cincinnatus (2022-2023)

After graduation, I worked for two years for a foreign government. I sent in my applications pretty late in the cycle, in some cases the day before the deadline, due to what was a high possibility of continuing to work instead of going to law school.

My undergraduate softs were maybe a bit above average, but not directly relevant to law school. They included:
- work as a political science teaching assistant
- work as a history research assistant
- presidency of a cultural organization
- two studies abroad, including one on a government-sponsored scholarship
- various language/liberal arts merit scholarships
- work as a university biology research assistant while in high school

I don't think I'm an under-represented minority (I'm a multiracial Caucasian/Asian). Nevertheless, I did get mail from schools saying that I am "a highly qualified minority student" and the like. I removed my race from the LSAC page altogether, and don't think I indicated it on my applications.

February 27: Harvard Law School interview e-mail came, much to my happy surprise :)

March 2: After some confusion in Harvard as to how to dial my number, I had my interview at 2:30 AM local time. I have to say, it was probably the worst interview I've ever done. One of my answers may have been the worst answer in Harvard interview history. I'm disappointed. It's strange; before the interview e-mail came I didn't think much of my chances for Harvard but then I started to dare to hope!

March 4: Two days after my interview, my Harvard application is officially complete!

March 8: Decision Rendered at Georgetown according to the status checker, and I was able to log in to the Admitted Students' site :) If I were to attend Georgetown, it would be for the JD/MSFS dual degree program. I'll hear back from the graduate school in mid-April.

March 11: Georgetown Law acceptance letter came through the mail. Just three days for a mail to come from D.C. to Asia; I'm impressed! The handwritten message from the dean was a very nice touch.

March 16: ... and, much faster than expected, I received an e-mail from Georgetown notifying me of my acceptance into the Master of Science in Foreign Service program, so I can do the dual degree! Now I don't really care about the UVA decision (they have a similar dual JD/Master's program but I prefer Georgetown's), but I still hope for positive responses from Harvard and Columbia...

March 27: Waitlisted by UVA by e-mail. I am going to withdraw, but I'm worried about what that suggests for Harvard and Columbia.

April 17: Saddening but unsurprising Harvard waitlist. I'm not unhappy with my options, but I'm staying on the waitlist for as long as I can.

April: Columbia waitlist! I like Columbia, but not more than Georgetown (grad school), so I don't think I'll stay on this waitlist. Four (law school) applications and three waitlists, ouch! But you can only attend one school anyway :)

August 13: Last-second admission to Harvard Law School via e-mail correspondence, a second phone interview, and then finally, a formal offer of admission. I'll be going to Harvard Law School :) I had some mixed feelings, but I am happy and think I made the right decision.