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NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision

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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Thu Dec 27, 2007 05:09 PM
@AC123: With so much happening in India, and asian markets booming like never before... do you really want to go to the US of A? :)
I believe NYU@NUS program gives all its students a unique opportunity to learn and be associated with two reputed law schools... ultimately, its upto each one of us as to how we make best use of the opportunities available to us.
As far as job scene is concerned- there is high demand for legal professionals these days, and talented people will surely get placed well :)
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indiangirl

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 14
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Thu Dec 27, 2007 05:30 PM
Hey - congrats to all those who got in, and good luck to everyone else.
I have a situation - I got NYU@NUS offer with 35K Dean's Award. I am also getting Columbia (NY) but no finacial assistance. Total expense for Columbia will be about 65K, which I might be able to scrape together (tough call).
Now my question - NYU@NUS with 16K additional expense, or spend 4 times that (64K) and go to US for Columbia - how does one view these options, related prospects, etc. Any comment would be welcome.
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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Thu Dec 27, 2007 05:56 PM
@indiangirl:
hey!
You might consider asking yourself if you're veryy keen on working in the US. also... if ur going to take a loan of 64 k, then you might need to consider if you will be able to get a job which will help you repay the loan soon, and get on with life.
i maintain what i said in my earlier post- this course promises lots of opportunities, depends on each of us- how we translate those opportunities for ourselves. :)
good luck with the decision-making!
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Thu Dec 27, 2007 07:41 PM
@AC: Thanks for your grades. Those are very good. All the best for the final year grades.

@Indian Girl: I don't think it's worth taking a loan of that amount to study for an LLM. If you were going for a undergrad course it might be worth it. Since you already have a part scholarship, take that in my view. 16 K is not a huge amount to recover but 64K definitely is. Of course starting salaries are pretty good for most law firms in the US but there's no guarantee of a job. FYI I had a chat with some guys who had done their LLM's from US and each of them said that it's not worth taking a huge loan and going to study for the LLM especially now that India has so many opportunities. All these guys have returned to India and are working here presently. A friend of mine has recently joined a law firm in Singapore without even doing an LLM from anywhere. And his package is pretty nice. He has great work ex on the corporate law side. So they are picking up people from India without even an LLM from abroad.

I've also spoken to some of the recruiting heads in big US and UK law firms and also some of the lawyers working for the big law firms. All of them say that the LLM does not affect their decision in hiring people as much as the undergrad degree and the work experience does. Of course this point can be clarified better by the present batch at NYU@NUS once they get their job placements.

@all: Can everyone from India, who's been admitted to NYU@NUS please give me their grades in LLB. Since I haven't got my admission letter, I'm assuming my marks were probably not up to the standard required despite substantial work experience. Which effectively means that work experience is not that important cause I have about 10 years of work ex in both litigation and corporate law. Your marks would give me a standard of comparison for applying somewhere else, if at all. Thanks.

@Sumi: I completely agree with you on talented people getting good jobs. There is a serious shortage of good lawyers in the industry, be it law firms or MNC's. I get calls from consultants almost 3-4 times a week and this is when I'm not actively looking for a job since I'm running my own law firm. So you're right when you say that the market in India is wide open for good lawyers.

@all: I'd like to say that the degree which you ultimately get will be a LLM from NYU in Law and the Global Economy and another LLM from NUS. Since the same teachers who would be teaching at NYU will fly down to NUS to teach between May and August, I don't think it really makes any difference, so far as the teaching experience is concerned, at which place you study.

My advice to those who have got the 35 K scholarship for studying at Singapore is to take it instead of going to New York without a scholarship. Singapore is cheaper for living costs. Unless of course you don't need a scholarship at all. :))

Cheers everyone and all the best to everyone.

Prashant
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Thu Dec 27, 2007 07:59 PM
@Indiangirl:

Just for clarity, let me also give you an indication of the kind of salaries which you can make in India after substantial work experience.

I have 10 years of work ex and at my level of experience, I'm now getting offers of between 25 to 35 lakhs a year at MNC's. It's nothing compared to what foreign law firms offer for that level of experience but for me taking a loan of 16-20 K is not that much of problem even if I have to come back to India for a job and don't get a job after my LLM abroad.

But a loan of 64 K would make me think ten times because I'd spend many years paying it off if I had to come back to India without getting a job abroad. Some of the Legal Heads in MNC's, with work ex of about 20 years are making anywhere between 75 lakhs a year to 1.5 crores a year. I know this for a fact. So as Sumi said, India is definitely a good place for lawyers now especially corporate lawyers.

Law firms in India don't offer that much but they do offer about 1.50- 2.00 lakhs a month for people of my experience, maybe more also. Some of the smaller law firms in India are even offering me a monthly retainer plus a % of clients' I bring in (kind of like a salaried partner without actually being a regular employee). As Sumi said, it's up to you how you want to structure your career and what you do with your LLM degree.

So think carefully about the 64 K loan VS 16 K. One other point is that when you have huge loan hanging over your head, then you lose a lot of freedom in decision making in life and in regard to your career cause the loan ties you down. The faster you pay off your loans, the more freedom you have. You need to consider this also.

All the best.

Cheers
Prashant

[Edited 27 Dec 2007 by prashbez]
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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 04:09 AM
@prashant:
Hi! :)
i am from India. i graduated in May 2007, and got a score of 6.49/8. thats how students are scored at my univ. since june 07 i have been working with a law firm in mumbai.
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KVC

Joined: 06 Oct 2007
Posts: 37
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 05:56 AM
Do you ppl think that they are done with all the Admission decisions for Indians.I still have not received anything.

Also has everyone received their mail through UPS only?

Please let me know.

Thanks
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 06:51 AM
Hi

@Sumi: Those are great grades. It's about 81 Percentile. Wow. I used to work in Mumbai for a law firm between 2002 and 2004 and then for a MNC but came back to Delhi in March end 2005.

@KVC: I don't think they are done as yet with the admissions. A lot of people who have been admitted might have applied to other places and they may take up seats at other institutions, so I guess some more people will probably get to know by Mid January. Maybe some of the applications have not been processed.

I've written 2 emails to NYU asking for clarifications on the uploaded transcripts and the admission/ scholarship, but have not received any reply as yet. Maybe everybody is on holiday at NYU now. Even if one is not admitted, it would be nice to know. This waiting is definitely not nice. :))

@all: I wonder how many of those who have obtained admission and a scholarship, had also applied for the Singapura Scholarship?

Cheers
Prashant
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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 09:32 AM
@Prashant:
thanks prashant! :)
btw... the NYU office of graduate admissions is closed for holidays and will re-open on January 02, 2008.
also- I had not applied for the singapura schol.
hope you receive an intimation soon as well.

@KVC: i wasnt at home to receive the mail, and my parents received it for me... but i believe mine came from UPS as well.

i personally know at least one person who has received admission and schol, but is unlikely to take the offer. so i am sure they will be making more offers in the coming weeks.

cheers!
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indiangirl

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 14
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:03 AM
@indiangirl:
hey!
You might consider asking yourself if you're veryy keen on working in the US. also... if ur going to take a loan of 64 k, then you might need to consider if you will be able to get a job which will help you repay the loan soon, and get on with life.
i maintain what i said in my earlier post- this course promises lots of opportunities, depends on each of us- how we translate those opportunities for ourselves. :)
good luck with the decision-making!


Working in US? Not really. I am quite well placed now in India, have 2 years work exp in a topline firm, objective of taking up llm is jut to keep myself updated and competitive. Probably will come back to India.

Thanks to everyone for comments, and Prash, hope you get your call.
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 01:34 PM
@Sumi: Thanks for the info. I was wondering why they haven't replied to my email. Now I know. :) I guess I'll just wait and see what happens and run my law firm in the meantime or join a job. :) How many years of experience do you have Sumi?

@Indiangirl: If you're planning to come back to India, close your eyes, take the scholarship of 35 K and go to Singapore.

I hope I get my call too but I'm not that worried cause I have enough experience to get a good job without an LLM. My purpose of doing the LLM was similar to yours with minor variations. lol. Incidentally what were your marks like Indiangirl?

All the best.
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indiangirl

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 14
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 02:40 PM
@Prashbez

I maintained around 69% all through.

All the best.
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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 05:26 PM
@prashant:
i have 7 months work experience... and before that during 5 yrs of law, i interned with various NGOs and law firms in delhi and mumbai.
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 08:46 PM
@Indiangirl: Wow with grades like that no wonder you didn't have a problem with the admission and schol :))

I remember that the topper in my centre had 62%, so you're way above the topper also. Were you the topper in your batch?

@Sumi: Cool. Corporate or litigation experience?

@all: Thanks Sumi, Indiangirl and everyone else for the marks info. I now know where I stand in comparison to others who've applied. I guess I'll bank on my 10 years work ex to offset my marks of 54.5 % to a certain extent.

But if my admission doesn't happen finally, I'll know that work experience doesn't really count that much for admission and scholarships to the top law schools for an LLM.

Cheers

[Edited 28 Dec 2007 by prashbez]
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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Fri Dec 28, 2007 09:16 PM
@prashant:
hi... i have corporate and trade law experience.
as i understand, american univs place high premium on work ex. so if not this program, there are other LLM programs where work ex like yours is likely to be well appreciated...also, this program required at least one academic reference, whereas there are others where you can send in any reference- which in your case can be someone you're worked for. just a thought.

Cheers!
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:06 PM
@Sumi: Hi, FYI I've got 4 years of litigation exp in all courts/ forums and the rest corporate especially Capital Markets, Joint Ventures, Shareholder/ Share Purchase agreements, and Strategy.

I guess I'll just wait for the final letter from NYU@NUS before I decide whether to apply elsewhere or not. I got a waiver on the academic reference because I did my LLB in 1997 and none of the professors would remember me probably. I sent only one professional reference to NYU@NUS.

Actually the Dual degree LLM was what attracted me to NYU@NUS plus of course the possibility of getting a scholarship. It seemed to be the best option out of all the other LLM courses at other US and UK Univs.

I'm not that bothered about doing a general LLM from somewhere else. I'd prefer to do a highly specialized LLM for instance like the LLM in Energy Law and Policy from CEPMLP (Univ of Dundee). You can check it out at www.cepmlp.org. The total fees plus living over there is about 22000 GBP.

Seems like an interesting course especially since I am personally concentrating on acquisitions and joint ventures in the Energy and Oil and Gas sector so far as my own law firm is concerned.

Cheers
Prashant
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indian lawyer

Joined: 21 Jan 2007
Posts: 76
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sat Dec 29, 2007 04:10 PM
Hi guys...Congrats for all those who have been admitted.Last yr the forum was not as active as guys are having it now.So good going there.....for those who are anxious about not having heard from NYU,I would encourage you guys to wait for some more time.Last year they sent out the 1st set of admission offers around the same date and then sent out another set of offers after that.So hold on guys...there might be hope.
Congrats once again to all those who have been admitted.
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KVC

Joined: 06 Oct 2007
Posts: 37
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 07:40 AM
Hii...congrats to all admitted. Could all those already admitted tell me, when did you guys have your complete application submitted. I submitted my complete application in October end and still am awaiting a decision. Lets see....
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 09:49 AM
@KVC: I submitted my application and transcript on September 19, 2007 and my application was complete around September 26, 2007. I'm also still waiting for the decision.

As Indian Lawyer has said, I guess we have to wait for the second round of admission decisions.

@Indian Lawyer: How are the exam preparations? Or have they finished? All the best for your placements.
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ranaash

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 02:46 PM
@ KVC: the mail arrived though UPS around 12p.m & theres been no email confirmation yet... n yes I live in Delhi. May be u did missed it.. y dont u call up the UPS guys here??

@Prashbez: I am in my final year law.. So my marks till now r 64%..

@ All: How many of u guys r planning to join NYU@NUS?? I am contemplating the difference between the US and Singapore exposure esp wrt. Job prospects in the future.

Right now I think that though Singapore might offer better job prospects in Asia, a US LL.M. would open US and Europe market. I do know its very very difficult for a foreign LLB to get a job in the US, but its a chance n worth a try!!! Dont ya think?? :)


hey even i ahve gt thru the NYU@NUS prog alongwith 35K award. i am also from delhi...can we exchange are email address....just to be in touch and r u coming for 4 jan thing
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ranaash

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 02:49 PM
Hi all!
Congratulations to all accepted for admission to the program!
I have been accepted for admission to the NYU@NUS program as well, and have got the 35k grant.
I had applied only to NYU@NUS program, and got the schol despite not having written any scholarship essays. I completed my application around end of October and my transcript was uploaded on the site in Nov. Am in the process of sending the USD 500 and acceptance letter.

Cheers!
Sumi


even i ahve gt same thing...r u coming for 4 Jan thing....meanhwile.....i m from delhi wht abt u .....
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sumi115

Joined: 26 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 08:14 PM
Drawing from ranaash's suggestion of exchanging email ids... i created a google-group for NYU-NUS Batch of 2009... just to get together people who decide to join the program, so that we may share information and most importantly- get familiar with people we will be meeting in May.

I request those who have decided to accept the admission offer to NYU@NUS to please send me a PM (personal message) through this website, with their email id... so that i may add their email id to the google-group.

Cheers!
Sumi
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ArunS

Joined: 29 Dec 2007
Posts: 7
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 09:39 PM
Thanks Sumi for setting up the google group and congratulations to all of us who have been admitted to NYU@NUS! I hope the year in Singapore will meet our expectations and be worth our investments.

I have also created a lawyrs.net group. The link is: www.lawyrs.net/llmguide/35/

I hope many of you will join!
Best wishes
Arun

[Edited 30 Dec 2007 by ArunS]
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prashbez

Joined: 30 Jul 2007
Posts: 115
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:44 PM
@Arun and Sumi: This is good stuff which you've done. I think I'm gonna wait till I hear about my admission/ schol before joining these groups.

In the meantime all the best to those who have been admitted.

Wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

Cheers
Prashant
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indian lawyer

Joined: 21 Jan 2007
Posts: 76
NYU@NUS 2008-09 AdmissioN Decision
Mon Dec 31, 2007 07:47 AM
@Prashbez:My exams have finished...im in India now on a winter break...still applying for jobs and also waiting to hear from law firms to which I have given interviews.
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