DangOrangatang '21–'22 app cycle Class of 2025 class year

The Big Lessons From My Cycle:

    **The biggest lesson to take from my cycle in particular is that, for super-splitters like myself (below every 25th uGPA median and above every 75th LSAT median), writing really strong essays can move the needle and make you stand out from the big crowd of "very good but flawed" T14 applicants that often end up disappointed and/or stuck on perpetual waitlists. Don't only craft your Why X essay to your top school: your Top School should be a place that really strikes home to you for reasons of personal connection and fit, and you should try your hardest to subtly tailor your PS towards that school in particular. Don't make your top school simply your highest-ranked reach school. That's what I did for UVA, and I really believe that that's why I got in - I didn't get into a single other T14, even though statistically I should've had a better chance at Northwestern or Duke or Georgetown. I'm fortunate to be a lifelong resident of a state with a T14, so this may be easier said than done if you are from Nevada or Kansas or something.**

Basic History:

    Underachieved in undergrad, sub 3.0 average first 2 years and made dean's list 3/4 semesters afterwards. Post-undergrad, about 3 years of *very* unremarkable unskilled work experience. Decided to go to law school fall of 2020, busted ass studying for the LSAT and was rewarded with a 173 (first and only attempt). **If your uGPA is below most 25th medians, do whatever it takes to put in 3-4 months of intensive LSAT study, 15-20 hours per week. If you have to retake it, retake it: if you have a 3.3, the difference between a 167 and a 171 is astronomical. I would highly recommend working part-time to give studying the proper amount of time, focus, and energy, even if it means taking out a loan or moving back in with your parents for 3 months. The gains will be more than worth it if you are serious about law.**

My first month or so of study I used the Powerscore books and followed the study schedule I bought from “lawschooli.com” (https://lawschooli.com/lsat-study-schedule/). This gave me a good foundation, after which I switched to 7sage, which is just as good and worth it as everyone says it is. If I had to go back, I would probably just do 7sage from the start, but of course with a 173 there isn’t really anything to regret about how I did it.

After taking the LSAT, I found a job as a paralegal at a local workers comp and personal injury firm to A) experience what life is like at a typical law firm, and B) get a good LoR.

Optional Essays: Why UVA, Why Duke, Why Notre Dame, Why Tulane (alma mater), and Why W&M.