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

Use your softs wisely. I am 100% convinced my scholarship money came from my softs, I used my personal statement to explain my low GPA (mom had leukemia throughout my undergrad) but I explained how this made me stronger, more focused, and taught me how to overcome adversity.

For schools where my GPA was below the 25% line, I also wrote an addendum with no BS stating facts of how her illness affected my ability to go to class and how I managed school, work, visiting her in the hospital, and helping run her business.

LSU requested a diversity statement and I chose to write mine about coming from a small town in Texas (less than 3k in population) and how difficult it is to escape that life. I believe this helped push me to a higher scholarship there which I used to negotiate a great offer at my top choice, OU.

Finally, be aware of too many addendums. I took the LSAT flex and lost power halfway through– technically I did not lose any test time as the proctor let me pick up where I left off. However, this did significantly impact me mentally and was very hard to remain calm and finish the test. I had been taking practice tests every week for 2 months making mid 160’s every time. I was upset with my score but under the cirmcumsatnces knew it could have been much worse. I decided not to retake as I took it in October and felt getting apps in early would give me more time to negotiate. I also chose not to write an addendum about this incident. I discussed with an old professor who wrote one of my LOR’s and he encouraged me not to write too many as it could come off as an ‘excuse’ so to choose wisely what I wanted to write my addendum for. Ultimately I chose GPA because that is worse than my LSAT score and I knew I could articulate those life experiences better.

Overall, applying and getting accepted is not near as bad as I had built up in my head. Apply as early as you can! You will do great!!!