If they let you write Why X in your PS or in the application itself, write it out (or at least think it through) because it can help you figure out why you like the school other than ranking or employment rate. Don’t be scared, you will get into your dream school. I believe in you!
Applicant wisdom
Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.
183 entries
Admitted to Pennsylvania State - Dickinson LawI did not have a good excuse for my low GPA so I did not write an addendum. You can read all the advice in the world; nothing is going to stop this from being a very stressful process for you. Don’t let that affect your relationships with the people who love you.
If you are interested in a school…TOUR! All it takes is one A.
Applied to every school under the sun because I was hunting that sweet $$$$. Take advantage of fee waivers. No special softs, but strong public service resume, solid recommendations, and creative essay topic. Proud to have two T14 A’s in the cycle from hell.
Applying relatively early doesn’t mean you will hear back early. Don’t stress out about it though. Go touch some grass and get more vitamin D instead of doomscrolling
A little more info about my application: Took the LSAT once in September 2024, 164- Have a low GPA due to health issues during freshmen/sophomore year and course difficulty Have two internships, three TA positions, and my name on three published science papers
LGBTQ+, will have 1.5 years experience in public interest firm (special education) as a paralegal upon entry to law school, congressional internship. that’s about it. did not end up negotiating any scholly because i knew i was gonna end up at dickinson lol
Went complete for most around early February because I requested holds for the January LSAT. Went complete early to mid-December for NYU, American, WashU, and Michigan to meet PI scholarship deadlines. Writing LOCI’s for select waitlists.
Baffling cycle. Utterly delighted with the outcome, though. Above all: Listen to the Navigating Law School Admissions podcast https://law.yale.edu/admissions-financial-aid/jd-admissions/connect-us/navigating-law-school-admissions-podcast.
Wrote Why X and optionals Public interest law White, LGBTQ+, disabled Dean’s list Published writer, interviewed for national and international publications, professional speaker Assoc. Dir. at an advocacy nonprofit Art background
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
Shoot your shot, they can’t say yes if you don’t apply. Also, don’t apply to schools you won’t go to even if they send you fee waivers and invitations to apply. It’s a waste of time and energy for everyone, trust me I just did it
Apply to any and every school you have an interest in (ask for fee waivers), see which schools accept you, weigh the scholarships with the prestige that each school carries, and then make the best decision for your future.
Applied with a 3.84 and GPA increased after first semester senior year. I transferred after my first year at a big public school to a tiny liberal arts school I took the LSAT 3 times, with one cancel, and two kept scores
Don’t forget the personal aspect of admissions. Talk to them on the phone or via zoom and establish a connection and let them see you as a person and not just an application. Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality.
Spend 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.
Wrote a Why X Statement for: UChicago UPenn UVA Berkeley Michigan Duke Cornell Also did Stanford optional essays Sent a LOCI to UVA In early February, which turned over quickly into an interview and acceptance.
Two lessons: Apply early and don’t waste your money on LSAT prep if it ain’t 7Sage! Also, if you have the finances, shoot your shot at the reach schools. It didn’t work for me but at least I can say I tried!
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