Covidcycle20 '20–'21 app cycle Class of 2024 class year

For what it’s worth…
Applying to law school in the year of Covid has been stressful and unpredictable. Will next year be as competitive? IMO yes. LSAT Flex has increased averages and with so many applicants applying due to Covid/economy there will be deferrals.

Apply as early in September as possible. Non 170+ applicants did better early on than later. Acceptance rates and scholarship amounts. December is still considered early but in a competitive cycle not early enough and it only became more competitive each month.

Apply broadly. Not everyone knows where they want to practice or what type of law they are interested in. And that’s O.K. Don’t listen to those who say you must attend school where you want to practice. Big Law, probably but not everyone is Big Law. Law Schools aren’t big enough to accommodate this. Use your Summers to network and intern where you think you want to practice.

It’s ok if you aren’t a 170+ applicant. You can still be very successful. Interview a few local lawyers about their education and career path.

Be open minded and flexible because you may not get into your target/reach/dream school. You’ll be ok.

Take on as little debt as possible or only if it’s equitable to your career path.

Visit campuses before making your decision. Formally or on your own. You’ll get a feeling of belonging or not, choose wisely because this is where you’ll be for three stressful years.

Apply to more than 6 schools if you can. You’ll need negotiating schools plus you don’t want to have to stress apply late.

FAFSA - if you add your parents income only those schools who require it use it. If you’re under 26 more than likely you’ll need it. If you apply to more than 10 schools, you start the process again and add the next ten - a week or more later.

At this point if you’re questioning if law school is for you or if you should wait another year , then no… law school isn’t for you and or you aren’t ready. I’m not talking about the typical stress question. I’m referring to those who seriously post these questions on the Reddit admissions group. Do not post a chance me on Reddit. No one knows more than anyone else if you have a chance. Just. Do. It.

Bottom line - it’s the numbers. Softs, addendums, personal statements matter less than you think. Yes, write the personal statement, addendums, extra why? Because if it just may be the extra push you need for that school. Keep in mind even you have the best softs, PS, addendum - numbers come first. Study for the LSAT and retest until you’re happy. Your gpa matters, especially when scholarships are awarded.

Good luck