check01 (2022-2023)

Failed out of college over 10 years ago, returned to finish degree in 2005 and maintained 4.0.

Excellent WE for over 10 years (political/legislative/public policy in Washington, D.C.)

Married with a toddler, own a house in Tucson, couldn't resist scholarship plus in-state tuition. Now my daughter can go to college, too. But turning down UVa and withdrawing from the Harvard waitlist was very tough.

Regarding Waitlists:

I withdrew from NU, GULC, and W&M the day I got the waitlist notifications. I waited a little longer on Harvard, but withdrew because I knew I couldn't move there on short notice.

Except for Harvard, I believe I would have been taken at all of the waitlist schools if I had shown interest, based on the numbers of others who were accepted from the waitlists. But if I was going to pack up and move, I was taking the scholarship at UVa, and I didn't want to lie about continued interest just to see if they would let me in.

Good luck to all future splitters who are viewing this.

Things I believe helped me:

-- more than a decade since bad grades
-- chance to get straight A's and prove myself
-- truly excellent work experience
-- high LSAT
-- letters of rec of the "best I've seen in my career" variety

Things I believe hurt me:

-- applying late
-- not enough attention to personal statement
-- low GPA, of course

Things for splitters to remember:

-- it's a crapshoot, so aim for as many schools as you can afford and are willing to attend
-- other splitter stats don't necessarily mean anything for your chances, because each applicant has unique strengths compensating for low GPAs
-- don't let your self-esteem get wrapped up in the app process; a great acceptance may vindicate your low GPA, but it doesn't vindicate you as a person any more than a Yale reject condems you as a person

Note for nontrad splitters:

Even if you are limited to a specific city or region due to other commitments, apply to top schools anyway. A good acceptance can mean more $$$ from the school you plan to attend. Arizona went from $20K to $32K when I told them about UVa.