With bidding underway, the CPC has received many of the same questions from students. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have questions about Phase I bidding, be sure to check out the following questions and answers.
From reading the OCI Handbook, it sounds like it does not matter whether I submit my bids on the first day or the last day of bidding (or any time in between). Is that correct?
That is correct. Employers will not know when you submitted your bids so there is no benefit to submitting early. However, the CPC does not recommend waiting until the last minute to submit your bids to avoid any problems should you incur computer or internet access issues. Your bids must be submitted by the deadline of 11:00 p.m. EST on Monday, July 14, 2008 in order to be sent to the employers.
Likewise, employers will not know if you choose to withdraw your bid and/or rebid. Therefore, if you feel that you have made a bid in error, or need to update your application materials after you submitted your bid, please feel free to withdraw your bid and, if necessary, submit a rebid. Again, no employer receives this information.
Will I be able to participate in Phase I bidding if I do not have all of my grades in?
Yes, you are not only able to participate but you are encouraged to do so. Submit your bids with materials that are as up to date as possible. If you receive all of your grades, or have any other changes before the bidding deadline, you may withdraw your bid and then rebid on the employer(s). The employer is never informed that you withdrew and then rebid.
How do I deal with the fact that I don’t have all my grades yet? Should I bid already or wait until I receive all of my grades?
As there is no benefit to submitting bids early, you can wait and receive all of your grades before beginning the bidding process. However, the CPC does not recommend waiting until the last minute to submit your bids to avoid any problems should you incur computer or internet access issues. Your bids must be submitted by the deadline of 11:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 in order to be sent to the employers. Should you choose to bid before you receive all of your grades, you can withdraw your bids and then rebid with your updated materials. The employer is never informed that you withdrew and then rebid.
Will employers know that I uploaded one set of documents and then uploaded a revised set of documents and rebid?
No, that information is never provided to the employer. The most up to date information received by the bidding deadline is what is sent to employers. Previous materials from previous bids are not forwarded to employers.
Can I round up my GPA?
No. University of Miami School of Law policy does not allow for rounding up of GPAs or estimating of class ranks. If you choose to list your GPA and class rank on your resume, it must be the current ones reflected on your transcript.
Should I submit cover letters to employers even if they don’t ask for them?
You should only submit those materials requested by the employer. As no OCI employer will request a cover letter, you do not need to submit one. However, some Resume Referral and Direct Contact employers may request cover letters and for those employers, you must submit a cover letter in order for your bid to be considered.
Typically, do the OCI employers want letters of recommendation uploaded to them directly with the bids?
No. If an employer would like letters of recommendations, a list of references or any other application material, it will be stated on Symplicity. Do not submit materials that are not requested.
I’m a 3L and see only two employers participating in Phase I of Fall OCI. Is this correct?
Yes. The Symplicity system permits students to bid on only those employers accepting applications from their class year or LL.M. program. Traditionally, very few employers participating in Phase I of OCI accept applications from 3Ls or LL.M. students as most employers in this phase are most focused on 2L hiring. Please be certain to participate in Phase II of the Fall OCI program as well as the Resume Referral and Direct Contact programs, as these programs feature more employers accepting applications from 3L and LL.M. students. More information about these programs will be available later this summer.
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