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

Don’t be a non-resident or at least have a reportable GPA to make your life easier. Alternatively, get a good enough LSAT to get you into Columbia or Harvard reliably and afford you the option of squeezing a decent scholarship out of Cornell & Georgetown. There isn’t much love for internationals outside of those four schools (and maybe NYU) in the T-14. I say this recognizing that I certainly outperformed my stats in a ridiculous cycle.

For reference, I had a 3.97 US undergraduate GPA that was not reportable. My GPA placed me in the top 20% percent at my institution abroad and top 2% in the US (T50 undergraduate school). Softs included a somewhat compelling life story and your average on and off-campus involvement.
In my applications, I made it clear what my interest in the law was and what I wanted to pursue afterward. I had a consultant look over my materials to make sure they were fine language-wise. I included Why X statements for most of my applications with uncertain effects since my results at each school were uncorrelated to me having sent a Why X statement.

Good luck - may your cycle be less competitive than 2020/2021!