7-10 splitter.

Written 2/5/2025 - 2/7/2025:

A mixture of immaturity, aimlessness, and trauma from being violently victimized led to years of very poor performance. Rock bottom performance. Performance so poor you would think that my goal was to do poorly. I’m saddened that I didn’t give myself the best chance at academic success, i.e. withdrawing from university for a year or so to get my head straight after what happened to me, but I’ve forgiven myself–and so should you if you’re down on yourself about your grades.

I’m taking the LSAT on Saturday, February 8th. My past 5 prep tests I’ve averaged 178 including two 180s, and the total average for all my prep tests is marginally above 174. I’m hopeful for an exceptional score that will help lend credence to the idea that I’m academically capable.

Obviously haven’t applied yet. This is my list, I think. Kentucky would be the most enjoyable and I think objectively best place for me to end up, especially with my wife. It is close to family, she has professional connections there, and it would be good for her career. It’s been our long-term goal to settle and raise a family in Kentucky, and I don’t really want to renege on that. If you’re planning on a long career in law in Kentucky, I can’t imagine a degree from Kentucky would hold you back!

That being said, if I were to get into a T-14 (highly, highly unlikely), it will pose a serious conundrum for me if I have to choose between a T-14 and Kentucky. A T-14 could really open up doors that Kentucky might not. Also, I don’t think UK is known for being generous with their scholarships, which might pose another problem. I’m not going to go 100k into debt for a shot at making 85k a year. I would be lying if I said I didn’t find the possibility of a Cravath scale salary tempting, which WashU could offer me, for example. I have to balance that with my own morals and principles though. I want to go into law to be a servant. I don’t think that necessarily precludes doing a couple of years building up a nest egg, though. Having a solid financial foundation could give me the confidence needed to take a low paying PD job. A high salary could also be a pair of golden handcuffs though, and I don’t think I’m immune to lifestyle creep.

I think realistically, I can expect an A at WashU with GPA redacted, and I’m very hopeful for an A at UK. I’ll bet a lot of schools have hard cutoffs at 3.5 or 3.0 with no exceptions, no matter how “holistic” they may be. Even with a solid GPA addendum and a strong upward trend, I didn’t exactly finish strong, and it’s going to be a giant glaring red flag for anyone looking at my application.

There are very few 7-10 splitters on here, so part of me wants to send out a bunch of apps just to get some more data points for someone like me in the future; alas, applications cost a lot of money, and I don’t make a whole lot of that. I’m also incredibly frustrated by the amount of super-mega-ultimate splitters who set their profiles to private or don’t leave any details of their story on their profile. I promise I will leave mine up and spare no detail! I also just made a fresh reddit account which will probably be easy to find by googling my stats (once I get my LSAT score back). Feel free to reach out on there, and I’ll try to remember to check it every once in a while.

2/8/2025:

Took the LSAT today. Felt fine about it. Here comes 18 days of agonizing worry.

2/20/2025:

Seriously losing my mind over here. I have developed a fear that somehow, when I finished my test at the testing center, I didn’t properly submit it or something. Or what if they put a score hold on me? Only six days left to wait, but it feels like forever. I think I’m going to try to play a lot of Balatro to take my mind off of things.

2/25/2025:

One more day left to wait! I haven’t decided my score opening procedure yet. Part of me wants to wait until the evening so my wife can be with me, the other part of me knows I will not be able to focus at work while I wait. I could just facetime her at 9:00 while I open it? I don’t know. This is as much her score as it is my score.

Evening update: I am going to get Costco hot dogs and a DOUBLE CHUNK CHOCOLATE COOKIE to ease my nerves. Maybe some Costco whiskey for good measure.

2/26/2025:

Feeling crushed. I underperformed. Yes, I got a good score, but it wasn’t what I am capable of. My prep tests suggest I should have scored around 178. I’ll just have to make peace with this.

174 is at or above median everywhere but Yale, and I can be glad about that, but it is also substantially lower than what I was expecting, and I can be sad about that. It’s just frustrating. I definitely counted my chickens before they hatched. I should be stoked about my score. Actually, I need to be forward looking–I want to practice law and serve others and this score enables that! Hallelujah!

I don’t think a retake is warranted here. A school that won’t take me with a 174 probably won’t take me with a 178 either. Retaking with a 174 might even be looked down on. I have all day today and tomorrow to decide whether or not to retake in April.

Next step is focusing fully on my essays and securing letters of rec. I already have two professors in mind, and I’ll ask for one from my boss in a couple of months here.

P.S. Those Costco hot dogs last night were very good. The DOUBLE CHUNK CHOCOLATE COOKIE was somewhat lacking.

4/3/2025:

I realized that I hadn’t updated this in a while. Not much has happened in terms of getting ready for law school applications. Eventually I need to reach out to old professors to write LOR, but that is the only thing coming up on my radar. I’ve worked on some essays a bit, but I can’t seem to find the right words or the right story. I had an essay I liked, and everyone I know who I showed it to absolutely loved it, but it got poopood by a couple people on a discord server so I’m second guessing it a bit. Not to toot my own horn, but I have legitimately won multiple writing competitions in undergrad (for two essays, for various poetry, and for a short story), so I trust my writing as a default, but I want to take feedback into account as well.

Mostly I’ve been trying to make sure this is the path I want to march down. 3 years is a long time to be in school in your late 20’s, and 35 years is a long career to be doing something you wish you weren’t. I’ve been reaching out to any and all lawyers I know and asking them about their careers–people who really know me well and know my personality and my strengths and weaknesses. I haven’t heard anything thus far that really made me second guess going into law.

The only big hang up I have is billable hours, but I think that’s something I could get over, and also I do have an interest in becoming a prosecutor which negates that a bit (if I went down that path). I’m not allergic to long hours, I just want to make sure that I have enough time for family and can go play golf on the weekends for example.

That’s all to say, I still think this is the correct choice for me, and I am continuing down this path with that understanding that things can change. I’m also more risk adverse after mistiming my entry into the tech field. I graduated right as massive layoffs were happening and it’s still very very difficult to find a good job writing code. I know that law is “oversaturated” as well, but I feel confident enough that if I do well my first year, and get a summer internship, and graduate in the top quartile of my class that I can be guaranteed a reasonably successful career. Of course, I could be naive in thinking that as well. It could very well be the case that in four years’ time I’ll be exactly where I am in a shitty economy with fleeting job prospects. It could also be the case that I absolutely beef my first year of law school, and can’t find any summer internships, and graduate in the bottom half of my class. That part is up to me, though, and I wouldn’t let that happen.

5/20/2025:

I have two professors who have agreed to write LoR for me! Woo-hoo! I’m also going to ask my boss to write one for me. I’ve been frank with him that I want to go to law school and that I’ll be leaving this job next summer, and he has been very supportive. I think especially being a little bit out from school and being a tiny bit older than most students, it would help my application to have an employer written LoR.

Next up is completing all of the essays I need to write. I reread my personal statement. Admittedly maybe I looked at it too fondly. There are some great aspects of it, but I definitely need to write many disparate drafts of a PS to home in on what exactly I am trying to convey about myself. I’ll even write drafts of the personal statements that break all of the rules that I could never send in, because I like breaking writing rules and conventions. For example, my faith is very important to me, but it is generally not advised to write about your faith at all on a PS. What does a personal statement look like that talks about the parable of the talents? I don’t know, but I’ll find out, and I’ll learn more about what I want to say by doing it. What does a trauma dump PS with vivid imagery look like? Let’s write it and see!

I also need to write a GPA addendum, and what I’m really dreading is the “Why X law school?” essays. I refuse to be dishonest in my writing, but my “why” might not read well to admissions (though I can be tactful when needed). “I want to go to X law school because graduates from your school make $200k and I would like to make $200k” or “I want to go to your school because it’s close to my family and friends, and I would l like to live near my family and friends” or perhaps the worst “I do not want to go to your school, but if the decision is between going to your school and not starting law school this year, I will choose your school”.

There’s some humor to be had in “why x law school” though, for example at UK, if I get in and decide to go there, I am unironically very much looking forward to student tickets to basketball games and going to Keeneland. Like I just love the school, city, and culture. I think something like that reads well as a tertiary reason.

8/13/2025:

They finally brought the words of wisdom back! Hurrah! I did lose some of what I wrote here previously, though. Oh well.

Still writing essays. Have 2 LoR in, waiting on the third. Got an invite for a pre-application interview at WashU. Excited to do it, but also dubious of its value when the interviewer hasn’t yet read my application materials. Did give me a bit of an ego boost, which is probably the intended effect.

8/27/2025:

I officially have the 3 LoR I have requested, ironing out my school list, ironing out my essays, feeling excited! Hoping to have all of my applications in by September 7th.

I have also written my GPA addendum, my C&F addenda. Academic Probation for a couple of semesters throughout my academic career, Terminated from a job–I don’t understand why that is a C&F issue if you weren’t fired for something reflecting on your character, though, and finally my first semester of school they found a beer can in the common area of my dorm room over winter break and I took responsibility for that. Had to pay to take an alcohol safety class. Hadn’t thought about that at all until I started reading the C&F questions for various schools. I don’t think any of my C&F answers are disqualifying, but it does make me nervous to have to answer “yes” to three questions.

UPDATE TODAY: Decided to just send in an application to get my first one out of the way. ASU baby! They sent me a CAS waiver, so I figured why not? I didn’t do the elevator pitch, but then again I’m not really comfy talking in front of a camera anyways.

9/5/2025:

I have four apps out. Already feeling the nerves. Trying to stop myself from catastrophizing, but I’m very worried that, even with my story and my LSAT, my LCAS GPA is going to be disqualifying for UK. If I don’t get in, one of Cincinnati, NKU, or Louisville will take me, I’m sure. But that’s really worst case scenario.

I’ve also decided to send out some apps to T14’s. I don’t expect to get into any of them, and truthfully UK makes more sense for my life, but at the very least I think it would be nice to have a choice. Like it’s one thing to say, “this is the life I’ve chosen” when you didn’t have any choices; it’s another thing to turn down a T14, Biglaw, prestige etc. for the life you want.

9/9/2025:

Alright, gang. Got an interview invite from WashU today, which I am taking as a very good sign. They had invited me to do a pre-application interview in August, which I did. I don’t care to get inside the head of admissions, but seems slightly redundant to me.

My status checker with WashU changed from “under redacted review” to literally no status today as well. Don’t know what that’s about. Will try to ask about it in my interview tomorrow if I get the opportunity/it feels right. It’s nuts how neurotic this process is making me.

Going to need a long, long vacation when this is all over.

9/11/2025:

My WashU interview went absolutely swimmingly. The interviewer told me that due to how crazy last cycle was, that admissions probably won’t be releasing any decisions for a long time. That is in line with the “application complete” email I received last week which said most decisions will be made after January 1st.

To me, that is a bit worrying. My fear is that they are trying to gauge if they can push their LSAT median to 175–in which case I will be below median. That is not up to me, however.

Yesterday I also received a fee waiver from Vanderbilt, which I understand I am practically disqualified from due to my GPA, and George Washington, so I plan on getting those applications out shortly.

9/17/2025:

Starting to get used to the waiting game! Plenty of applications left to send. Fee waivers still rolling in every day. Did my Northwestern Kira last night, I just winged it and I think I did okay. It feels so uncomfortable just talking to a screen though. I really didn’t like it one bit.

9/17/2025:

Got an ASU interview invite yesterday. Scheduled it for next week. Going to do all the research I can on ASU, as well as maybe write a “Why ASU” and see if admissions will allow me to tack it on to my application. I didn’t do their optional video either because I hate taking videos of myself (the Northwestern Kira made me want to die lol).

Still need to get all of my other applications out… Really dragging my feet.

10/9/2025:

Went to a work conference last week, did my ASU interview as soon as I got back. I think it went well. It felt pretty casual and it was a 3L interviewing me who honestly didn’t seem super interested in doing an interview–just read off of the script and gave canned responses.

Need to apply to more schools. Very very nervous about my 174 for WashU. I keep cycling between it’s so over and we’re so back. In any case, I’m going to send Vandy an app because they waived my fee, UNC because that would be a good spot to end up for me, USC, U Cincinnati, U of Louisville, GW, W&M, Georgetown because why not, U Tennessee, idk where else. But it’s a competitive cycle and I have a giant glaring red flag so I need to apply broadly. Still debating schools like UVA, Duke, and UMich because I don’t think they have ever accepted a nURM sub 3, but also I would be glad to attend them so maybe it’s worth the application fee?

10/13/2025:

Met up with some friends in Nashville this weekend for a Tyler Childers concert, had an absolute ball! Unfortunately the law building is closed on weekends, so I couldn’t go inside, but I walked around Vanderbilt’s campus and got to see the outside of the law building at least. Gorgeous campus, beautiful town, plenty to do. They sent me a fee waiver early in the application season, and I started the app but I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it. Worked up the courage to hit send, and I’ve applied to Vandy ED! Obviously my GPA is probably disqualifying, but it’s not up to me to decide whether or not I should be admitted. I would love to go to Vandy, so I sent in the app, and that’s that.

My wife has professional connections in Nashville, and she likes the city so it would be a good spot for us to end up at. Also looking at Vandy’s employment stats, it seems like the value offer is immense. About a 5 hour drive from home for us, so not too far away from family, and only 3 hours from really close friends. We’ll get a two bedroom and invite people down all the time!

10/14/2025:

Just feeling intense anxiety and dread today and I’m not sure why. Feel like I’m marching to my doom. Anywho. Tried to send in an app to U Cincinnati earlier, but found out they won’t even begin to review your app until you are freed from any binding early decision obligations, i.e. because I applied to Vandy ED (who will definitely not take me) they won’t look at my app until after December. So, I’ll hold off on sending my app to them.

I feel worse and worse about my GPA and LSAT by the day. I just really need a school to take a chance on me. But I might not deserve one.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE:

The Lord heard my cries. A at ASU. I feel so incredibly blessed and relieved and thankful. I am going to become a lawyer. No matter what happens the rest of this cycle, I am going to become a lawyer. I’m going to get to work with smart, talented people trying to make the world a better place.

10/15/2025:

The acceptance letter came last night after the video from the dean! Applied for scholarship this morning. I wouldn’t say I half-assed the scholarship application, but I probably 75%-assed it. The letter said they will begin reviewing scholarship applications October 1st and then the 1st and 15th of every month, and today is the 15th, so I was hoping if I got it in before people got to work over there that maybe I could have a number today!

I’m going to try my best to remain thankful and stress free for as long as I can–ride the high of the acceptance. Yet I already feel myself returning to anxiously-waiting-and-refreshing-my-status-checker mode. Now I must wait for my scholarship application to be reviewed at ASU and get sent a scholarship package! But I’m in somewhere!

One year ago, I really didn’t think it would be possible for me to get into law school. One year ago I took a cold diagnostic for the LSAT and got a 167. One year ago, I decided, “I have but one life, I better use it wisely”. But I’ve done it! I’m going to be a freaking lawyer!

10/20/2025:

Finally got around to doing my Vandy video essay. Just did one take and clicked continue thinking I was gonna get a second chance. Whoops! Whatever my first take was fine!

I built a locally run python based status checker you can find here: https://github.com/mnovo323/LSAC-Status-Checker Give that a whirl if you want.

Otherwise, I’m feeling pretty even-keeled since getting my ASU admit. Been busy as hell with work, though. Also took last Friday off to drive 8 hours to a wedding and got back Sunday night. Just a lot of running around. Another wedding to go to this Saturday! Much to do. I think all the rush is making the time fly, though. That’s a good thing, because I really, really, really want to skip to the part where I get decisions from schools.

10/21/2025:

Just got my scholarship offer from ASU! $84,000 if I do their binding decision by February 28th, or $72,000 otherwise! That’s HALF OFF!!!! Holy freaking sh-!!!! I feel so incredibly grateful right now. I just can’t believe it. I really thought that this whole career path was cut off from me due to my GPA, but it’s not! I’M GOING TO LAW SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

10/23/2025:

Alright, back to being a little bit obsessive. I was denied a Vandy alumni interview last night, which is a bit of a bummer–but I shan’t lose hope! Obviously the chances of admittance given my GPA are an infinitesimal shy of 0%, but still it would be incredible for me and my future to get that ED from Vandy. The scholarship would be an incredible blessing, and the location is perfect.

Debating on applications to UofL and NKU. It’s the correct place, but not the correct schools. If NKU was the only school I was admitted to, I’m just not sure if I would actually be excited to go or not. UofL is an easier sell, but honestly I just don’t like Louisville all that much. Felt sketchy every time I’ve visited.

In any case, these next several weeks will be an anxious bunch for me.

10/28/2025:

Thought I should write something today. As of now, I have no new updates. Really, really hoping to start hearing back from at least Belmont and WashU soon. Someone on reddit said they did a tour at WashU and their tour guide said ED applicants should expect to hear back in late November, so I’m not holding my breath that they’ll start dropping decisions soon.

Belmont had some movement yesterday, of course I applied only two weeks ago, so I can’t really expect to hear back very soon.

Both Cornell and Vandy no II, which obviously I expected, but would have been cool! Stay in school and try harder, kids.

11/5/2025:

Okay, no offense WashU, but you guys are straight up EVIL for sending TWO DIFFERENT EMAILS with the subject, “WashU Law Application Update” with no real updates.

11/17/2025:

WashU’s class profile last cycle just came out: 175 median. I’m boned. Almost certainly won’t be getting in. I’m feeling an insane amount of regret for not retaking the LSAT when I was PTing at 180, but what’s done is done. Onward and upward, comrades.

11/18/2025:

Belmont status checker went blank yesterday at approximately 3:00 PM EST. No updates from them since. Seems like they’ve been doing things on Monday, so I’m not sure what timeframe I should expect to hear from them. Hoping soon haha

12/2/2025:

Long time no see. Dodged a big R wave from Belmont yesterday, so that’s good. Based on historical waves, I expect to hear from UK this Friday and I expect to hear from Vandy on the 16th. Trying my hardest to not crash out, but I’m finding it very difficult to focus at work with all of this looming over my head.

12/4/2025:

Alright got caught up in the Cornell R wave yesterday–which was expected! Really, really hoping to hear from Belmont today and UK tomorrow. Going to spam out more apps for realsies this weekend. May be too late, but idk.

12/8/2025:

Should have sent so many more apps to so many more schools. R from Belmont this morning.