younglurch '23–'24 app cycle Class of 2027 class year

Some extra info about my application cycle:

Duke (**WL**) - Colossally slow. As a result you are better off applying before Thanksgiving as they are fairly strict in reviewing applications chronologically. Seems rare to get accepted if you apply after the end of November. Attended an info session prior to applying. Wrote “Why Duke” and another optional essay. Also included brief LSAT addendum due to significant score increase (6+ pts).

NYU (**HOLD**) - Did not write any supplemental essays. Placed on hold in March after applying in December. Withdrew prior to final decision due to deposit and withdrawal deadline at the school I was attending.

UVA (**R**) - Wrote “Why UVA” and proactively reached out to a current student to talk about the school before applying. Bummed I didn’t at least get waitlisted. Also included brief LSAT addendum due to significant (6+ pts) score increase. 

UMich (**A**) - Wrote “Why Michigan” and answered one optional essay prompt. Attended a virtual info session prior to applying. Also included brief LSAT addendum due to significant score increase (6+ pts).

NW (**WL**) - Did not submit any supplemental essays. Completed KIRA video interview. Sort of phoned this application and KIRA interview in so I was happy with the waitlist.

GULC (**A**) - Wrote both “Why Georgetown” and “Top 10” essays. Did a unique/humorous Top 10 list which I think helped me stand out. Also included brief LSAT addendum due to significant score increase. Received a group interview invite, seems like roughly a 2/3 conversion rate for group interviews. Attended a virtual info session prior to applying. Had to request merit aid form. Some are sent it, others have to ask.

UMN (**A**) - Video “interview” was easy, did not write any supplemental essays. They love high LSATs. Got scholarship info with acceptance.

Vandy (**A**) - Wrote “First interest in VLS” statement and required diversity statement. Also completed the optional short video statement in their portal. Applied too late to do alumni interview. Scholarship was received the day after acceptance. From what I’ve heard they generally don’t negotiate scholarships.

WashU (**WL**) - Did not submit any supplemental essays. Invited to interview in March after applying in December. Interview felt fast but went for the allotted time. Seems like a 50/50 conversion rate interviews.

BYU (**A**) - Applied late in February, got invited to do a phone interview with the Dean in mid-March. Was accepted less than a week later by phone, also told about scholarship during call. Great school with super cheap tuition, but not sure if I’d recommend applying if you aren’t of the LDS faith.

NDLS (**A**) - Submitted in December, heard back end of February. Wrote “Different Kind of Lawyer” and ”Why NDLS” statements. These are defacto required. They really want people who are passionate about ND. Also attended virtual info session and met with a student ambassador prior to applying. Scholarship info was sent a few days after acceptance. They included info about how to appeal the amount given with the initial award letter. 

Utah (**A –> Attending**) - Submitted in December, heard back in January. Did not submit any supplemental essays. Toured the school prior to applying. Scholarship info was sent roughly a week after acceptance.

Wound up picking Utah due to 1. Finances 2. Desire to stay by family in Utah 3. Not wanting to do big law.

GW (**A**) - Did not submit any supplemental essays. Scholarship info was sent roughly a month after acceptance.

UW (**A**) - Submitted in December, got interview invite in March. Did not submit any supplemental essays. It was their first year piloting interviews—the questions are published on their website and followed to a T so the interview was very relaxed. Seems like most who are interviewed get accepted. Was accepted on Monday after interviewing the Friday before. Scholarship info came a day after acceptance.