Beefantastic '24–'25 app cycle Class of 2028 class year

About Me: Went to undergrad at a relatively unknown public university. Failed my first semester of undergrad, came back swinging with a 4.0 the following semester. Ended up with a 3.83 institutional GPA. I think my main strength is that I have a very cohesive resume. Every internship, extracurricular, and job I have had are related to government/politics/elections, which I also studied at the graduate level at a top 5 public university. I discussed in my personal statement my desire to pursue a career in Election Law. Obviously, my main weakness is my GPA, which I think is what kept me out of the T-14, especially because I don’t think the 171 quite made up for it in this competitive of a cycle. I probably needed a 173+ to make it over that hurdle.

Why X: Michigan, UF, Richmond, W&M (+ Texas in their video interview)
Other Optionals: GULC Video
Optional Scholarship Applications: Emory Woodruff, Texas G. Rollie White Public Service, Vandy Law Scholars Merit Awards
Optional Video Interviews: Texas, Minnesota (Didn’t do Vandy or TAMU). I thought I did well on both of these.
LOCI: Submitted LOCI to W&L Jan 2; Filled out a short interest form to GW Jan 30; LOCI to GULC Feb 3

I submitted a life experiences statement to every school that had the option. Also submitted a GPA/C&F (academic probation) addendum to every school

Scholarship Negotiations: UF called 3/4 offering me an additional 6k/year (“sunshine stipend”) if I would commit by the following Tuesday. This would have bumped me up to full tuition + a 4.1k stipend. Mentioned this offer to W&M and UGA 3/5. Both got back to me 3/7. W&M offered an additional 3k/year and UGA offered me full in-state tuition. Didn’t negotiate with anyone else.

UR3: UVA Dec 2; UMN Jan 10; TAMU Feb 4
UR4: UMN Jan 15

Holds: W&L Dec 10; GW Jan 30 (Priority Hold)

Interviews:
Group interview with GULC 12/27 and I thought it went really well. I don’t think it was the reason for my WL, I just don’t think I had the stats.

Interviewed with an admissions officer at W&M after my WL. Thought it went really well and I really enjoyed the conversation. Got the A less than two hours after the interview. Was super surprised because she mentioned I should send a short LOCI every few weeks, so I thought it would be a while before I heard back.