<p>Hi parents--my DS is going to the law school forum in NYC this weekend and i was just wondering if anyone out there had info or experiences toshare on what this is like because of course my DS wouldn't ask other students or his law school advisor and i must say that i'm in over my head as a mom trying to glean a bit of info</p>
<p>thanks for any responses!-caroline</p>
<p>My DS went to the one in Washington over the summer. It was packed....hard to get to some of the reps, and they did run out of school brochures at the end of the day. The most popular schools were the ones that it was hardest to get to.... Just like a college fair. (There's a video on the LCAS site showing a forum, which is accurate.)</p>
<p>There were a lot of older individuals, as well as college kids. Some were dressed in suits/ties, and some wore jeans and t-shirts. Most were on their own, but there were also a surprising number of parents! Yes, it got pushy around the tables at times although sometimes people lined up to ask questions. There was a steady stream of people all day - D spent the entire day there, from opening to close.</p>
<p>DS did have an opportunity to ask some questions. He was pleasantly shocked that one Admissions Counselor from his top choice school although it's a reach (he visited it last Spring) remembered him by name when she saw him. Some schools had alumni at their tables instead of admissions people (or in addition to someone from admissions). There was even one Dean (I don't remember whether he was from Montana or Wyoming, but son was very impressed with the time that he talked to him). </p>
<p>DS filled a bag with brochures. He has rec'd some follow-up emails from schools based on signing in at tables.</p>
<p>Hi C,</p>
<p>My D was scheduled to go last year and at the last minute could not come home so she sent me to gather information. One of the big differences is that it is Friday/Saturday when last year it was Saturday/Sunday (but still being held at the same place). D will be there and see things for her self this weekend.</p>
<p>I was there all day from the time the Harvard rep did the first forum 101 session at 9:30 and gave out a list of questions to ask at the forum until about 4:45 (left as the what do lawyers do was wrapping up). There were also a good Q & A session about admissions and financial aid for law school.</p>
<p>There was a time it was a mad house as there were so many people there ). </p>
<p>There were big crowds at all of the T14 schools as well as the local colleges (had to circle back 3 times to get info from cardozo). With the exception of the T14's a lot of schools took names and the all of the admissions people were very personable and took time to answer questions. </p>
<p>Ended up having about a 15 minute discussion with the dean of admissions at Vandy who is a Dartmouth alum explaining in what ways it is similar to Dartmouth.</p>
<p>Northwestern interviews are mandatory for candidates that do not have at least one year of work experience under the belt.</p>
<p>I had a nice chat with the Admissions person from U of Chicago. He said while they do take students from undergrad, maturity is important. They don't want a student who simply just goes to class, studies and does nothing more. </p>
<p>He also stated that working whether it is paid or volunteer along with living on your own does give some students the maturity that hey need. I did ask the next level question because D has internships, a study abroad program, ECs, volunteer and leadership experience under the belt as an undergrad and his response was those are all good things that help demonstrate maturity, </p>
<p>He also said that they admit a small number of students on the condition that they defer one year and work, volunteer etc.</p>
<p>The what do lawyers do discussion was very interesting. It was very encouraging for those looking to go locally in NYC as at least 3 of the panelist were out of lawschool less than 5 years and have already racked up some amazing opportunities.</p>
<p>One of the panelist was a hispanic male who who go his undergrad in EE an Manhattan College, went to work for Con Ed, for 11 years, got his JD at night at St. Johns (2001) and became the first hispanic editor of their law review. Clerked upon graduation now works at Latham & Watkins doing IP.</p>
<p>One young woman went to SUNY buffalo as her interest is in international law. Just graduated in june and got comissioned for Airforce JAG.</p>
<p>Young woman did undergrad major in Urban studies and Child welfare. Worked at a non profit for one year went to Cardozo. Upon graduation got a clerkship at the Court of Appeals, then got a second internship (where she is now) clerking at the federal district court and was recently chosen to clerk for Justice Stephen at the U.S. Supreme court next year, She said she loves being a law clerk and is considering doing it as a permanent job.</p>
<p>There is a lot of information to be picked up so a sturdy bag would be good :) </p>
<p>hope this helps.</p>
<p>x-posted with Neonzeus. I though I would feel out of place as a parent up information but I too was suprised at the large number of parents who were also at the forum.</p>
<p>oh thanks for your insights--DH wanted to go with DS and DD2 and i were going to shop while they were otherwise occupied</p>
<p>i'm happy to know that he should plan to be there for pretty much the whole time!!</p>
<p>thanks agin CC parents!</p>
<p>Note that College Confidential has a Law School thread. It's somewhat sparse compared to the parents forum....but there appear to be some very knowledgeable people on it.</p>