In case you thought you wouldn't have much competition this law school application season, check out Applications Up, Way Up, at Iowa Law at Above the Law.

The University of Iowa College of Law has sent out an email, which states:

We have nearly completed a busy Fall travel schedule. Also, it has been a very successful travel season, as reflected in our total application numbers to date: Applications to The University of Iowa College of Law have increased 62% versus this time last year, and the quality and diversity of those applications has increased significantly, as well. It is still early in the admissions season, so we will see if these positive signs hold up over the long term.

This should serve as a reminder that if you are choosing to apply to law school in this difficult economy, be sure to get those applications in as early as possible; many schools have rolling admissions policies, but even the ones who don't still like to get a certain number of seats filled early.

Should turn the lights off once in a while?

Tribeca residents are complaining about the new New York Law School all-glass building near their homes because it's "like a giant Japanese lantern sitting on the corner," according to Andrea Tomasetti, whose living room sits 50 feet from the beacon.

Many residents now keep their blinds and curtains closed to avoid the light--an action that, of course, blocks off one of the selling points of their Tribeca neighborhood, the view.

At least one residents appreciates the light, though. Rebecca Cort likes the feeling of greater safety it offers.

Still, the school's dean and president, Richard Matasar, said they've "installed some timers and motion sensors" and they'll also turn off lights that aren't needed throughout the night.

Even law schools don't want to be bad neighbors.

If you're still waiting to hear from me about your personal statement, take heed--I'm getting there!

The bad news is that I'm not accepting any more for review at this time, but I will open it up again at some point during this admissions season. Watch this space!

That said, if you have any questions or issues I can help with regarding applications, just shoot me an email, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

We've talked about this before, but just in case you're still unclear as to how you should dress in law school, Above the Law offers the cautionary tale of one BYU Law student who came to class wearing a SWAT team outfit, complete with an armor belt.

The student said it was just a Halloween costume, but the police officers who raided the classroom and removed him apparently weren't feeling the Halloween spirit. He did return to class later dressed in more appropriate law school attire.

Duly noted law students? Let's hope so.