statement of why you think that GW is a good match for you, add it. </p>
<p>Inquiries:
I would also suggest contacting a professor who specializes in your interest. Ask the professor for advice, tell him/her a little about yourself, and ask specifics about that program or research/experience opportunities that cannot be found in brochures.</p>
<p>I’m trying to think of what else I did when applying…
I did all the above, and had talked to professors over the years. I also took the GRE and GMATs for fun (well, curiosity). I researched my law specialization, typical careers with it, and looked up famous cases in each (for general background, not the application). I also read up on famous attorneys and their educational and work background. Basically, I was trying to get a grasp of the law “industry,” typical career and education paths, and the status of the profession (the trends in law reform and legal cases, hiring opportunities, etc.). This research probably wasn’t necessary, but it did help me have a better perspective in able to write a more thoughtful personal essay/statement and optional statement.</p>
<p>I am a Freshman at GW and I disagree with a lot of what GWgrad said. I absolutely love it here and could not be any happier. There is so much to do, classes are very manageable, and the people really are not that pompous. Are there a few you run into that can be pretentious? Sure, but that is true at any college. Most of the people I have met are genuinely nice people. I got a VIP ticket to the Jon Stewart rally, have met Senators, the food is great, and love the area. I live on “The Vern” which is the Mount Vernon Campus and I love it. Feel free to ask me questions!</p>
<p>You’re a freshman. 
Tell me what you think in 3+ years. I’ll be curious. </p>
<p>And, if you read back, I’ve raved about the opportunities to meet politicians, entertainers, etc. and see live shows. That’s the forte of GWU.</p>
<p>What’s the most popular major?</p>
<p>It is seemingly International Affairs, but I haven’t looked at the numbers lately. IAFF, PSC, etc. are popular. In CCAS, I would say that Sociology seems popular. Regardless, major in what you enjoy. Majors/degrees are meant as career preparation, and there’s no point in majoring in something that you hate. With that said, chose carefully. A major in economics or accounting is more applicable to daily life than a major in, say, sociology (unless you want a Master’s in Sociology, or to do research).</p>
<p>GW Grad –</p>
<p>I remember seeing something about a dual BA/JD degree on the undergrad admissions site this summer, although this option has since disappeared. Will such an option be available next year, or is it gone for good?</p>
<p>Merry Christmas!</p>
<p>BA/JD is gone for good. They said not enough interest in it.</p>
<p>gwgrad and gwundergraduate, I have a question, but please forgive me if it’s already been asked, this is a long thread!</p>
<p>Anyways, what are your personal opinions about the honors program? I can’t decide if I should apply or not. Is it worth it? Is it ridiculously hard? Are students in the honors program kept together in most classes? And I heard that GW is more likely to give you money if you apply and are accepted to the honors program, is this true?</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>gwgrad-You’re way too pessimistic. If you only want to do “charitable” work as a lawyer you should be able to eventually qualify for loan forgiveness. Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to encourage individuals to enter and continue to work full-time in public service jobs. So you won’t be paying off loans “for the rest of your life.” And if by chance you don’t decide to go the public service route, GW Law School grads are respected at many well-paying firms, especially if you’re at the upper end of your class.</p>
<p>I COMPLETELY AGREE with you researchmaven. </p>
<p>Not only is the loan forgiveness available, GW law school grads are highly recruited at high paying law firms and companies. The bonuses alone paid to high billing associates are enough to wipe out the student loans in a few years. </p>
<p>Furthermore, what I don’t understand and what I consider odd is how someone so pessimistic about an internationally reknown university (and the beautiful city it is located in) return to its law school?</p>
<p>gwgrad, thanks for the info. on how you got to GW law school. By the way, does Professor Dunner still teach @ the law school? What does he teach nowadays? Thanks.</p>