Looking to start a group that meets Thursdays midday or morning in Athens, GA. I am in the 150's right now and looking to make the jump to 160 by June. Hoping to have some accountability partners!
@TRenato I have an internship in a DA's office in a judicial circuit in my hometown and I start a job this fall with the Southern Poverty Law Center. Really hoping this will give me a bit of the experience they want? I know my age is my downfall. Law schools want different perspectives in the classroom, so in my opinion, why wouldn't they want someone who's gone an untraditional route? I really am terrified of that though.
@JacobBaska I appreciate a thorough response. Unfortunately, I am applying to this program because if I get in, it will be fully paid for, along with my PhD. I can't afford graduate school otherwise. Outside of this scenario, I would be totally open to the idea. I'm sure it will all work out the way it's meant to be, whether I get accepted or not. Thank you for your answer and it definitely leaves me with things to think about!
@danjpeach96 Oh I know better than to write that on my PS, but I'm TERRIFIED I won't get in.
I've been listening to the 7Sage admissions podcast and panicking. I was wondering if I could get a second opinion on my chances of getting into Penn State Dickinson Law? Preferably from @JacobBaska :), but I'll take ANYTHING!
I am a junior at Penn State, studying Human Dev. & Family Science, minor in Social Justice. 3.92 GPA, 1500+ hours of volunteer work, have worked 30 hours a week through college, involved with SGA as a chair, and involved with THON (largest student-run philanthropy in the nation) as a chair as well.
However, I was placed on academic probation at a community college when I dual enrolled. I had a 1.9 GPA due to me taking 15 hours of straight sciences. Being homeschooled, I had no clue how bad testing effected me. I thought it was my study habits. I sought help, found a therapist, and have many coping strategies now. However, I did not meet SAP even after being diagnosed with panic disorder and severe OCD. I hope to write an addendum.
I have obviously well recovered since then, but I completely forgot the LSAC could see the mistakes I made at 13 years old. Yes, I was 13 in dual enrollment. I am 16 now. I've got LSAT age waivers and accommodations to help me take the test in June 2026. I would be 17 when I start law school next year.
As far as the LSAT goes, my first diagnostic score was 139 on March 10th. As of today, my PT is averaging 150. 11 pt increase in a month isn't awful, but I have less than 2 months to go. I'm aiming for a 165, in hopes that I at least make a 155 (median admittance score). Is that increase possible? If not, will I be able to get in, even with my awful past issues?
I've heard they give priority to PSU undergrads, so maybe that will be in my favor? My personal statement also covers why it's my dream school. I want to use my JD to open a non-profit benefitting children and families of color in poverty in Philadelphia and Penn State Law has so many awesome clinics. They also founded an anti-racist institute. I feel like I am a perfect fit and I would give my firstborn child to get in.
In my view: accommodations level the playing field. They don't give you an advantage; they simply just give you a boost up to where you can compete with every neurotypical/physically able person. I have great accommodations I am happy to use. I know there is some stigma around it, but I promise it's a great thing in the long run!
@TRenato I totally see why they would. I guess to my family and I, it's pretty normal to us by now. So many people in undergrad didn't even know I was 14, 15, etc. That does make sense, thanks!