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

Going to try to keep this updated through my cycle to help out any other super-uper-duper splitters out there.

Brief background**:**
Changed my major twice with a strong upward trend in GPA (~2.0 in my first year vs ~4.0 in my final year) at a top 30 undergrad, submitting addendum. Took the LSAT four times (157 to 177), submitting addendum. 1/4 Egyptian and grew up in middle class white suburbia, not writing any diversity statements.

Two years of work experience at a couple law firms, currently in tech finance BigLaw. Personal statement about my academic/career transition and my goals for the future, with many drafts and a lot of attention paid to developing a seamless and compelling story. Wrote basically every optional essay and writing Why X’s for most schools. Recs from my favorite pre-law professor and my supervising attorney at my first firm.

Waited until November to start submitting because I retook the LSAT in October 2022. Ended up with a good score so I added more higher-ranking schools, hence why those applications went in later. Submit earlier if you can, but only if all of your other materials are the best they can be and if they’ve been vetted objectively by at least one other person.

Fee Waivers:
Unsolicited/Waived for all: Penn, Cornell, Northwestern, Cal, WashU, UCLA, USC, GW, ASU, UCI, UCD, Hastings, USD, LMU, SCU, USF
Solicited (Received): UVA, BC
Solicited (Denied): Michigan, BU, Georgetown, Fordham
Solicited (Pending):

Hope this provides context and solace to others expecting an unpredictable cycle. Best of luck!!