So I am a single mom with a 3.5 year old. I went back to finish my undergrad when he was 4 months old. I graduated last December but decided to take a year off so my son would be a little older. Undergrad was difficult with a young infant. I was able to live with my parents which was a great help. I also worked part-time during this time. My decision to delay a year was entirely motivated by childcare considerations. Depending on the city where you live childcare for a preschooler can be anywhere from $700-1500/month for M-F morning to late afternoon care. If I waited a year then he would be in pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade for my 1lL, 2L, and 3L versus two more years of pre-k and then kindergarten during 3L. Because when I move for law school I will have significantly less family near by I chose my number #1 school based off the availability of family grad student housing, on-site childcare, local public schools, and ease of living.

Everybody handles parenthood differently, and you might not get pregnant immediately either. I know some people try and time it a certain way, but those first few months are rough for anyone. I kind of feel like this could be a set of options for the writing sample at the end of the LSAT because it can be argued both ways, and there really isn't a correct answer. In some ways you might have more flexibility as a student parent than as a working parent---but as a first time parents it might not seem that way. I will say that for myself I am glad that I had a kid earlier than later. By the time I graduate law school I will be in my early thirties, but my son will already be in elementary school. I am not planning on having more kids so I look forward to having him out the house while I am still in my forties =)

Man I got scheduled both those nights =/

I asked for all of my LORs over e-mail this summer (graduated last December) BUT I had great relationships with all three professors. I had visited all of them during office hours. Took multiple classes with two of them (2 with one, 4 with the other) and got all A's. My major was fairly small so I knew they hadn't forgotten me. I will be following up completed LORs with personally delivered thank you notes and baked goods =)

I would ask in person if

a) there is a chance they will not remember you

b) you got anything less than an A in their class

c) you never met with them outside of class

d) you are uncertain they will provide a STRONG letter

I also tailored each letter to the professor and offered to come in for office hours in the fall or send additional information (such as a resume).

Count me in!