Apply to your top-choice schools last! Your application will improve as you move through the application process. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!
Applicant wisdom
Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.
6,730 entries
Scholarships are weird and take a long time for some schools. Be patient and do good research to see which schools are historically generous with aid. Did not have much luck negotiating but I only tried for the University of Maryland.
Whatever time you feel you need for the LSAT add 3 more month. Blind review is super important! Understand why the incorrect answers are wrong so you don’t fall for a similar trap later. Apply early for the best chance at your school.
2021–22 cycle
Transfer Cycle Midsize State School UGPA: 2.6 LSAT: 165 Law School Ranked in 50s 1L Fall GPA: 3.8 Fall Semester Rank: Top 5% 1L GPA: Class Rank: Georgetown and Cornell are non-binding EA submitted after fall semester.
LSAT 168 GPA 3.52 2021–22 cycle
Right, so, this cycle (2021), I applied late because I work full time abroad. Don’t do that. It’s extra disheartening to feel like if I applied earlier I would have gotten into these schools, no matter how insane this cycle has been.
Figure out what values the law school is looking for (e.g. diligence, honesty, ambition, etc.) and tailor your personal statement and essays to that. I got into William and Mary and NDLS by doing so, despite my GPA and lack of softs
If a school has an optional essay, WRITE IT. Negotiate scholarship offers, but do it wisely-prioritize leveraging other offers, being polite and realistic, and emphasize why you want to go to the school and why the school wants you.
Ultimately, this was an easy decision. As a PI applicant, my goal for the cycle was NYU or Berkeley. I am exceedingly fortunate to have received a full ride at Berkeley and after being rejected for RTK, it was a no-brainer to attend.
Probably a little cliché but if I think as long as you feel yourself coming through your applications you’ll end up where you need to – as long as you’re authentic you’ll get in somewhere where the people there are excited about you
LSAT 165 GPA 3.97 2020–21 cycle
Howdy, Y’all. Attending CofC Undergrad, Econ Major, Honors College. I spent a year as a Young Adult Volunteer though the PC(USA), so think church americorps. Applying in the 21-22 cycle so hopefully I’m helpful to someone out there
Stay off of Reddit as much as possible.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
GPA 3.28 2023–24 cycle
God doesn’t call on the qualified. He qualifies the call.
originally applied to all schools with a 159, retook in April and got a 169. probably would have had a better outcome if I had waited to apply with this better score but ending up at my top choice with a great scholarship. v happy!
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible.
Don’t let past mistakes hold you back.
GPA inflation. Don’t use AI to write your apps. Don’t apply with the GRE. Be intentional about location. Really understand the bimodal nature of law salaries and the lifestyle tradeoff vis a vis regular jobs.
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