The best time to apply is January/February if you have good stats. Circumstances forced me to apply in March - weeks after deadlines for most schools. I fared well enough, in some cases receiving acceptances and waitlists before people who applied in October! That being said, I know my chances at T-14 schools would…
Applicant wisdom
Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.
196 entries
Admitted to University of IowaLSD is full of people who worked really hard and did significantly above average, yet are still complaining about their 170 score. You don’t need a T20 to be a good attorney. Work hard and hope for the best.
Softs details (tier 3 and 4): legal field employment - Immigration paralegal with a mid-sized firm for ~2 years (honestly love it, would consider immigration law if swayed from int’l/comparative during law school)- Academic honors/awards - graduated with major honors (completed an honors thesis), Major Dept…
Decided to apply pretty last minute so my application was somewhat rushed. Additionally, this cycle was brutal. I feel like had I had more time and a previous cycle I would have seen less wait lists and rejections. I was hoping I’d at least get into a few T14 but it was not to be. After much consideration I decided…
I would recommend writing a ‘Why X’ essay for schools you are very interested in, particularly if you are below median (see my WL offers). The only exception here for me is W&M. William & Mary - Wrote Why X. WL on 2/21, invited to interview for admission on 2/29. They were straightforward about most admissions off…
**Attending University of Minnesota off the Waitlist ** Applied in November -> WL on Jan 24 -> LOCI on Feb 9 -> A on April 6. This was totally unexpected but it came with enough scholarship money to make my decision easy. My LOCI focused on their IP concentration, my interest in staying in Minneapolis after…
142 (cold diagnostic)->151->160->154->157->162 Music Major and legal studies double major Lots of jobs in college, management experience at a major grocery chain. Other softs could be considered my degree, since I was playing lots of concerts as someone studying music. I think the musician route was compelling, but…
Non-traditional first-gen student just stumbling through this whole process. I regret not taking the LSAT again, but r&r isn’t really an option for me. My choice is ultimately coming down to Iowa, UConn, and PSU - Dickinson depending on scholarship offers. Committed and deposited at Dickinson on 3/24 Some general…
Starting to study in June for Aug, Oct, or Nov tests in preparation of attending 1L the following year will be really tough. Everyone says start early and give yourself plenty of time and it’s really the truth! 7Sage, BluePrint, and LSAT done right (tutoring) was the best for me. I wish I had started using the LSAT…
Listen to Rejuvenation by JJ Sansaverino, it’s life changing.
I concede that statistics–GPA, LSAT–matter greatly; however, don’t let this hold you back from aiming higher. I spent ample time on drafting my PS, DS, and “Interest” statements; telling each admissions committee my unique story that didn’t necessarily project an answer to “why I’m a good fit.” I simply told my…
Big tip: if you did Americorps, TFA, Peace Corps, or even just are struggling financially, ask the admissions for a fee waiver. I paid for 2 applications total, excluding the CAS Report $45 fee, and that allowed me to actually apply to multiple schools in different regions I’m interested living in. Personal…
Apply early and broadly Ask for fee waivers (many schools will gladly help offset costs if you ask for it, especially if it’s a financial hardship) Negotiate (don’t give up after the first try) - one of my offers went from 70% initial » asked for more and was told there wasn’t money »> then showed 2 other full…
Plan to take the LSAT multiple times. There’s not a cheat code, study the test but also spend time reading dense and complex material and learning logic – you want to eventually be a lawyer, after all. You don’t need to apply everywhere. Don’t check this site 20 times per day like I did. Get help with your…
My enemies are in shambles.
Culture fit is important! Join webinars and participate in the Q&A panels, connect with current students, and plan to visit if possible.
Apply wide. Really wide. Embarrassingly wide. Then let the dust settle and make the smartest boring decision available. Prestige is a fine thing until you’re paying for it with money you don’t have chasing outcomes that aren’t guaranteed. The humble path taken confidently beats the prestigious path taken anxiously…
LSAT 172 GPA 3.36 2021–22 cycle
Attending Washington University in St. Louis
I pointedly did not have a first choice school, which I think was helpful. Had a few potential red flags—lower GPA, long COVID-related employment gap, minor C&F—that turned out to be non-issues. Wrote several addenda explaining the above. My PS was completely unrelated to law, I was enamored with a creative topic I…
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