LGBTQ, from low-income single-family home. Strong ties to California. Wrote PS about my experience founding an international NGO. DS was about my experience overcoming a childhood trauma and healing from PTSD in my adulthood. Wrote “Why Berkeley” and several other “Why X” essays and all optional essays.
Applicant wisdom
Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.
300 entries
Admitted to Northeastern UniversityMy cycle had a lot of twists and turns, it was really only at the last moment that my decision was made. Sometimes it might not be clear where you are going to end up, so if you have some setbacks don’t think it’s the end of the road yet! You might just need to wait until you get the answer you want.
It’s super easy to obsess over status checkers, Reddit, and LSD (I’m guilty of it) but try to enjoy your life as well. You’re going to get into the right place for you! Congrats on even applying- that’s more than a lot of people ever do. Good luck and if you haven’t heard it today, I’m proud of you.
I am a biochemist with a PhD and extensive laboratory experience. I don’t know what killed my applications but I wrote a lot about science and did not write a diversity statement unless required. I recently started a job as a patent examiner at the USPTO and will be attending Fordham law part time.
Ended up getting into a PhD program in a related field and opted for that. To be honest, I hated this application process and it was soul-sucking. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. That PhD applications were multitudes less stressful and demoralizing than those for law schools speaks volumes.
A cohesive narrative and clear idea of what you want to do as a lawyer goes a long way! Also apply as early as possible so you have max time for scholarship negotiations (and peace of mind).
Duke UR3 3/7 Wrote a “Why X” for most schools. Work experience in the Department of State, two Middle Eastern embassies, and extensive volunteer experience in Morocco, as well as some customer service jobs and undergraduate research. Attended top liberal arts college.
I think I underestimated how much scores really matter. But if you’re waitlisted, I would just continue following up with the school, go visit, and attend as many admission zooms as possible to show interest. That’s what worked for me. Good luck! This process is a doozie.
You got this everyone! God will lead us all to where we need to be.
Stop checking this website, it won’t make results come any faster
“Success will be your constant companion.” - My fortune cookie
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
please don’t be afraid to take a gap year (or a few) between undergrad and law school!!!! being able to articulate why law and why you’re going to be a great lawyer is more important to adcomms than what club you were president of or your favorite class
Not a bad cycle overall. I got waitlisted more than I was expecting. Some advice: show interest! If you would consider a school and hold it above another school, then go to interest meetings and schedule meetings 1:1 with admissions people.
I was an R&R after getting shut out by 10+ schools the year prior. Studied hard and boosted by LSAT by 10 points. Still a tough cycle! But it’s possible.
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.
“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.”
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