CombativeBrightLemon '23–'24 app cycle Class of 2027 class year

It is really important to me to be close to my family in the DMV, and I think my materials for UVA/GULC reflected that which may have strengthened those applications.

The difference in getting quick acceptances to UVA/GULC versus waitlists elsewhere leads me to think that schools are pretty good at sussing out an applicant’s genuine interest level. On the other hand, my stats definitely aren’t no brainers for the other schools on my list, so make of that what you will. I wrote the Why X or added Why X content to my PS for every school except NYU, though in retrospect they were mostly pretty unconvincing. I would suggest that applicants really invest in deep research of any school they want to attend, especially if they don’t already have compelling reasons that will lead the school to think they will attend if admitted. I genuinely think I bombed my Why Duke and Why Columbia due to under-researching and having no compelling reasons to attend over other schools. Make sure that Why X at least passes the smell test if you’re going to spend the time/effort/money to apply.

I was initially not interested in doing Big Law so I was not as diligent about uncovering the small differences in different school’s employment outcomes before applying. I only later realized that it would be best for me long term to tough it out in BL for a couple years, due to the bimodal nature of lawyer salaries and my desire to eventually move into a cushy gov role.

With that said, if you’re a new applicant who has competitive goals, I would prioritize the BL + FC percent for the schools you are choosing between. This is especially true if you are going to be taking on a lot of debt to attend. Rankings don’t always reflect the ability of a school to get you solid legal employment after graduation.

Good luck everyone!