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

This is going to be long, but I have lots of wisdom to share that I wish I knew before!
LSAT
Prioritize the LSAT! It’s a difficult exam, but also very learnable. Every minute and penny you invest will save you thousands in tuition, so I was happy with my decision to pay for a few hours of tutoring. Even if this option is too expensive, there are great resources that you should take advantage of (ex. group classes, books, online guides, friends who have already taken the LSAT).
I found it helpful also to compare answer explanations from my textbook, LawHub, and free websites like LSAT Hacks. The best strategy is to try to see things through the test maker’s brain, so it helps to hear lots of different explanations until one clicks.
You should prioritize making time to study but don’t let the Reddit crazies scare you from taking a break. I studied 1-3 hours about 5-6 days/week for 6 weeks before both exams, and I felt like this was plenty. Allowing myself to rest and take a 2 week break also got me out of a score plateau better than any overstudying could have done!
Applications
It’s easy to get attached to your writing (even if it’s trash). That’s why it’s SO important to have an impartial editor or as close as you can get to one. I had friends, professors, and an advisor all read my statements and be brutal with their edits. You only have so many words, so make every single one count.
As you’re drafting, consider how everything fits together as one cohesive story. Don’t repeat info from your resume or other statements when you have the opportunity to share something new. The goal of your statements isn’t to make you sound smart or even impressive. Every applicant is smart and impressive. Your statements should show that you’re a kind, interesting, and overall good person who would make that school better by being there. If something doesn’t contribute to that, think about cutting it out.
Decisions
Getting waitlisted or rejected sucks, but it can be a blessing. It’s easy to get caught up about getting into every school, but in the end you’re only choosing one. Even the most perfect applicants still get denied from schools, so don’t take it personally or beat yourself up about it. Sometimes it gives you important clarity you need! The hardest part about my decision was choosing to say no to what looked perfect on paper and to listen to my gut instead, so I’m actually grateful that I was waitlisted at some places. It allowed me to let the idea of those schools go and focus on getting excited about where I was really meant to be.
Even though taking the money and time can be difficult, I highly recommend touring at least your top school you are admitted to. I went into my tours thinking one thing and left in love with a school that I had previously ignored.
Consider the cost (!!!), rank, and opportunities, but also remember to consider if being at that school will make you happy. Law school teaches you how to be a lawyer, but it is also three years where you will grow as a person, get to know your future professional community, and potentially settle into your long-term city. Put the US News rankings down and consider which school will make you happiest.