Wrote every optional essay to all of these applications. I didn’t keep exact track of the dates, so any of the applications where the date complete is the exact same day as the date received was just an approximation.
Applicant wisdom
Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.
416 entries
Admitted to University of MinnesotaSpend more time studying for the LSAT than you think. As long as you are still learning, you should still be studying. Take good care of yourself and take as much time off as you need between undergrad and law school.
Don’t let debt loom over your head for the next 20 years. Focus on the region you want to practice in, and the programs you’re interested in-don’t get too caught up in rankings, because it’s not worth 100k in debt.
If you talk about mental health in your application, make sure you articulate why it will not be a liability to your legal education. This is my third cycle, and I could not be happier with my decision. Go Gophers!
I’m old, fat and broken. Don’t wait until you get like me to make big changes: take chances and enjoy the ride. Undergrad in Criminology/Legal Studies, Graduate in Computer Science, 10+yrs Intelligence Community.
LSAT 170 GPA 3.74 2023–24 cycle
Attending University of California—Los Angeles
It’s good to be little, it’s good to be small. STEM major who has always had a passion for law and policy and performed better in those classes. Why: Umich, Duke, UVA, NW, GTown (optional essay + ED), NDLS, Vandy
Wrote “Why X” essays, had a pretty solid personal statement. LGBTQ. Unsure if URM or not – I’m white and “Canadian Aboriginal,” and schools seem to vary on if I count if I’m not part of a US-recognized tribe.
Brutal cycle. Did not perform even close to how I expected based off of previous years’ data (admissions & scholarship offers). LSAT medians are certainly rising. Oh, well; hopefully you all have better luck.
Don’t rush applications, and ask for help if you need it! I sent several flawed apps because I was so nervous about getting them in early, and I didn’t know who I could ask about the process (I’m first gen).
Oct 163 –> Nov 171 my #1 piece of advice is to ask for fee waivers! almost all of my waivers were solicited. i asked for them in september even though I hadn’t taken the LSAT yet and had really good luck
Don’t pay for law school! Apply to a wide variety of schools and take the offer that maximizes job outcomes and minimizes debt. Good luck!
-No “Why X”s -Professional theatre actor with some fun credits/premieres/tours. -Philadelphia resident who wanted to stay in Philly so UPenn was an easy decision to apply to and to accept.
Wisdom is forthcoming depending on how I do lmao.
Non-trad, first-gen professional applicant with a background in low-income jobs. Happy to chat with other people in similar situations about the application process — DM on Reddit (same username).
Craft a compelling narrative that connects your identity and experiences with what you want to accomplish through the law.
First generation college and professional student Decent softs: leadership positions, volunteer work with voter registration, congressional internship. Goal is graduating with minimal debt.
Wrote Why X for Georgetown, Cornell, UVA, Duke, Michigan, Notre Dame. Did Penn core strengths. Added school specific sections for NYU, Columbia, Penn, Berkeley, and UMN personal statements.
Hardly anyone knows what they’re talking about. I think it behooves you to be yourself in your applications. The reward will be acceptance to a program that reflects who you really are :)
Your study break just got better: follow @lawschooldata on Follow @lawschooldata on TikTok & Instagram