Splitterforthestars '25–'26 app cycle

Tell a good story and make your own luck. Leaving my advice below for supersplitters:

3.1 / 173 / non-URM
Applied for full-time only.

I went to a top 20 undergrad. I don’t think this moves the needle much, but it is maybe indicative that I have academic potential. I did not major in a STEM/ IP applicable major. There is an upward trend in my grades.

I had one year of work experience at the time of applying, and was one year out of college. I work for a top company in a competitive industry. I had work experience + club involvement in my college years tying to my current industry. I wrote my personal statement about these work experiences, and tied it to why law, also focusing on why that practice area.

I don’t know what exactly qualifies as T-2 softs. I don’t think I have anything out of the extraordinary, but I would not think too many applicants have similar work experience, given that the earning potential is similar to biglaw and they would not choose to leave, especially in a very competitive entry-level market, as is the case in 2025. Other applicants who do have similar experience probably also have a high gpa and are not splitters lol. This is all speculation though, and I really have no clue. I would credit my acceptance to my work experience and strong essays.

I had extenuating circumstances that affected my performance in undergrad which I explained in a gpa addendum. I connected my statement of perspective to these circumstances and explained how I grew and how I would show up as a lawyer. I had no C&F issues.

I wrote a GULC optional essay, no video. Whether ED and applying early gives a small boost is debatable. What I do think is true: if you are a supersplitter, there is a drag if you apply late. There is simply less room for less than perfect applicants later in the cycle. Dean Andy has stated for GULC specifically that there is a small boost for applying ED. For me GULC was my top choice as I am looking to be in the DMV area. I worked on all my application materials over the summer so they were ready to go in September.

If you are still in undergrad, please get off of LSD and reddit and go study for your classes. Do everything you can to graduate with a 3.0+. Below a 3.0, you will likely be axed from most of the T-14 despite anything else you show. If you are about to graduate/recently graduated with a low gpa, go get some work experience. It doesn’t have to be corporate–just do something meaningful! There are so many amazing volunteer opportunities. Had I managed a 3.5 gpa and/or worked for 3+ years, I probably would have been competitive for every law school I was at/above median for.

If you are a super-splitter, let my dot be hope! But please remember, your stats twin is not you. What worked for me or someone else is likely neither sufficient nor necessary for you. If you are not in a rush, I’d maybe also wait a couple years until the law school applicant surge is over. You’ve probably lived a more interesting life than you think. Look deep, find the story, and share it with adcomms.