Question on URM status Forum
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Anonymous posting is only appropriate when you are sharing sensitive information about bar exam prep. You may anonymously respond on topic to these threads. Unacceptable uses include: harassing another user, joking around, testing the feature, or other things that are more appropriate in the lounge.
Failure to follow these rules will get you outed, warned, or banned."
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Activefoxox
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 5:52 pm
Question on URM status
So I'm both Native American and Caucasian and I have some questions about my application for the 2019/2020 cycle. I'll be selecting both races on my application since I've always identified that way and I feel most comfortable doing that. I have a tribal number and ID, I've also received tribal scholarships throughout the past 4 years of undergrad, so I'm hoping that will be enough for the admissions committee. I have a 3.93 GPA and a 163 LSAT. My target school is Northwestern but I'm open to a lot of schools in the T20. Would you all think its an issue that I identify as both NA and Caucasian? Additionally, how do you all feel about my chances in the T14? Thanks!
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QContinuum
- Posts: 3594
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:52 am
Re: Question on URM status
You're still a URM. But if you don't have an "obviously" Native American name/surname (e.g., your name's something along the lines of John Smith), then you should write a diversity statement discussing your Native American heritage and how it's shaped your experiences.
(And, to be clear, you should absolutely check both the Native American and Caucasian boxes given that that's consistent with both your ancestry and how you self-identify. Don't check only the Native American box.)
While the data is somewhat limited, it looks like you have a great shot from NYU and down. (I'd ignore the single Yale data point unless you have tremendous softs.) I'd apply to every school from NYU through Cornell, and then at least a few of the T20s depending on where you want to practice (e.g., if you don't want to work in CA, then exclude UCLA/USC; if you don't want to work in TX, exclude UT). Chicago and Columbia may be worth a shot but even if you get in, it will probably make a lot more sense to choose a "lower" T13 with $. Also, make sure to apply early for best results (i.e., before December - that means getting everything in before December, including letters of recommendation).
Best wishes!
(And, to be clear, you should absolutely check both the Native American and Caucasian boxes given that that's consistent with both your ancestry and how you self-identify. Don't check only the Native American box.)
While the data is somewhat limited, it looks like you have a great shot from NYU and down. (I'd ignore the single Yale data point unless you have tremendous softs.) I'd apply to every school from NYU through Cornell, and then at least a few of the T20s depending on where you want to practice (e.g., if you don't want to work in CA, then exclude UCLA/USC; if you don't want to work in TX, exclude UT). Chicago and Columbia may be worth a shot but even if you get in, it will probably make a lot more sense to choose a "lower" T13 with $. Also, make sure to apply early for best results (i.e., before December - that means getting everything in before December, including letters of recommendation).
Best wishes!
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Activefoxox
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 5:52 pm
Re: Question on URM status
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your insight.
