ExoticEnormousCougar '25–'26

All it takes is one, never forget that. (◕‿◕) 
As I have finally paid my first deposit on April 13, 2026 (Yay!), I wanted to leave a few thoughts here for anyone who might be reading this.
I know nothing, so take everything I write with a grain of salt.
GPA and LSAT will get you in the door, softs will make or break the final decision.
Spend as much time as possible on your essays (and have someone else proofread your entire application more than once) before you hit submit.
No one can really predict where you might get in, so shoot your shot if you have the money or a fee waiver.
A waitlist is not an acceptance, it’s a backup plan at best.
Be careful (and strategic) if you decide to retake and reapply.
I was pretty accurate with my predictions, the only real surprises were the Pepperdine A, Baylor WL, and W&M R. Turns out I was wrong about a waitlist there (lol).
Unless you’re biglaw or bust, follow the money. Most schools are not worth paying sticker price at.
Outside scholarships are also your friend, if you put in the work.
Best of luck to you, Internet stranger! Godspeed.
Unless otherwise noted, all scholarships were received with acceptance. I wrote no LOCIs, I did write most Why X essays, and the only update I sent was an updated resume to W&L around February 13.
My predictions pre decision- 10/30/25
St Mary’s- A; Baylor- A; Case- A; Duquesne- A; Pitt- A; Tech- A; Iowa- A; Houston- A/WL; OU- A/WL; Pepperdine- WL; Washington and Lee- WL; W&M- WL, but I hope I’m wrong; UF- R; UVA- R; Michigan- R; Texas- R; Texas A&M- R