I applied very early due to my low UG GPA and my median LSAT score. I made sure my application was ready and reviewed to submit on the first day of applications. I decided to write all the optional essays that they offered. My reasoning is that, the more you write about yourself, the more they will get to know you. I think this can only benefit splitters like myself. I have some pretty solid softs, I’ve worked in federal government and have been in the military for the past 9 years. If you have experiences that you believe set you apart it’s important to emphasize that in your application. I interviewed with Villanova which I think helped me alot, since I wasn’t really competitive with my GPA and LSAT.