• When will the applications be released to the judges?

Law School Students - OSCAR will release the applications from 3L students on September 3, 2008.   Please note that the law school students who maintain their applications in DRAFT will need to release those applications by using the FINALIZE APPLICATIONS FEATURE in order for those applications to be viewable by the judges on September 3, 2008.Alumni Applicants – OSCAR will release the applications from alumni at the time that the applicants finalize the applications and releases it to the judge.

• What Internet browsers does OSCAR prefer?

NOTE: Refrain from using tabbed windows in any Internet browser.

1.     Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
2.     Netscape Navigator 7.2 or higher
3.     Firefox
4.     NOT Safari (please use Firefox)

• What file types can be uploaded into OSCAR?

Documents may only be uploaded in .PDF format; all other formats are UNACCEPTABLE.  What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?The maximum file size for resumes, cover letters, and writing samples is 300KB.

• Why can I no longer upload my transcript?

In order to prevent file corruption within the application packet, OSCAR no longer allows applicants to upload any transcripts. OSCAR now provides a Grade Sheet Form that will convert the entered grades into a .PDF for the applicant. The Grade Sheet Form can be viewed as a .PDF, just as the judge will see it. The form may also be edited and re-saved. 

• Isn’t it a problem if this transcript is unofficial?

No.  Judges participating in OSCAR are aware that these are unofficial transcripts. Judges can always request a formal transcript later on in the hiring process.

• What is the document type, “OTHER GRADE SHEET,” for?

The document type “other grade sheet” may be used for advanced degrees or trade schools.

• Why hasn't my recommender received an Evite email?

1.    Have you applied to a clerkship position?The trigger for the Evite email is when the "Create Application" or "Update Application" button is selected on the Build an Application screen.2.    Has the recommender been asked to write a letter of recommendation by another applicant? Recommenders receive only ONE Evite email. Recommenders do not receive a new Evite every year or every time an applicant uses them in OSCAR because Evite emails reset passwords.3.    Have the recommender check the Trash or Junk mail folders. Anti-spam filters sometimes block Evites. Have the recommender look for an email from "oscar@symplicity.com" with the subject line "Letter of Recommendation Requested."

• Why aren’t the judge merge codes working on the cover letter?

Judge Merge Fields codes are computer commands that equate to their respective values within the OSCAR database. In order for OSCAR to continue to recognize the codes as commands, they must be entered precisely.  Note:  Ensure the merge code has the brackets.My undergraduate school is not available from the pick list.Please email the OSCAR Help Desk at oscar-support@ao.uscourts.gov.My law school is not on the dropdown list.Please email the OSCAR Help Desk at oscar-support@ao.uscourts.gov. 

• Can the OSCAR Help Desk tell me my password?

No.  OSCAR does not allow us to view passwords. The applicant can use the Forgot Password feature that is available on the login page. The applicant types in the user name and clicks the Forgot Password button. A new password will then be emailed to the applicant. (The system matches the user name to the email address associated with that applicant’s profile).

• What Happens To Recommendations Letters Submitted After The Application Becomes Viewable By Judges?

Letters of recommendation can continue to be uploaded to your applications by your recommenders even after they have become viewable to the judges. The judges will see the letters are still pending, as if “the letters are in the mail.”

• I’m an alumni and I finalized and released my applications.  Can my letters still be uploaded by my recommenders?

Yes.  Though your application will have been automatically released to the judge, the judge will see that your recommendations are pending.  Once the recommender(s) upload the letters, the judge can view them.  Once an application has been released, you cannot change the recommenders for that application.

• I have decided to apply to more judges.  Can I use the same recommendation letter(s) already uploaded by my recommenders?

No. Each time you create an application, you generate additional recommendation requests for your recommenders.  You will need to contact your recommender and ask them to log back into the system and upload additional letters.

• But the recommender is going to use the same letter. Won’t OSCAR just automatically associate recommendation letters to new applications?

No. Recommenders associate letters to specific judges. This allows recommenders to personalize letters of recommendation.

• How can I find out the Status of Recommendation Letters?

Go to My Recommendations tab and click on Status of Recommendation Letters tab. The Complete column indicates the status of the letter of recommendation. Completed letters will display a green check mark in the Complete column. Incomplete letters will display a red asterisk. To perform a search on completed or pending letters of recommendation, use the ‘Recommendations Complete’ search (located in the gray box above the grid). Applicants may also search for recommendations by keyword, which queries the recommender’s name. Once search criteria have been entered, click the [Apply Search] button.

• When searching for judges in OSCAR, what does Currently Hiring mean?

Applicants can search for judges who are listed as currently hiring.  This means that the judges have posted one or more clerkship positions.  Please note that the positions may be listed as Available, Filled, or Expired.

• When searching for judges in OSCAR, what does searching by Clerkship Status mean?

Applicants can search in OSCAR to obtain a list of judges who have positions listed as Available, Filled, or Expired.  The term “Available” means that the judge is accepting applications.  The term “Filled” means that the judge has closed the position and filled it.  The term “Expired” means that the position automatically closed after 6 months by the system.