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

Worked in state government as an aquatic biologist for about fifteen years, so I knew from the get-go environmental law was my main focus. Nearly all my statements - and in most cases I completed every optional essay available for each application - centered on environmental advocacy and my experience within the environmental regulatory field.

Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with my cycle. When I first started studying for the LSAT, I was convinced few schools, particularly those near the top of the rankings, would be interested in a 40-year old with several significant health challenges, so I applied broadly. I studied for about a year, and took the LSAT twice to achieve my score. I never imagined receiving acceptances to seven T-14 schools. I was essentially accepted everywhere where my LSAT score met or exceeded the median, and was rejected or waitlisted at those where I fell short. I truly believe the scores get your foot in the door and your essays are what separate you from other applicants.

Ultimately, my decision came down to UCLA, Michigan, Duke, and Virginia. I loved all four of their environmental programs. Virginia came in with the lowest scholarship offer of any of my acceptances, and UCLA was just a little too far away from home, so it became a battle between Duke and Michigan. My parents earned graduate degrees at Duke, so I was certainly leaning in that direction, but Michigan just felt more like home. I grew up near the Great Lakes. My boys play and swim in those lakes, so I’d love to work on protecting those resources. Michigan was the clear choice for me.

If I was to give advice, whatever it may be worth, I would say be authentic and grateful in your statements. While not all of us have great stats, we’re all in unique positions to impact the world we live in. That’s a blessing. If you happen to have any interaction with admissions staff, let them know you’re thankful for their time and their efforts. Follow up with emails. Nearly every admission officer I spoke with was incredibly kind and gracious. I reached out to many after virtual tours to let them know just how appreciative I was, while tying in one or two unique takeaways I had from each session. Get your applications in early, if possible. While I don’t believe getting them in early created acceptances where I may have been rejected later in the cycle, I received decisions much earlier than many of my peers (both good and bad), which alleviated some of my concerns. While stressful, I thoroughly enjoyed going through this process.

Good luck and go get ‘em!