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

Overall, I was very lucky with how my cycle went. I think I owe this almost entirely to my work experience and LSAT score.

Work experience: I have worked in public interest law for almost 7 years, so I believe my application/ resume showed clear public interest commitment and an obvious why law, but my essays and interview had to more specifically address the “why now?” I encourage everyone to get AT LEAST 2 years of work experience. All of the attorneys I work with, including the few that went straight through, encourage this. You will be so much more professional, have more direction in the application process and in school itself, and also be able to go into school with more perspective. Highly encourage as much work experience as feels right for you. For me, I wasn’t “ready” until now, even though I will be one of the oldest people in my class.

LSAT: My first PT was a 158-160 (I honestly forget). I studied casually part-time using Mike Kim’s LSAT trainer for quite a long time, but I was in a stressful job and was not dedicating the time I needed to. I took a few practice tests and was reaching a plateau in the high 160s. I then switched to a more regimented schedule, still only around 5-10 hours per week, using 7sage, and saw my score increase to a more consistent 172-175. I took the April test, felt extremely nervous the whole time, and was shocked when I got a 165. I then decided to focus more on controlling my nerves and consistency, and stayed with the same 5-10 hours per week. I consistently score 173-176 on PTs during the next couple months and then scored a 175 on the August test. You can learn this test. Take the time you need, focus on question types that consistently trip you up and drill them, and do whatever strategy will help you with controlling day-of nerves.

Scholarship negotiation: You won’t get what you don’t ask for- ask for more time, more money. But be strategic- know you may only have one shot to make your case. Be honest, be sincere, and do your research. If you have the money or the fee waiver, apply to 2-3 schools in your target range that you may need to use for scholarship negotiation.

Other random thoughts and tips:
Talk to as many current students and recent alumni as you can. Since I work in law, it was easy for me to make these connections. Starting in August, I probably talked to 1-2 people per week on their thoughts about their school + career experience. I took notes and these conversations immensely helped me with both completing my Why x? essays and ultimately making a decision- Try not to get stuck on one school: So many law schools are incredible. I’ve worked in Unicorn PI and we had interns from all different schools as well as staff from a handful. Though it frustrated my friends and family, I never had a “top choice” I think this helped me not get too crushed by any waitlist, rejection, or sub-par scholarship offer, and it helped me genuinely evaluate all of my options

• The waiting game sucks: I was in high anxiety waiting for decisions and scholarships all cycle. I looked at this website and reddit way too much. Live your life and don’t do what I did :) And really try not to compare yourself to others.

My decision: For me, which may surprise some, my decision actually came down to GULC and HLS. I had lived in DC for many years so staying in the city, continuing to build my life + connections, and most importantly graduating with less debt was extremely tempting. I agonized over this decision, especially as someone completely committed to public interest. I also reviewed the public interest loan repayment programs ad nauseam. The few things that ultimately swayed me were: fellowship placement for PI students + clerkship opps, flexibility to go anywhere geographically with an HLS degree, clinical opportunities, and hoping that the grading system will be a less competitive environment than some stories I heard from GULC students. I really think I would have been happy with either decision though, so encourage anyone reading this to make the right decision for them

Please, if anyone has any questions, reach out. Happy to talk public interest, being an older student, HLS, choosing between a T-6 with almost no scholarship and a T-20 with a significant scholarship, evaluating public interest loan repayment programs, whatever!