CrossOfLorraine '22–'23 app cycle Class of 2026 class year

I think it is safe to say I punched above my weight this cycle and I’m incredibly lucky and blessed. I did not know what to expect and think my cycle shows how random/chaotic admissions can be. 

My advice is to SHOOT YOUR SHOT, I can’t emphasize that enough. People said there is no reason I should have got an A at a school like Michigan or $$$$ at Minnesota. If you can afford to, apply to your dream schools and punch above your weight because you truly never know. Also spend more time than you think you need to on crafting your personal statement and essays. I submitted Why X, Optional Essays, etc at every school I applied to with the exception of TAMU and ASU (which coincidentally were two WL). I’m convinced my PS and essays carried my cycle as I feel I had really compelling topics and made them very personable and convincing. I spent literally months writing and rewriting some of these essays. I even had complete strangers who were willing to look over them to give feedback. Adcomms are strangers to you and know nothing about you, so having a stranger check your writing style and seeing if your writing is personable and authentic is a big benefit. 

Furthermore, I feel it’s better to wait until Nov/Dec to apply if it means your essays and test scores will be better than just trying to get to the front of the line by applying in Sept/Oct. There is no need to rush. IF TIGHT ON MONEY please please please email the admissions offices for the schools you’re applying to, it never hurts to ask and from my experience they’re happy to give them to you. I asked 25 schools for a fee and CAS fee waiver and got a fee waiver for 20 of them. Use NALP and ABA Disclosures for researching schools.

I’m keeping the face because it’s cute (◕␣␣◕)