ScaredCapriciousSatyr '24–'25 app cycle Class of 2028 class year

Luckily it worked out, but I almost had to reapply. I’ll break my advice into 2 sections.

Things I did well that I’d encourage:

1. Allowed schools to contact me through LSAC (resulting in fee waivers).
2. Contacted recommenders early and did a decent amount of essay writing over the summer.
3. Reached out to my undergrad institution’s pre-law advisor (free essay help).

Things I would do differently if reapplying:

1. Wait to take the LSAT until scoring consistently in your target range.
2. Prioritize applying to safety schools at least as much as super-reach schools (I probably should’ve prioritized applying to UC Davis over Yale, etc.).
3. If you’re trying to go to a t-14, be flexible on location. I wish I had applied to schools where I initially had reservations about the location (Northwestern, GTown). Give yourself the potential to decide later.
4. Realize your preferences and priorities might change over the course of the cycle. Apply as broadly as reasonable.
5. Use tools like LSD.law (and Reddit) to help guide your expectations but once you apply, stop checking them regularly. Checking these sites did not help me find out the timing of any of my decisions.
6. Be kind to yourself.

Good luck!!!