adgilbert81 (2022-2023)

Pros:
3 years work experience as a paralegal
3 strong work-related reference letters
8 years military experience (Army Reserve) - Honorable dis.
Volunteer for several philanthropic organizations
Strong personal statement
Degree GPA (3.67)
Phi Theta Kappa Nat'l Honor Society

Cons:
LSAT score (149)
Cumulative GPA (3.10 University, 2.95 LSDAS)
Lapse in schooling (due to military trainng)

9/5/2010:

Last cycle, I applied to 15 law schools or more. I was waitlisted at two (resulting in declinations at the end of the cycle). I was also admitted to a private law school in Minnesota, but declined admission due to the cost of school, the cost of living, and to the fact that I would have to sell my house and move to a state that I had only visited twice. I was not accepted to any of the local law schools near Kansas City (where I live and would prefer to practice law).

I am taking a VERY different approach to my application cycle this year. I applied to ONE lonely, little law school (UMKC) which is just a mile from my house. Almost everything is the same on my application from last year. I added a few evaluations and have one extra reference letter coming in a few weeks. Otherwise, it's the same credentials - my life hasn't changed a whole lot since last year.

10/7/2010:

Well wonders never cease... I was waitlisted at UMKC! The letter was very positive, although it states that waitlist decisions will not be made until April - August. Ugh! Oh well - there is light at the end of the tunnel!

11/9/2010:

Hello! So, I scheduled a tour with the law school several weeks ago and went on the tour today. I met two great law school emissaries who gave me insight into the life of a student. It never hurts to have that knowledge on the forefront. I also got the opportunity to meet the Assistant Dean of Admissions. I was able to ask her questions about the programs and organizations at UMKC Law for roughly 30 minutes. Of course, as soon as I left, I felt there were so many other (perhaps better) questions I could have asked! I can't decipher if it went well or not - I believe it behooves her to be as vague and unopinionated as possible - she has to weed through a lot of people. Now the waiting game begins...

11/29/10

The holidays were great! Still waiting...