Hi everybody

I'm a Latinamerican lawyer with 9 year experience in corporate field and pro bono projects. Worked for a top law firm in my country. But little teaching experience (assistant professor for 1 year), above average grades as set by LSAC, 114 Toefl.. and only 3 small publications in newspapers and a journal..

However, my recommenders are not bad (Law Dean and a Public officer).

Could a great personal statement make a difference?

On the other hand, I heard that my Latinamerican women collegues have more chances than men (regarding country quota). Could this be true?

I appreciate your opinion.

Kindest regards,

Martin

No deberías tener ningun problema entrando a UPenn. Suerte!

Estimada CAhoyos, gracias por tu amable respuesta.

Espero que nos vaya bien! He escuchado que es un programa bastante competitivo, sobretodo por la posiblidad de optar por la doble certificación Wharton.

I would truly appreciate comments from Penn students too, if possible.

Regards,

It would make it easier when questions in English on an English board were answered in English... :-)

Anyway: your credentials appear sufficient for a successfull application to Penn. I have been admitted and mine are similar judging by your above post (your didn't provide a class rank, so it's hard to compare exactly; plus, different legal backgrounds (jurisdictions) are probably valued differently). However, I believe that even with these credentials it's not a given that you are admitted. Your application as a whole, especially the statement of purpose or personal statement, must be appealing and sound.

Two facts:

1. Your chance is ZERO if you don't apply.

2. Nobody on this forum can tell you, realistically, what your chances are.

Thank you, I forgot to say that I am currently in application process (regular deadline).

Even though I have been set as above average by LSAC, my ranking is just upper 50%, which I am afraid is not a great fact.

If your knowledge can give me a hint about my chances at Penn Law (in accordance to my characteristics) I would be very thankful.

I truly appreciate your comments.

Regards,

Thank you, I forgot to say that I am currently in application process (regular deadline).

Even though I have been set as above average by LSAC, my ranking is just upper 50%, which I am afraid is not a great fact.

If your knowledge can give me a hint about my chances at Penn Law (in accordance to my characteristics) I would be very thankful.

I truly appreciate your comments.

Regards,

I would agree, Penn seems to indeed look at the overall picture as opposed to letting one element (such as a class rank) hinder your entire application. Of course you can't guess what they will value more or less. I would say after the brief information you provided that you look like a solid applicant. However, it always comes down also to who you're competing against. Granted that Penn receives a great amount of highly qualified applicants, I would agree that a lot of emphasis may be put on the personal statement. However, I know it is easier said than done but patience is indeed the best way to go! Good luck with it and perhaps we might see each other in the upcoming LLM Class :)

Guys, thank you so much for your answers. You give me hope.

I agree with you, perhaps my low point (or at lest, one I have had to explain) is why taking an LLM program precisely now after several years of working. The age factor was holding me back, but I wanted to give it a try. I am still young, 32 soon.

I am very glad to find out that Penn does not set a cutt off for GPA. Mine is fine, but rank not so great.

I wish we could meet at Penn. Congratulations for your admissions!

Sincerely,
Martin

PS: any other opinion regarding chances are indeed welcome

After being snubbed by Columbia, Penn comes my first choice. I have almost the same credentials than you my fellow argentinian colleague and we are the same age. If I run out of luck in this process I'll go to Vandy...

Martindale:
I think you'll have a pretty good shot with your background. You're right though about being a latinamerican male is not an advantage, as many applicants fall into that category. This year class only has 2 girls from latin america, but eight guys. Good luck though!

Thank you bubbag!

Dear Andyllop, sorry to dissapoint you but I am not from Argentina -though I have great friends there-, I am Peruvian.

Perhaps my guess regarding gender was not wrong. At this stage of the process, the only thing left is to wait.

Best of luck to all and thank you again.

Regards,