SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017) Forum

Share Your Experiences, Read About Other Experiences. Please keep posts organized by school and expected year of graduation.
User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Tue Nov 01, 2016 4:44 pm

SMU Dedman School of Law
Location: Dallas, TX

2017 Numbers (according to TLS)

GPA
25th: 3.25
50th: 3.58
75th: 3.74

LSAT
25th: 156
50th: 161
75th: 163

User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Tue Nov 01, 2016 4:46 pm

Figured I would get this started.

I visited last weekend and loved the campus and the people that I got to meet. No one seemed completely miserable, and I can't say that for everywhere that I've visited, and it was an overall great visit.

User avatar
Wolfie91

Silver
Posts: 655
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:23 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Wolfie91 » Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:39 pm

SMU grad here. Welcome to taking your questions even though some of my info may be a couple of years dated.

elcamino4

New
Posts: 79
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2016 3:35 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by elcamino4 » Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:40 pm

I applied and am eagerly awaiting the decision. Seems like a great program.

batmanfatman

New
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 8:34 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by batmanfatman » Wed Nov 02, 2016 7:28 am

How well does a degree from SMU travel across TX?

Want to continue reading?

Register now to search topics and post comments!

Absolutely FREE!


User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Wed Nov 02, 2016 7:38 am

Wolfie91 wrote:SMU grad here. Welcome to taking your questions even though some of my info may be a couple of years dated.
Do you have any info about the Hatton Sumners scholarship? What numbers or softs make you really competitive, are you screwed if you're not a URM, what is the interview process like? I know you may have no clue but figured I would ask anyways.

Also, and this is random, but were there any organizations on campus that you were involved in while you were there that you would recommend, or one you really wished you would have joined? Not talking about resume padding, more so just organizations that were worth joining.

Thanks for taking some questions!

User avatar
kalvano

Diamond
Posts: 11951
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:24 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by kalvano » Wed Nov 02, 2016 9:06 am

Additional SMU grad here, happy to answer any questions (but I'm a few years out, so any admission information would be very outdated).

User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Wed Nov 02, 2016 9:34 am

This might not be SMU specific, but what's something that you wish you would have done differently your 1L year? What's something that you did, that really helped you, that you saw other people not doing so much?

User avatar
Wolfie91

Silver
Posts: 655
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:23 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Wolfie91 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 1:16 pm

Tazewell wrote:
Wolfie91 wrote:SMU grad here. Welcome to taking your questions even though some of my info may be a couple of years dated.
Do you have any info about the Hatton Sumners scholarship? What numbers or softs make you really competitive, are you screwed if you're not a URM, what is the interview process like? I know you may have no clue but figured I would ask anyways.

Also, and this is random, but were there any organizations on campus that you were involved in while you were there that you would recommend, or one you really wished you would have joined? Not talking about resume padding, more so just organizations that were worth joining.

Thanks for taking some questions!
Is that the one where they give you a full ride if you stay in the top 1/3rd? If so, it requires pretty solid stats and then you interview.

But I wouldn't recommend doing it. If you don't land in the top 1/3rd of your class, you don't have a fallback scholarship to help ease your debt. And I mean, there is absolutely no guarantee that anyone, no matter how smart you are, is going to be in the top 1/3rd of their class. It would be wiser imo to just take the merit-based scholarship they offer.

Want to continue reading?

Register for access!

Did I mention it was FREE ?


User avatar
Wolfie91

Silver
Posts: 655
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:23 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Wolfie91 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 1:20 pm

Tazewell wrote:This might not be SMU specific, but what's something that you wish you would have done differently your 1L year? What's something that you did, that really helped you, that you saw other people not doing so much?
I wish I had started outlining sooner in the semester instead of waiting to do so in early November.

Idk about the other. People always told me that they wished they had my work ethic because I would be in the library till like 7-8 every day. But the only reason I was doing that was because I lived far away from campus and I hate being stuck in traffic. So I would use it as an excuse to study for 2 more hours or so.

User avatar
kalvano

Diamond
Posts: 11951
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:24 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by kalvano » Wed Nov 02, 2016 2:13 pm

Tazewell wrote:This might not be SMU specific, but what's something that you wish you would have done differently your 1L year? What's something that you did, that really helped you, that you saw other people not doing so much?

I wish I had read this book (no joke): https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Performa ... 0314183582

I also wish I had better refined my notes - 2L and 3L, I would make a long outline, then shorten it down, then shorten it again. That was immensely helpful.

User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Wed Nov 02, 2016 2:18 pm

kalvano wrote:
Tazewell wrote:This might not be SMU specific, but what's something that you wish you would have done differently your 1L year? What's something that you did, that really helped you, that you saw other people not doing so much?

I wish I had read this book (no joke): https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Performa ... 0314183582

I also wish I had better refined my notes - 2L and 3L, I would make a long outline, then shorten it down, then shorten it again. That was immensely helpful.
Did you read any E&Es the summer before 1L? I've heard mixed reviews about this.

User avatar
p1921

Bronze
Posts: 172
Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2014 2:50 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by p1921 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 6:00 pm

2L, willing to answer any questions y'all might have. Good luck!

Register now!

Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.

It's still FREE!


User avatar
p1921

Bronze
Posts: 172
Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2014 2:50 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by p1921 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 6:02 pm

kalvano wrote:
Tazewell wrote:This might not be SMU specific, but what's something that you wish you would have done differently your 1L year? What's something that you did, that really helped you, that you saw other people not doing so much?

I also wish I had better refined my notes - 2L and 3L, I would make a long outline, then shorten it down, then shorten it again. That was immensely helpful.
+1 I do this too, and it's very helpful to have an organized version of all your notes you took in class (in case the tests asks you something obscure) on an exam, but I generally only refer to the shortest version I have. There are a lot of strategies out there, and you'll just have to figure out something that works for you.

User avatar
kalvano

Diamond
Posts: 11951
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:24 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by kalvano » Wed Nov 02, 2016 6:28 pm

Tazewell wrote:
kalvano wrote:
Tazewell wrote:This might not be SMU specific, but what's something that you wish you would have done differently your 1L year? What's something that you did, that really helped you, that you saw other people not doing so much?

I wish I had read this book (no joke): https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Performa ... 0314183582

I also wish I had better refined my notes - 2L and 3L, I would make a long outline, then shorten it down, then shorten it again. That was immensely helpful.
Did you read any E&Es the summer before 1L? I've heard mixed reviews about this.
No. Don't do this. It won't help and it may hurt - for instance, if you get Martinez for Civ Pro, he has a very specific order and way he addresses things. Reading the E&E prior to that could put you at odds with what he likes, and the E&E author isn't grading your exams.

Also, you'll spend a ton of time reading and studying - don't waste the summer before school starts doing it too.

User avatar
PatriotP74

Silver
Posts: 789
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:17 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by PatriotP74 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 6:34 pm

Current 1L, life is busy and beginning to get slightly miserable at the moment, but always happy to answer any questions feel free to ask here or PM me!

woopig2017

New
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:06 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by woopig2017 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 7:42 pm

Checking in. Any opinions on the best route to take between merit scholarship offers and the Sumner would be appreciated, I don't want to assume anything but some advice earlier up ITT made me question more about whether the Sumner is worth the stipulation.

Get unlimited access to all forums and topics

Register now!

I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...


User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Wed Nov 02, 2016 9:57 pm

woopig2017 wrote:Checking in. Any opinions on the best route to take between merit scholarship offers and the Sumner would be appreciated, I don't want to assume anything but some advice earlier up ITT made me question more about whether the Sumner is worth the stipulation.
I've seen it stated on here, and even asked my friend who is a 2L now about that, and both said that if you get the scholarship, the Sumners foundation will make sure you don't fall below the stipulation. They get a lot of perks apparently.

But yes, I'm interested in merit based scholarship and any other scholarship info too for anyone who can weigh in.

User avatar
Wolfie91

Silver
Posts: 655
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:23 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Wolfie91 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 9:59 pm

woopig2017 wrote:Checking in. Any opinions on the best route to take between merit scholarship offers and the Sumner would be appreciated, I don't want to assume anything but some advice earlier up ITT made me question more about whether the Sumner is worth the stipulation.
Take the merit. I promise you, the stress you save will be worth it. Top 1/3rd, even for the "smartest" people, is not guaranteed.

Also, when I was at SMU, they had a shitload of public service scholarships that were available. I won one that was like 2k.

Although there might be some credit towards the "they try to keep you above the grade limit" theory. I'm not sure. I just had a friend who had to pay tuition in full her 2L and 3L year. What makes it worse is that she jumped into the top 1/3rd after her 2L spring semester. Didn't matter.

I remember when I applied that I asked them "If I happened to not meet the top 1/3rd stipulation, could I have some merit scholarship to fall back on? Just so it doesn't put any more pressure on me than there already is." Got declined. Maybe they've changed this policy lately.

User avatar
PatriotP74

Silver
Posts: 789
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:17 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by PatriotP74 » Wed Nov 02, 2016 11:48 pm

Tazewell wrote:
woopig2017 wrote:Checking in. Any opinions on the best route to take between merit scholarship offers and the Sumner would be appreciated, I don't want to assume anything but some advice earlier up ITT made me question more about whether the Sumner is worth the stipulation.
I've seen it stated on here, and even asked my friend who is a 2L now about that, and both said that if you get the scholarship, the Sumners foundation will make sure you don't fall below the stipulation. They get a lot of perks apparently.

But yes, I'm interested in merit based scholarship and any other scholarship info too for anyone who can weigh in.

Take the merit in my opinion, and don't be afraid to sell yourself and negotiate for more money.

User avatar
kalvano

Diamond
Posts: 11951
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:24 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by kalvano » Thu Nov 03, 2016 9:37 am

They do have specific tutoring and other perks for Sumners peeps, and will do everything they can to make sure you don't fall below top 1/3, but it happens. There's no guarantees. That's why the merit scholarships are nice - "good standing" means don't get F's.

Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.

Register now, it's still FREE!


User avatar
thisiswater

Silver
Posts: 1092
Joined: Wed May 05, 2010 1:51 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by thisiswater » Thu Nov 03, 2016 11:48 am

Another current smu student here, willing to take questions.

One thing that I think helped me my first year was taking notes by hand starting in October. Way fewer distractions in class, because I write slower than I type I had to edit the professor as I was writing and therefore engage more, and I just remembered the information better once I switched.
also, you'll end up with outlines for every professor but only some of your classmates will really pull those outlines apart and rebuild them for themselves. Doing that is a huge help

User avatar
tofuspeedstar

Platinum
Posts: 8121
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:54 pm

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by tofuspeedstar » Mon Nov 07, 2016 4:16 pm

Checking in as well. Will be sending in my application later this week!

User avatar
Tazewell

Bronze
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 10:43 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by Tazewell » Tue Nov 08, 2016 9:55 pm

I know SMU is notoriously slow, but if anyone hears anything, please post in here! I submitted on 11/1 and don't expect to hear soon, but would love to see some stats and scholarship numbers once those roll in.

User avatar
PatriotP74

Silver
Posts: 789
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:17 am

Re: SMU Dedman c/o 2020 Applicants (2016-2017)

Post by PatriotP74 » Thu Nov 10, 2016 5:14 pm

Tazewell wrote:I know SMU is notoriously slow, but if anyone hears anything, please post in here! I submitted on 11/1 and don't expect to hear soon, but would love to see some stats and scholarship numbers once those roll in.
Had an admitted student sit in on a class today, heard the guide telling him he should be getting the Facebook invite soon. So I assume they have at least started sending acceptances!

Seriously? What are you waiting for?

Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!


Post Reply

Return to “Law School Acceptances, Denials, and Waitlists”