sb47 (2022-2023)

Have decided to put up a bit more information to assist those searching. I will be happy to answer any questions (PS topic, details about decision, whatever).

Straight from UG

Average to decent soft factors, but nothing spectacular (no scholarships, foreign languages, awards, or publications). Spent a semester abroad (taking classes and interning), several honor societies, thesis in one major, departmental honors in both. Involvement in several campus organizations, founder/president of one (the only major leadership role). Have five summers of WE in a T25 law firm (the last three working within litigation on MDL mass tort matters).

Probably decent LORs. Two professors, one my thesis advisor (I have also taken every class she has offered), the other my department advisor (with whom I had remained on very good terms after taking a class from him freshman year). The only school specific rec I had was for G'Town. Had a partner (an alumna) from my firm write one, though I'm not sure it made it (I didnt use the LSAC service)...

Pretty good PS. Was having difficulty with the "why law school" transition. Discussed why I chose my major (history) and the academic progression to law. Glad I stuck with it--I took one of my early drafts (4th or 5th) to my schools writing center to clean it up, the woman read about half way through it, and said it was inappropriate. The anecdote I included was a bit of a risk. In the end I went with instinct, wrote 5 or 6 more drafts, and submitted it. Conclusion: sometimes it's best to go with your gut. Decent DS for being white and middle class.

As for specific apps, I submitted the same PS (with a school specific paragraph at the end) and (when an option) the same diversity statement to each. I did not write the Why Penn essay.

For whatever it is worth, here is a list of the highlights from the FWs (through LSAC referral): Cornell (could not use as I submitted app electronically), Duke (Priority Track), Northwestern, Temple, UVA, Vanderbilt, WashU, UCLA, Cardozo, Illinois, USC, Michigan, and Columbia. The last two didn't arrive until mid to late December or I definitely would have used them.

In the end, I have no idea why I was accepted and others with similar stats weren't. I believe the ED helped a good deal. I didnt write the Why Penn essay banking on the fact that I chose ED be would enough. I freaked out, but everything worked out. This path isnt for everyone. I have probably sacrificed whatever small chance I had at FA by giving up leverage. But Im terrible with decisions, so I cant even imagine having to choose.

With all of that said, I hope this information is useful to future applicants. My application cycle was relatively short, but I still agonized. I read a million pages of advice (and spent way too much time on LSD/LSN) and still searched for more. As such, Id be happy to forward my PS/DS to anyone who is interested. Like I said, I dont know why, but it worked for me. Ill continue to occasionally check so leave me a message with contact info. Only condition is no criticism/plagiarism.

Will withdraw all other apps as soon as I get the paperwork from Penn. Best of luck to everyone on the rest of the cycle!

Sent: Date submitted app via LSAC
Received: Date school requested LSDAS report
Decision: Date of letter

11/22: Email from Duke letting me know a decision has been reached.
11/30: Letter from WUSL saying that they have received my app and will be requesting my LSDAS report (though LSAC says it was requested on 11/07...)
12/1: Acceptance at Duke! Large packet of information with letter, prospectus, and information regarding admitted student weekend in March. Letter references "intellectual interest in law"--the topic addressed in my PS.
12/04: Postcard from BU letting me know my app is complete.
12/07: G'Town online status changed to decision.
12/08: Cornell online status changed to decision.
12/09: In at both Georgetown and Cornell! Both came in thin, letter sized envelopes. G'Town included a small handwritten note at the bottom, commenting on my academic performance and campus activities. Cornell sent brief letter, additional materials to follow.
12/16: In at both Pitt and Temple! Pitt came in thick, letter sized envelope. Included admission letter (with hand written note from the assistant dean referencing the final line of my PS), enrollment info, and sticker. Temple came in letter sized envelope. Also included was a letter informing me I had been accepted as a Beasley scholar (full tuition--as I am in-state that would around $45k--for all three years provided I remain in the top 50% of the class).
12/18: In at BU via call from admission office. Materials to follow via USPS.
12/18: In at BC via USPS! Large packet of information with letter, prospectus, enrollment details, etc. Arrived at my permanent address.
12/19: PENN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Call from the admissions office. I had to apologize for being incoherent--kept repeating how grateful/thankful/excited I was.
12/22- In at GW! Received a call from the Dean of Admissions around 1:00pm. Materials to follow via USPS around mid January.