SparklyPurpleCow '24–'25

Give yourself LOTS of time to study for the LSAT. I started studying a full year before I planned on submitting my applications, and it took me approx. 400 hours of studying spread out over 8 months for me to be happy with my score. Especially if your GPA is below the medians of the schools you’re applying to (like mine), a major investment of time and some money into the LSAT will be worth it. In the long run, it could quite literally save you tens of thousands of dollars in the form of a scholarship. Give the LSAT your all!
No matter what your stats are, take your essays very seriously. I wrote every single optional essay and tailored my personal statement to every school. I also worked with an admissions consultant (1 Source Prep) who helped me really refine my writing. I truly believe that your stats get your foot in the door and your essays are what get you admitted. Give yourself lots of time to write the best essays you can.
Think about what makes you unique and run with it. I’m from a random farming state and knew there were likely not many other applicants from this state. I also had a not-prestigious legal internship in this state that I greatly enjoyed and made me very interested in criminal law. I wrote my personal statement about this experience and tied in my strong identity as a resident of this state, and I think that really made me stand out. This also goes to show that you don’t need to have prestigious work experience to get into a T-14. Focus on clearly articulating why you’re interested in law in an honest and well-written essay, and it will go a long way.
Treat every school you’re applying to like they’re your dream school. Going into this cycle, I truly would’ve been completely happy going to any one of the T-14. All I wanted was one acceptance; I had zero expectations and just hoped for the best. I poured hours into each of my applications, really focusing on what about that school in particular made it a good fit for me in particular, and I think such personalization made my essays much stronger. Even if it’s not a school that’s a top choice of yours, try your very hardest on the application – you don’t know how the cycle will shake out, and you don’t want to look back and wonder whether you would’ve gotten in with a bit of extra work. Just put in the work now and save yourself the regret!
As stressful as applying to law school is, try to make the most of it. We have three grueling years of law school ahead of us. Celebrate every single victory – whether that’s submitting your first application, receiving your first acceptance, or committing to a school. Try not to compare yourself to others, and remember that you should be proud of yourself just for having the courage and dedication to work towards becoming an attorney.

Wishing all the best to the other members of the Class of 2028 after this wild cycle and to all applicants beyond that! No matter your results, you should be proud of yourself for working so hard towards a difficult goal. YOU’VE GOT THIS!