I got in because I had absolutely amazing LOR’s from nationally known advocacy groups. These were people I worked with and who know me extremely well– not just people who know me in passing. I also had a solid history of legal writings, as in motions and docketed commentary on cases, to point to. I know people who…
Applicant wisdom
Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.
46 entries
Admitted to University of Buffalo—SUNYThe lord will open the doors, just have faith. Love Jesus.
You gotta jump in to swim! When choosing which schools to apply to, I focused on location (mainly the northeast) and maximizing scholarship opportunities/minimizing debt burden. I relied on 509 reports to see which schools are the most generous with scholarships and from there, applied to mostly to schools where I…
Worked in state government as an aquatic biologist for about fifteen years, so I knew from the get-go environmental law was my main focus. Nearly all my statements - and in most cases I completed every optional essay available for each application - centered on environmental advocacy and my experience within the…
Start early, don’t cheap out on resources. You can do it!
Wait until you feel truly ready before taking the LSAT, and focus on writing great essays
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…
Apply as early and broadly as you possibly can. If you’re not BigLaw-or-bust, don’t go to the fanciest school that accepts you. Go to any school with adequate career outcomes that you personally like and can most easily afford. If you won’t be satisfied outside the T14, be prepared to R&R no matter your stats.
One of my loved ones reminded me recently how proud they are that I am taking this first step, and I (a random internet stranger) am proud of + admire all of you. Truly, **we worked hard to get here and will do/are doing what we can for applications. Sending good vibes! And I am manifesting that your application…
ask for letters of rec MONTHS in advance!! have back-ups ready as well if you can, i literally got completely ghosted by a professor and a dean after they agreed to letters. waiting up on these letters cost me about a month and a half because i couldn’t submit without them
Use the 509 reports and the LSAC website data for school acceptance rates based on LSAT/GPA. I used LSAT Demon to study. Their scholarship estimator will give you important info about likelihood of scholarships based on your numbers. Apply early in the cycle. Good luck!
I wrote almost every optional statement, a diversity statement detailing how my background has shaped my experience /will influence my future legal perspective, and used GPA+LSAT addenda to balance my app as a splitter and explain a 16 point increase on the LSAT.
Don’t be desperate and shoot for the stars. ABA reports are bible. Some schools are just not a good fit, and unexpected wins will come! Use the loophole to study for the lsat.
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
APPLY TO LAW SCHOOL. Don’t let anyone discourage you. Go to the best school that gives you the most money!!!!!!! I will only be including the day sent and when I received a decision date because law schools will take years to get back to you with a decision.
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
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.
Make sure to be honest with your character and fitness issues. Focus on how you learned from the event and why it won’t happen again, on top of how you are determined to excel as a result.
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