<p>i need 120 units to graduate, but my school only requires 36 of those be upper-div. do most people who get into top law schools take more than 36/120 of their units in upper-divs?</p>
<p>I don't know about that - I would think it depends on the school, however an ex-admissions committe person once told me that with thousands of applications received, they only have time to spend about 30 minutes on any single application, which to me is really only long enough to read the application, LSAC report, personal statment, letters of recommendation and addendums - of course, and then making notes/discussing it with others. </p>
<p>SO - I think its in rare cases that they have time to actually scrutinize the transcript on a class by class level to realize how many upper div units you have taken. Just use this low UD requirement to your advantage and get a high GPA. GPA and LSAT score are the numerics they are measured by, so intuitively its ultimately the numerics they care about...how you get to a high GPA isn't a huge concern unless your known for going to a school with crazy grade inflation and your major was something really silly like pottery making (and even then, they only care so much, esp if your LSAT is decent :-P ).</p>
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I think its in rare cases that they have time to actually scrutinize the transcript on a class by class level to realize how many upper div units you have taken
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<p>I am positive that the top six law schools actually do this.</p>
<p>You got me there - my highest non-student law school connection is from UCLA....But those top 6 are schools are never a guarantee anyways...if I had a school that allowed me to manage my GPA more easily by taking advantage of that type of rule I would do it BUT I would make sure that the upper levels I did take were challenging and named in such a way that demonstrated to the committees that I had my critical thinking/literacy/writing skills exercised and honed (you will also need to make sure your keeping sharp so that you can get a high LSAT, which will really address any uncertainty they have with your course selection). I would also use that extra time made available by a less stressful course load to do something really impressive - if your target is a top 6 school, they want a room full of people with diverse unique experiences as well as good numerics. Take on a leadership role in a community organization like Habitat for Humanity or a women's shelter or intern for someone in your state legislature. Maybe take a semester to study abroad and bring some experiences back from that. Do something impressive and unique that you can put on a resume and discuss in a personal statement. I honestly think that a high LSAT, high GPA and some really noteworthy experiences that demonstrate your intangibles will get you past any raised eyebrows over having 36 UDs versus however more you take at other colleges (it cant be that many more at other schools...maybe like 12 tops? I'm being lazy and dont feel like counting mine..) Also, your major will count too...having 36 UDs and a degree in Physics might not bother them to much...36 UDs and a degree in elementary education (no offense of course, just the courses seem perceived as softer) may be a different story. </p>
<p>But back to the value of just getting a high GPA with 36UDs and using your extra time to develop intangibles/impressive experiences: Remember, they like smarties, but think about how much more they like those smarties that are numerically strong and are already showing that leadership spark that leads to a future blurb on their website announcing how a recently elected senator or appointed CEO is one of their alumni. We cant forget - the top schools really want leaders...thats why you get in as legacy, sure theres the fact that you want alumni to keep giving and admitting legacy helps with that, but theres also the fact that alumni from those schools are often already leaders and as a family member your probably positioned to become a leader as well, with family connections, upbringing and all that. </p>
<p>Oh and nspeds - please dont hate me for constantly seeming to disagree with you. I really don't mean to be such a pain in the ass. :)</p>
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Oh and nspeds - please dont hate me for constantly seeming to disagree with you. I really don't mean to be such a pain in the ass.<br>
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<p>No problem. I appreciate reasoned disagreement.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses makalika. Wish you the best of luck on getting accepted to the schools of your choice. Have you applied yet? Oh by the way, i live in Irvine too.</p>
<p>Cool! Do you attend UCI? I've been here about 8 months...(Irvine, not UCI)....its really safe, but I gotta say it doesn't feel like a college town...but the good thing is, if you are at UCI, I don't think you have to worry about your UD req....if UCI is doing it, its probably ok....</p>