LivelyOldToad '22–'23 app cycle Class of 2026 class year

LSAT: give yourself way more time than you think you need! if you’re KJD, taking it during school really blows so (from my experience), plan to take/retake over summer. also, don’t be too hard on yourself! like most of us I’m insanely type-a and a perfectionist and not hitting that 17x killed me but we will all end up where we need to be and your mental health (and other life responsibilities) are not worth sacrificing for 1-2 more points on the LSAT (in my experience! if you have the time, resources and desire, go for it!) My main thing is just don’t beat yourself up because you never know how big of a difference those points could’ve really made, so try to just be proud and meet yourself where you’re at :)

apps: again, give yourself more time than you think you need! I flopped hard when it came to starting my essays early and as a result, I applied later than I would’ve liked to. I was still considered ‘early’ (before thanksgiving) for most, but I burnt out and the schools I applied with a lot of extra materials I didn’t end up submitting for until mid-december. In the grand scheme of things, probably not a huge difference, but you’ll definitely thank yourself if you start earlier. If you’re KJD, taking advantage of advisors/writing centers/whatever is available to you. I think I probably drove my pre-law advisor to insanity with the number of times I met with her, but having her read through my drafts was really helpful. I was also in LSAC’s pilot writing program - if that becomes a thing, which I’m hoping it does (assuming it’s financially accessible), take advantage of that! The program itself I didn’t find majorly helpful but the office hours were amazing.