Jack77 '23–'24 app cycle Class of 2027 class year

Cycle is complete and wow what a journey. I want to give at much information as possible to help y’all.

LSAT: Started studying using Blueprint during winter break of my junior year. Got up to a 161, got a 155 on the at home LSAT in April of that same year. I really liked the Blueprint course for lives classes and a VERY powerful calendar feature. With the basics down I switched to 7Sage and started studying over the summer until the September test while working full time. I ONLY studied LG basically because it was worst section. I got up to a 162, 168 blind review and ended up with a 160 on the LSAT despite bombing the LG section (the RC section was so easy for some reason). I also really enjoyed the in person testing experience.

At the end of the day, this came down to A&M, SMU, and Baylor.

I applied in the south due to wanting to settle in Texas and the weather. The Tennessee WL was surprising and hurt and initially when I received the Baylor WL I thought I was doomed. I got the invite to interview at Baylor and I’m so GLAD I did. I’m a fairly good interviewer and charismatic person and I think this sold my A. I received the A for Baylor some weeks later and got a HUGE scholarship for my stats. I KNOW it is because of my mock trial experience, including a top placement at a Baylor Mock Trial event. The conditionality of the scholarship, + the intensity of 3L, +employment outcomes, + the cut throat culture eventually turned me off.

Upon receipt of my WL from A&M, I zoom interviewed, took a solo tour of campus where I met the dean of admissions, wrote up a LOCI, and submitted an extra letter of recommendation. It comes down the fact that they are gaming the rankings, and although there is VERY good stuff coming out of that school employment wise, it needs time to become the elite institution it needs to be.

SMU: lol I applied late here and I think it was because I didn’t think I could get in, despite knowing I wanted to be in Dallas. I received the A while drunk on spring break and never looked back. I know its expensive and that sucks, but their employment opportunities are crazy good for the ranking. A roughly 40% BL-FC rate, an insanely good Corporate Externship program, and 30 minutes from home… I just could not say no to this. I really enjoyed the ASD, and as a middle class URM I was a bit worried about diversity at SMU but the fears have been squandered.

Overall, study hard for the LSAT and do what works for you. APPLY APPLY APPLY… I wish I had applied to more schools like Emory, or other schools higher in rankings but sold myself short. Try to negotiate scholarships, and lastly if you get the chance to interview… DO IT. The way you act, think, talk, etc. is far more important to admissions officers who see you as a “maybe” or if you’re on the WL.

Good luck homies and Pony Up!