luma (2022-2023)

This is to help other students, especially (but not limited to) URM students of disadvantaged backgrounds, and anyone else looking for stats on where to apply/what to do to be a more competitive candidate/what to expect. :) Just paying it forward!

Writer - Newspaper
Senator - Student Gov't
Lots of other extra-curriculars/volunteer work

** Worked throughout college

** STRONG upward trend. Started with a 2.5 GPA my first semester of college, ended with nothing less than a 3.87 and even got some 4.0's and dean's/president's lists the last year.

Double Major (second major is a dual), and a minor.
Speak three languages.
Strong Resume: Studied abroad in two European countries, worked in both of those countries too, did an internship in South America, volunteered in the Caribbean and South America. Finished a prestigious management internship at a huge and well-known corporation. Currently working in big law.

URM: Hispanic-Caribbean, Black, and Native American.

Overcame multiple challenges such as: growing up in one of the harshest inner city areas in the country, single immigrant, non English speaking mother who was disabled, and more.

10/23/15 - So I didn't go to law school. I haven't gotten into a good enough school. I don't want to risk 250k in debt against such bad odds. I already have a ton of undergrad debt, so the thought of adding to my debt chains, while losing 3 years of salary, is not enough for this gamble. Maybe one day I'll come back and try again.

Real stats are back on.

______________________

10/27/14 Update - SORRY! Somehow my profile made it to the top 10 most viewed profiles on here so out of fear of law school's finding me on here, I've put up fake numbers until my 2015 cycle is done. Again, to be safe. Thank you.

****************************************
2014 CYCLE

I took the LSAT October, and canceled. Finally took it in December. Im seriously starting to develop PTSD from this exam. The timing is murdering me.

2/20 Updates:
Scored under my PT's, but submitted applications anyway. I spent months working on my PS and DS to make my story as vivid, compelling and effective as possible. Great Rec Lets. from Partners and professors. From Jan 15-Jan 31, I submitted 21 applications. About 5 safetys, 5 targets, and 11 reach schools.

2/19 Phone interview complete with WUSTL. Ten minutes long, I prepared so much and so much to say that I was alittle underwhelmed by how fast and short it went. I mean I was ready to kill it, I spent over 5 hours (cumulatively) preparing for the interview.

3/5 Rejected from UVA. Total reach.. But sad news nonetheless. Still have 17 schools to wait on.

3/5 Status checker on Notre Dame says a decision was rendered. But my deposit seat numbers remain at $0.00. According to TLS this either means WL or Reject. Double sad news whammy today. 16 schools left to hear from.

3/11 - IN AT FORDHAM!! I was getting anxious yesterday since I hadn't heard back, so I wrote them a letter explaining why Fordham I want to go there. 24 hours later I received a letter of acceptance!!! Looks like this will be it folks! Still waiting on another 11 schools.. But, oh my sweet baby lawd Jesus!

Waitlisted at Northwestern... followed by 4 essay questions. Which means I'm going to have to write them a LOCI, a new LOR, and the essay/video questions. This process of uncertain hope seems to never end ;_;

3/20 - 20k a year NEED-BASE grant from Fordham! Oh my happy days! :)
****************************************
2013 CYCLE

10/2013 - Interview with Vanderbilt
2/1/2013 - Sent in application, complete total shot in the dark.
4/8/2013 - Still no word

Ultimately rejected from Vanderbilt in April via snail mail.

4/8/2013 - Enrolled for LSAT classes.

***********************************
2012 CYCLE:

I applied to schools this cycle since my strong credentials (letters of REC, resume, background) might assist my mediocre GPA/LSAT. But, I'm realistically thinking about re-taking and reapplying MUCH EARLIER than MARCH! And hopefully then get scholarships. But since theyre deadlines are in March and April, I figure it doesnt hurt to just try.

3/1 - Sent out applications to: Northeastern, Fordham, Albany, Oregon and Buffalo

3/7 - Applications sent to Colorado, Connecticut, Syracuse, L&C

3/16 - Got WL at American. Better than a rejection! :) Keeping my hopes up.

4/5 - WL at UConn.

Why make application deadlines in March if you've already given out all of your seats in January? I don't understand. Oh right, business.

April 9 - In at Colorado! I cried. I went into physical shock. And now I'm scared of getting hit by a car or something, that's how unbelievably good this news is to me. People, don't lose hope! Waiting for $ offers.. hopefully.

4/11 - WL at Northeastern. Major bummer. I really hoped for this one.

April 11 - In at Oregon University :-) Eugene!

4/13 - Got the letter from Oregon with a big package of information, deposit slips, fellowship info. $8,000 a year. Such great news.

Still waiting on Colorado. They only sent in one small letter, no info on anything else... Kind of turning me off. I mean law school is a huge deal, just a tiny letter and no information whatsoever? That worries me about the school's efficiency.

4/17 - In at Lewis & Clark :)

4/18 - In at Buffalo :)

4/19 - Accepted at Syracuse via snailmail package. Beautiful envelope as soon as you pull it out of your mailbox you'll know you're admitted. It came with a bumper sticker and a T-shirt along with a folder of many things.

4/23 - Checked Syracuse NetUID and saw they are giving me 8,000/yr as a need-base grant!

4/27 - WL at Fordham! Holy Heck!! This is crazy good news for me. This was a reach. I can't help but wonder how well this cycle would have gone if I had just applied earlier.

Albany Update - I called them to ask why my application was taking so long, and they told me that they thought I was taking the June LSAT.. so they hadn't even taken a look at it.... -___-

Albany later WL'ed me. Then called to let me know that I was accepted (I hadn't done anything). Then told me I had a deadline to commit to going, and then threw in a scholarship after I didn't hesitate.

****************************************