Hello all, I am within the 30% of my class. With that knak, ehere exists any chances of entering to a top university as HLS, CLS, NYU, etc.?

While there's a strong chance you'd be allowed to enter the physical grounds of those various universities, I think you might need stronger grades to actually be accepted to an LLM.

Which is not to say that there aren't other programs available to you; finishing in the upper 30% of your class is solid, it's just that you've named three very competitive schools.

If I were you, I would go for NYU since they tend accept a lot of students. Each year they accept a great number of LL.M. students, so I think you stand great chances to be accepted there. Nearly, everyone that I know has applied to NYU, has received admission.

800?! Are you so sure about that? I studied at NYU Law School and I can tell you from my own experience that there were not that many LLM's (at least 5 years ago)...

I'm not 100% sure of this number, but I think this is the number that people who comment on NYU's LL.M. tend to refer to when they are speaking about NYU. So, can't be sure about that. Just relying on people's sayings. If you say that it can't be so many, then perhaps you're right, so I will remove the outrageous number from my post, in order not to confuse potential applicants.

The number of LLM students enrolled in the LLM at NYU is about 400-450, not 800 as someone has suggested. However, if you are looking at admission offers, then it could be many more than this. Check out the following for numbers enrolled in each of the programs and the (predicted) admission rate for each of the top schools: http://bp1.blogger.com/_7PAtljogJ7A/RwbW0xoa_GI/AAAAAAAAAEc/C5ObiWmj4uo/s1600-h/top20llmadmissinsrevised.jpg

Cheers
Jasonjb

So it is very difficult to enter witha 30% in HLS or CLS! =(

Hi Lionel,

Don't be discouraged. If you don't apply, you'll never know. Also, schools take into account a range of factors and grades are not necessarily the most important thing. If you have impressive work experience, published articles, taught at a reputable law school, have a very good post-JD/LLB qualification, etc, then you stand a very good chance of admission to a top school.

Also, HLS and CLS are not the be all and end all, and they don't necessarily provide the best learning experience. Depending on what you want to do, NYU is exceptionally well regarded, along with Michigan, UPenn, etc.

The comment by the previous post that they will let you onto the university grounds, but not into the programs was extremely insensitive and simply not true.

Again, don't be discouraged, just apply.

Jasonjb

Hi Lionel,

I saw these posts and registered here just to reply to this. I completely agree with jasonjb and, from personal experience, can assert you that the second post is not only insensitive but also inaccurate. I don't exactly remember my law school score in my home country, but I know it was not something to be really proud of. Yet, I was admitted to NYU's LLM program (decided to go to other school instead) and am currently working as a permanent associate at Skadden.
I friend of mine is currently waiting for an LLM admission and I have been checking this website to see if there is any updates on the school he applied to. While I found many useful information for candidates here, I was a bit surprised (maybe I shouldnt) by the number of inaccurate and speculative comments that some people post. It is amazing how many people here claim to have the power to read admission committees members minds. Believe me, they dont. My only conclusion is that its a case-by-case and sometimes very random process (I could not understand how I could be admitted to some higher ranked schools and not to a lower ranked one). While we can identify several helping factors, I wouldnt say there is a strict pattern.
This is just to say dont be discouraged. Of course having five stars in every aspect of your application helps, but good grades only dont guarantee anything. Other aspects of your background can offset your grades weaknesses. The most interesting candidates are not always the ones who have higher grades.

Best of luck! (it never hurts and most of the times helps a lot)

Jasonjb and Skd, thank you very much! You are right, I have to try! I will follow your advice!

Well, I wasn't going so much for "insensitive" as I was for "at least somewhat in touch with reality", but let it not be said that Bender does not bend when the wind blows.

Please allow me to rephrase my original thoughts in the manner to which you all appear accustomed:

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel
When we're together!
Brighter than a lucky penny,
When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear,
And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine!

The number of LLM students enrolled in the LLM at NYU is about 400-450, not 800 as someone has suggested. However, if you are looking at admission offers, then it could be many more than this. Check out the following for numbers enrolled in each of the programs and the (predicted) admission rate for each of the top schools: http://bp1.blogger.com/_7PAtljogJ7A/RwbW0xoa_GI/AAAAAAAAAEc/C5ObiWmj4uo/s1600-h/top20llmadmissinsrevised.jpg

Cheers
Jasonjb

Sorry about the error, 34% is Columbia..

NYU was 28%, means 1607 out of 2000 will receive offers..

jasonjb,
I've never seen that chart before - it seems to have some very valuable information on it. By chance, do you have a link to it either in a html, pdf. or excel format?
Thanks and good luck with your applications.

skd , which law school did you choose instead of NYU in the end ? And may I ask for your reasons, thanks.