SoreSecondUrchin '21–'22 app cycle Class of 2025 class year

Your stats are not everything but they are mostly everything for most applicants. Unless you have something truly extraordinary on your resume, you can predict quite accurately using this website and schools’ published averages where you will get in, or at least what level of school you will get into. So, if your gpa is lower than a goal school’s average, set your goal LSAT score a couple points above! Regardless of your stats, make sure to have a plan B for the year if things don’t work out.
If you can and are having trouble deciding, visit the schools you get into. Make sure to speak to current students when you’re there and ask questions about the student experience, outcomes, etc. All the website marketing looks the same. If you can’t make it to an admitted students day, reach out to the admissions team and ask if a student has time to give you an informal tour. Also, I found current students to be very eager/happy to share their experiences!
Apply to schools you actually want to go to! Maybe some for scholarship negotiation if you think you’re in a strong position.
Do the optional essays!! I’m not sure if there are stats on this, but it seems to make a difference.
START EVERYTHING EARLY! Essays, studying for the LSAT, whatever. If you’re a procrastinator like me, you’ll thank your past self once work picks up, you get writer’s block on your personal statement, etc. Make a timeline for when you want to complete milestones by.
Don’t forget the ultimate goal - becoming a lawyer. Make sure the school’s you’re applying to have the outcomes you want, the connections you’d need for the field/city you’re interested in working in, etc. You don’t need to decide on a career path now, but at least ensure the school has opportunities in your area(s) of interest. Also, keep in mind that a lot of people end up doing biglaw for a few years or more to pay off student loans even if that wasn’t their original goal. If applicable, are you okay with doing that? If you’re set on public interest, do the schools you are applying to have a solid LRAP program? (read the details!)

I could go on forever… GOOD LUCK! you got this, soon it will be over and you will be excited to start your law school journey :)