Elle-MS-Woods '21–'22 app cycle Class of 2025 class year

3 LSAT takes 167 -> 169 -> 163 :(
Opted against writing an LSAT addendum for the drop because I had no way to explain it other than burnout, which felt like a cop out.

Undergrad GPA had huge upward trend in final two years (last 3 semesters all 4.0) and major GPA of 3.86. Undiagnosed learning difference the first 2 years that caused problems in my STEM classes (started out as a STEM major before switching to Journalism, what an idiot). Wrote GPA addendum to that effect and to “humbly ask the admissions committee to consider my major GPA of 3.86 as more indicative of my potential for academic success” — feel free to steal my phrasing.

Have held a job since age 15 and worked full-time throughout undergrad to support myself (from low socioeconomic background). Served in 4 sorority leadership roles (VP of Programming, VP of Recruitment, Ritual Chair, Panhellenic Delegate), President of Greek Council, VP of Intramural Council, reporter for student news paper, student life ambassador, campus involvement award, tons of volunteer work in undergrad but none in the years since. If you’re wondering how - I only averaged 4-5 hours of sleep throughout all of undergrad. I DO NOT recommend this approach. Just sharing for context as it speaks to the overall narrative of my application materials (tenacity, grit, never giving up, etc.)

Wrote diversity statement on my climb out of poverty, starting with my first job at 15 washing dishes for $5.25 an hour (yes, I’m old enough to have worked when that was the federal minimum wage). From a rural fringe town, population sub-2500, in the Deep South. Only 4 of the top 10 grads in my high school class, including me, made it to college. 30% poverty rate. 15% of my graduating class dead within 10 years. You know the classic hellscape town that you can never get out of story.

MBA (completed 6 months early by double-loading courses) from LSU in 2019 with 3.7something.

10 years full-time work experience, but only ~7 years in my “big girl job”. Marketing, project management, and content writing primarily. I’d say I’m a strong writer - I know we all think that, but I actually make a living on my writing so I’d like to think that means something?

Goals
Short-term: Chicago or DC big law or fed clerkship is the dream, but would be happy with a solid midsize market firm offer. If I land in BL expecting to spend ~5 years before exiting. Would prefer a firm with dedicated pro bono hours to make my soul hurt less.

Long-term: Exit to something more public interest focused. What that is exactly, I’m not sure yet, but interested in poverty law, healthcare, impact litigation, advocacy, etc.

Dark horse interests: product liability torts… we shall see, marketing law and consumer privacy have a certain allure, but frankly I’m so burned out on marketing right now that idk if I want to deal with it.