So i took the September LSAT, and i didn't get what i needed, so I will be taking it again in November. I haven't started applying anywhere since my score wasn't high enough, but should i be starting my applications? I already have my letters of recommendation, and I want to have my applications completed by the end of December. How much time should I expect to set aside for the application process, and should I be starting now even though I'm waiting on my next LSAT score?

Hey guys, just curious as to what an individual should do at a law school information session if he or she is applying next cycle?

Thank you~

Some law school applications ask, "Are you applying, or have you applied, to other law schools? If so, please list them." This questions is typically marked as optional within the "Law School Interest" section.

Should we disclose this information or leave it blank? What are the advantages/disadvantages of listing all or some of the schools to which we are applying?

How long should a personal statement be? I have heard different things on different sites - some saying 1-2 pages and others saying a max of 3. I am asking this because mine is 2 full pages right now and I feel like it may be longer with my friends' editing/comments on how I can better improve it.

Thanks!

I'm reaaally struggling with the idea of balancing Applications and studying. For those of us testing in November, I figured we want to get our apps in asap once our scores come back. But I'm leaning toward waiting to do my apps until after I take the test because I've read the admissions centers are closed for holidays anyways so it makes no sense to apply in the middle/end of December. That would give me about a month and a half to complete all my apps. Is that enough time for a solid application?

Ok, about that time again. I finally have a full re-write of my PS that I'd love for someone to read over for me. Happy to read your PS, DS, or other essay in exchange! Thanks fam.

Hey all,

While waiting for my Oct LSAT score, I am preparing to ED either NYU or Cornell because I want to work in NYC after law school. However, I am a bit uncertain as to how to choose my ED school wisely to maximize my chances.

Basic info:

International;

167 LSAT; waiting for Oct LSAT- felt good about it so probably would be higher than 167;

3.41 UGPA but has a valid reason for writing a good addendum, according to some responses I got here. ESL and last two years GPAs were 3.88 and 3.75. Political Science major;

Diversity- I identify as LGBTQ;

2 years out of undergrad- did a master of social work degree in another country;

Strong rec and extracurricular- I have a strong focus in social entrepreneurship and social work, and won a fellowship to deliver a social innovation project in a another country during my senior year in college. Will hope to do some sort of social entrepreneurship and law work after law school.

What do you all think? Where should I submit my ED to to boost my chances? I am open to suggestions other than NYU and Cornell as well.

Much appreciated,

TC

I am having trouble deciding where to discuss my chronic illness - in my Personal Statement or in my Diversity Statement. I was diagnosed epilepsy when I was a child, but things have gotten much more severe in the last ~5 years. My struggles in recent years have really shaped me, and I feel that they do a pretty good job of showing who I am as a person in a positive light. Overall, I think this is the most meaningful topic that I have to discuss in my admissions essays. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on which essay I should use this topic for? Or if I could potentially use the topic for both?

If I don't write about my illness in my Diversity Statement, I honestly have zero idea what I would write about. I do not have a very diverse background otherwise. If I don't write about it in my Personal Statement, I think I could come up with something else to write about, but I don't think it would be nearly as compelling. Since the Personal Statement is more significant in the application, I am not sure that I should sacrifice a stronger essay in order to have a topic that seems applicable to the Diversity Statement. At the same time I am still questioning whether it is a good idea to have a neurological disability be at the center of my application - I have been told by many that it is not uncommon for people (even those on a law school admissions panel) to associate an illness like mine with being mentally handicapped which could me a serious negative on my application.

I am just about ready to apply but when going to upload my resume a few law schools (only on LSAC, not on their websites) said to include some version of this information on the resume:

-List your extracurricular activities since entering undergraduate school, the hours per week devoted to such activities, and the dates of the activities.

-List your positions of employment since high school (either full- or part-time), the number of hours per week devoted to each position, and the dates of employment.

I'm a non-traditional student who graduated in 2010 and has been working as a full-time high school teacher. I do not remember all of my hours and odd jobs and extracurriculars. Also, adding these details would push my resume past 2 pages. Has anyone had a similar experience who applied? What did you do? Any advice?

A little over a week ago I submitted my law school applications. It was quite a relief. However, shortly after a very significant life event occurred that I'd like to speak about on my application. Is it possible to reach out to admissions offices and submit a supplementary essay? Would asking to do this look bad? I honestly have no clue who to talk to about this so any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

For those of you who have submitted the Columbia App, anybody can't log in to the portal? Mine was saying there was a technical issue since I got the original email. Thanks

When I began formulating my personal essays/statement, I tried to focus on providing an interesting narrative that I thought helped to explain how different specific events have lead me to a way of approaching the idea of the law. I've tried to maintain a narrative form, rather than going all-out abstract essay.

However, I was recently reviewing some personal statements online, and I noticed that a number of people made note of their academic achievements. For instance, UofT, arguably Canada's #1 law school, provides this online document for prospective applicants: https://www.law.utoronto.ca/documents/JD/UofT_Law_Personal_Statements_Examples.pdf

What have other people's experience been with this? Is it best to "slip" these in? Gotta say, when I've tried to work them in so far, I kinda feel like a prig.

Hello! I'm revising my PS currently and am wondering about using non-English words in the essay, as well as more technical words vs "common" words. For example, using "Pipipi snail" instead of "black nerite." Even then, should I just say "sea snail?" Or another example, using "a'a" or "basalt" vs "lava rock." I assume everyone knows what basalt is, but then again, maybe not! I know they're smart people, but I'm not sure how much knowledge I should assume the readers should have. It's part of my upbringing and general knowledge to use these words, and I feel it's more authentically myself to use the words I've used, but I'm paranoid they won't know what I'm talking about so should I use simpler words for the admission's officers clarity? Thanks for any help!

My Stats: 3.82 162. Top tier research University.

Work experience in fed government internship, and in public interest law organization for an internship. Experience at a software startup too and currently working as a paralegal in SF Big Law firm.

Study abroad experiences in Asia.

Languages include Mandarin.

I’m also a non-AA URM.

So: should I maximize my chance at NYU by EDying? My goal is for NYC Big Law and eventually government work. I really like the school’s vibe; I had a great experience touring the school. If I get a Root-Tilden, it’s a done deal. But my lsat is low!

I am applying to Cal, Harvard, Columbia, and UChicago

Any shot at those?

My PS and DS and LORs are strong.

Hi! I am an international student who studied in a liberal arts college in the states and had a cumulative gpa of 3.41.

Although my cumulative gpa is low, a closer look would reveal a significant and consistent upward trend in my grades. Specifically, it went like 2.98, 3.23, 3.88, and 3.75 for my four years (my major gpa was 3.7 in political science), and the courses I took increased in difficulties as I progressed (especially the last two years,where I took high level political science and economic classes). I had been educated in a drastically different country and English was my second language when I got into college, and adjusting to that new environment was definitely a challenge.

I was wondering how strong a case I can make, given these facts, and how much would it matter for T14 law schools when they look at my gpa.

Thanks in advance!

TC

So, I was reviewing my application form. I was pressing buttons to see how to use one of my LSAC CAS Report waivers and I used ended up submitting the app which I didn't think was possible since I did not have a LSAT score. So, does this negatively effect me? Do I need to resubmit the app in December when I get my November score back?

Hey ya'll --

About 4 years ago I participated in a peaceful, organized protest that involved a sit-in. I was arrested for something like "blocking passage" (I think in DC it might be called "Crowding, obstructing, or incommoding"). Basically, I was taken to a processing center with the other protestors, paid a nominal fee (something like $75-$100) and went on my merry way. All of this was planned--and I had gone to a session on peaceful civil disobedience beforehand / knew that the arrest would take place.

That said, I'm looking for advice discussing this on the character and fitness portions of applications. Are any of ya'll going to have to disclose something similar? And does anyone have any insight into how admissions committees view these types of things?

Also, is anyone going to be listing traffic incidents on their apps? (Ex., a ticket for a red light).

Many things to anyone that can respond --

Kyle

I'm considering applying next year but my teachers are already on their way sending the letters of recommendation to LSAC. So... would law schools dislike letters written the year before?

Hi again everyone,

So according to the Law School Predictor tool on here, I have a 77% chance to one of my target schools, Texas Tech if I were to submit my app in October.

Stats: URM/GPA: 3.39/ LSAT: 144, 147, and recently 150 for the Sept. exam

I am also registered for the November exam, however I think realistically i'd only be able to raise my score another 2-3 points...shooting for 5 though :p

Should I just submit my application to this school already, or should I just take a gamble and wait/hope for a better score? I'm really concerned because my chances drop to 68% in December (when I assume scores come out and I'd submit my app) if I stay with the same score or possibly lower the score :o

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks a bunch!

My graduating GPA is on the lower side, and I don't believe it's representative of my ability to succeed in law school but wanted to see how others read my explanation in terms of whether it would make for a productive addendum or not.

I started undergrad as a dual degree student pursuing piano performance and financial math, with music being my primary focus. I had a severe injury (from bad posture and over-practicing) which resulted in eight months off piano entirely. As someone who had envisioned a career as a performer since around 11, it had consequences on my mental health --- not to mention I had a lot more time on my hands to think about what it was that I really wanted to pursue. This was all in the first two years of undergrad and my GPA was low and unstable during this time.

My third year, I switched to Sociology and Philosophy, and it proved to be a fitting switch. I maintained a 4.0 while taking graduate-level courses, writing an honors thesis, and working 3 research jobs on top of a full course load (5-6 upper level courses). I feel that my physical injury and "wrong major" story go hand in hand because the injury gave me a chance to switch into something that I was better at. Does a GPA addendum seem appropriate given these circumstances? I'm very wary about my addendum coming across as an excuse or an attempt to justify my sub par grades. Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

I currently have a score on file (my score was a 168) - am wondering if I should go ahead and submit my apps or wait until the november test? hoping to break 170

When you get that wonderful call from the Dean of one of your top choices offering you admission, do you send a thank you email? I really am appreciative and happy; but is there a protocol to these things?

Hello,

I recently found this site and what a great resource! I am struggling with writing two addendum's that I need for my applications. If anyone is willing to take a look and let me know your thoughts I would greatly appreciate it. The first situation is that I have a cumulative GPA of only 3.02 (my graduating GPA is a 3.23) and I need to write an explanation (or do I?).

As you will see or have already seen, my education has had a life-changing effect on my life. I was not always aware of the keys that an education would be able to give me. Prior to giving birth to my first child, at 18, and during my pregnancy, I was given the opportunity to take running start classes at a local community college. I did not do well in these classes, in fact, I did quite badly. At that time, I did not know the opportunity that I was being given and I did not appreciate it. After I began taking paralegal classes and working toward my Associate of Technical Arts degree in Paralegal Studies, I became aware of how much my education would play in my, and my families, future. I did well in my legal classes, both when completing my ATA and my BA. As you can also see, I have not been a student since 2011 and I have most definitely matured and grown as a person and student.

The second addendum that I need to write is regarding gaps in my education/employment.

There are two large gaps in my education and employment history. The first gap was after I graduated with my BA degree and I was pregnant with my youngest son. Due to my high-risk pregnancy, I was unable to take on a full-time position. I was unemployed until the Christmas season when I was hired as a seasonal sales associate at Macy’s until my son was born just prior to Christmas. After giving birth to my son, I was unemployed for eight months while I struggled to find employment in the legal field with my limited experience. I have only had one other gap in employment since I returned to work in 2012, which was when I left a position that was not a good fit for me and I was unemployed for 2 months before I found a new position.

I should add that the first addendum is not required, but the second is. Also, my LSAT score is 75% or higher for all the schools I am applying to.

Thanks in advance!

Anyone interested in critiquing or swapping with my PS? Any feedback would be appreciated. PM or comment below. Thank you!

Will it negatively affect anything in the admissions process to be a dual citizen (American and UK)? I've lived in America most of my life but was born in the UK and spent the first two years of my life there. My parents are American. I wouldn't have worried about it except my mom started saying it might affect financial aid somehow. Does anyone know about this?

I need to disclose it - one of my applications specifically asks.

I asked an admissions dean at the school, but the conversation wasn't the best. He was late for a meeting and thought at first I didn't even know if I was an American. I explained and asked if it would affect anything on the application and he said "no," but he was in such a hurry I ended up hanging up feeling embarrassed and worried.

Definitely overthinking this but any help would be appreciated!