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

This cycle truly sucked, and I certainly did not manage it perfectly, but I feel like my successes all shared some common traits that are important to note. I went into the process with a very clear vision for my future: international trade law at a firm, followed by trade policy work. This was clear in all my applications, and my background (including a master’s degree) certainly fit that career path.

I didn’t rely on tutors, reviewers, or consultants for the LSAT or any applications. They’re honestly just drains on your wallet if you are willing to do some research yourself. My girlfriend read over a few of my essays, but most had no outside input.

I wrote every optional essay that I could, and I got waitlisted from every school for which I did not write a “Why [school]” essay (that was offered). If your reason for applying isn’t abundantly clear, write that essay if it is an option.

Applying early matters at some schools and not at all at others. My results showcase this perfectly. I have a personal connection to Vanderbilt, toured the school, am well above their medians, and fit one of their programs perfectly; however, I applied in November, and just about every applicant after October got waitlisted because the AdCom simply didn’t get to them. I also panic-applied to Cornell in late January (though I spent a lot of time on the application and fit their programs well) and got in because Cornell is one of the most efficient schools at getting through applications. Make sure you know if a school is a slow or a fast reviewer when considering rushing an application vs spending more time and effort on it. I knew Duke was slow going into the process but got caught unaware with Vanderbilt.

Ultimately, I got accepted to the three T14s I spent the most time and thought applying to. Your essays matter, so long as you have the stats to be competitive at the school.

Schools I gained respect for during the process: Duke, Cornell, Michigan, BU, Wake
Schools I lost respect for during the process: Georgetown, NYU, Vanderbilt, Columbia

I have personal reasons to want to be in Boston for the next three years, and I ultimately want to practice in North Carolina (hence the safeties). I went into this process realistically hoping to go to Duke, but Harvard was my top choice from day one. I am incredibly excited to attend HLS, as it’s one of the only schools that carries weight even into smaller markets. Lots of people online will tell you how good X school is because of its placement in New York or DC or Chicago, but as someone with no plans to live in those places, I appreciate Harvard’s universal pull.