A lot of what I want to talk about in my personal statement has to do with being in the foster system, but the more I try to lead with that the more I doubt that it should be a focal point. It's just so hard to start without coming out as a linear life story which I want to avoid. How do you START a personal statement?

hi everyone. i have a high lsat score with a low undergrad GPA and i'm wondering if taking the GRE would help alleviate the focus on my low GPA? curious to hear other people's thoughts, comments, concerns, etc on this thanks!

Hey everyone, I just got my first admissions response and I'm a bit confused. I applied to Wake Forest with a 4.0 and a 170. I think my softs are pretty alright as well. I did a teaching assistant position in a program managed by Fulbright Austria, I interned with the U.S. Congress and the Brookings Institution. And I currently work a full time job at a community college helping student navigate our higher ed system.

I got my first admissions decision - waitlisted a Wake Forst (LSAT Median 166, GPA 3.8). I'm a bit concerned about my application prospects now. I'm wondering 1) if this is because the high amount of applicants? 2) if perhaps my application is magically much weaker than I thought? Or 3) if this is yield protection.

Does anyone have any insight or thoughts. Thanks in advance.

TLDR - I got waitlisted at Wake Forest, a school that should have been a decent safety. What's going on?

Hi everyone! As a first generation student, applying to law school was pretty terrifying. I wasn’t sure what schools were looking for and how I could boost my application beyond just LSAT and GPA. I can’t speak to the rest of the consultants but I was really fortunate to work with Jennifer Kott in preparing my applications. She was AMAZING. With all the law school interviews and forums it can feel really intimidating to talk to someone who’s knowledgeable about the process. But, with Jen it was totally different! She not only debunked so many “Reddit Rumors” for me but she also was so accessible. The best part was that Jen really cares and loves her job which you can quickly tell. She was available for advice about figuring out what schools to apply to, what to do/not do for optional essays, and the best part of course was that I could send her my essays for her honest feedback. She reviewed my personal statement and as a former admissions office she told me exactly how a committee would evaluate my statement.

So far, I’ve gotten into one school with a scholarship and I’m waiting to hear back from more. I never really leave reviews but I really felt that Jen deserved one. In navigating such a competitive cycle it’s easy to feel unmotivated or anxious, but working with someone like Jen really removes that fear but also turns it into action. Totally recommend it!

Hey everyone! Does anyone have any idea how long after applying to a school we can expect to hear back?

Good evening everyone, I need help with feedback on my personal statement. Questions that I am currently asking myself, 1. Does this fully tell my story? Is it even a personal statement or just more of my reasons of pursuing a law degree. I will truly appreciate any honest feedback at this time.

  Our first mockcase: “Did SpongeBob steal the crabby patty recipe?” The question that opened my curiosity to the legal system in a way that I did not expect. As ridiculous as the question sounded to my ears, I was even more fascinated by how the defense navigated through the case making use of all the skills and lessons we learned from the Bill of Rights and proved without reasonable doubt SpongeBob’s innocence. I appreciated this moment because it forced me to understand the Bill of Rights and how to use it to defend clients to prove their innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. This experience opened my eyes to the complexities of the American legal system. The more I learned, the more I was drawn to the idea of justice, not as an abstract concept, but as a tangible force that could transform people’s lives. This was my first take to see how the law works in real life pushing me to explore law and take my career path with more seriousness.

       As an immigrant from Nigeria, the idea of pursuing law is often considered one of the “traditional” career paths many African parents encourage—law, medicine, or engineering. While my parents held those expectations, my desire to pursue law grew from a deeper and more personal place. I was drawn to the power of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights—documents that guarantee every individual a fair chance at justice. Coming from a country where choices and access are often limited, I was inspired by the protection, dignity, and opportunity these rights extend to every person in the United States.

       My interest in law expanded when a school counselor introduced me to the many paths within the legal field. That conversation opened my eyes to how law stretches far beyond courtrooms; it is a tool to serve communities, protect the vulnerable, and promote justice in meaningful and unique ways. For the first time, I saw a career that aligned with both my values and my lived experiences.

       I moved to America as a teenager with my mother and two brothers, facing one of the hardest decisions of my life: remain in Nigeria to finish my college degree or move with my family and avoid being separated. We chose each other. My mother took out multiple loans for our plane tickets, leaving us with just one hundred dollars to her name. I still remember sitting on the plane, my fist clenched, my eyes closed, as we whispered a prayer for courage. Our first landing in Florida happened during a hurricane, leaving us stranded for a week. Yet even then, we did not lose hope.

        That season of uncertainty shaped my character far more than ease ever could. It deepened my resilience, sharpened my courage, and strengthened my belief that justice and fairness are not abstract concepts but lifelines. Those experiences continue to guide my desire to pursue law not from a place of comfort, but from conviction. I want to use my education to advocate for individuals and communities navigating instability, systemic barriers, and limited resources, much like my family once did. My journey to the United States taught me that stability is not promised, but courage can carry you through unpredictable circumstances. That same courage fuels my commitment to becoming an attorney who stands for justice, expands access, and empowers those whose voices are often overlooked.

       As I advanced in my pursuit of a law degree, I’ve come to understand how lawyers bring clarity to the uncertainties and how cases are presented and interpreted. In the summer of 2020, I was privileged to attend Summer Institute of PreLegal Studies where I visited a courthouse for the first time. I had the privilege to see in person a case my peers and I have been discussing in our criminal justice class. The case was of a man who was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm. When he entered the courtroom in heavy chains, I remember being smitten by his hope, even amid the uncertainty he faced, as he waved and smiled at us. Throughout the case, the uncertainties filled the room not just with facts but with worry and anxiety about the outcome. Our professor, a federal public defender, guided him through the proceedings with patience and empathy. By the time the court ended, I asked what would happen next. As my mind flooded with immense ideas, my professor patiently responded, “We wait”.

      Months later, we learned the man had been acquitted. I thought back to the man’s smile and the quiet fear behind it. That was the moment I knew the law was not just an interest of mine; it was the path I wanted to commit to. Learning about wrongful convictions and the barriers people face in the justice system has strengthened my belief in rehabilitation and fairness. 

     I have learned that the law’s power depends on the how, why, and by whom it is exercised . It is not just about learning the Bill of Rights, or a mock case, but taking action knowing my Yes to the law is a tool for being in rooms that fuels decisions that reflect the realities of communities. I ground my purpose in the belief that life was never meant to be lived safely or quietly. Watching leaders take risks in public spaces, even when the odds are uncertain, has reminded me that progress has always come from people willing to stand apart rather than blend in. Our world remains shaped by discrimination that too often goes unchallenged. For me, pursuing a legal education is not about fitting into an existing system, but about entering it with the credibility to speak, act, and lead differently. With that training, I want to step into public spaces prepared to challenge injustice, inspire hope, and push for change where complacency has long been accepted. As a lawyer,  I will get the tool and knowledge to help be a part of social Justice change particularly  in marginalized communities, and to stand with those who cannot advocate for themselves during moments of uncertainty. My life journey has always been rooted in serving others, and the law gives me a unique, structured, powerful way to live out that purpose.    

Hi everyone - I'm a mid-career applicant with 10+ years experience in the government and non-profit sectors, applying to schools with strong public interest programs. If a law school doesn't have an explicitly stated page limit, is it ok to go more than two pages? I would like the extra space to include a full list of article and op-ed publications to burnish my academic credentials given that it's been a long time since graduation and my GPA was nothing spectacular. Or is this better addressed as an addendum/supplementary material? Finally, should I put my education or work history first? Many thanks!

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if I could get any feedback on my personal statement, for some background I am one year post-grad looking to go into the law field. I currently write contracts for events and non-profits. I just wanted to get another set of eyes on this and see how it reads. Thanks!!! Specifically looking for feedback on the ending I feel like it doesn't have that wow factor.

My grandfather never wore shorts. He scarcely spoke about his childhood in the Delta, but all the stories returned to the same scene. Beetles and bees hummed a haunting symphony. White clouds of cotton met his hips, while branches scraped his legs like tiny razors branding the circumstances of the south on his skin. Combating the racial politics of the Jim Crow South and the lack of access to resources, such as education, he enlisted in the army to garner better opportunities.

His story imprinted itself on me, echoing the experiences of many African Americans from the South, but his story was the first I learned. These stories pushed me to pursue an undergraduate education in public relations.

Through my education, I learned that rhetoric underpins everything. The ability to read, write, and interpret information can empower communities or be weaponized against them. Growing up in Detroit and briefly attending Detroit Public Schools, I witnessed how students, largely from minority backgrounds, can be disadvantaged by systems they have little power to control. I developed a unique perspective on access to education after transferring to an elementary school in a more affluent area. It was the first time I attended a school with a gymnasium, and it was the first time my learning wasn’t hindered by financial restraints.

During my freshman year of college, I had the opportunity to write a research paper on the Detroit Public School-to-prison pipeline. I gained insight into the structural injustice in education. The paper taught me how the disciplinary systems in schools differ. Black and brown students are punished with extreme force and brutality compared to other students in the same district. One interview I conducted with [REDACTED], a social scientist and professor at [REDACTED], introduced me to the word “adultification”. A term I had never heard before, but it sent a fire through me. I realized how much I love asking questions and learning facts through conversation. One word connected all my research. It felt like finding a puzzle piece you didn’t know was missing. This research and fire further pushed me towards an education in public relations, journalism, and communications.

Between these three disciplines, I learned how to use my voice as a conduit for those who could not. After working with non-profits around Detroit, such as the Detroit Jazz Festival—helping keep their educational programs free and crafting campaigns to encourage donations to the organization—I found myself wanting to do more to advocate for communities.

In search of a deeper purpose and intellectual challenge, I enrolled in the elective Law and Harm. Analyzing cases and debating ethical dilemmas engaged my writing and advocacy skills in new ways. The course taught me that law is not merely about rules, but about advocating for fairness, interpreting nuance, and shaping society's stories. I no longer just want to write stories; I want to set the background. Pivoting to a career in law is necessary to create a foundation for amplifying voices and shaping policies that impact real lives.

 My grandfather paved the way for my freedoms, even simple ones like wearing shorts. Pursuing a law school education honors his  legacy and will help  me become a stronger advocate. I am eager to contribute my perspective, shaped by resilience and advocacy, while learning from others committed to justice.

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With the release of the 2025 ABA 509 reports, Jake Baska provides an important walkthrough of law school admissions' most important report. He'll break down everything that's contained within the reports, and provide expert insight on how to analyze what the reports mean for you as a potential applicant.

I was listening to the 7sage admissions roundtable podcast last night to hear about application timing and now I’m not sure what to do. They mentioned that Jan. test takers should apply now and mark that the school should wait to use their Jan. LSAT. I was going to apply the second my score released 1/28, especially because I got a 144 in Nov. and now I am pting around 160. Is it too late if I submit on 1/28? Should I wait another cycle for scholarship chances? I emailed my top school (Loyola Chicago) for timing as well. Thank you!

hey everyone, i’m an indian student and i’ve been preparing for the LSAT for a few weeks now. i’m aiming for a US JD (fall 2027 intake) and i’m still in the early stages of building my profile.

recently, a study abroad agency here told me that the US usually doesn’t grant visas for law school even if someone has a strong profile and a decent LSAT score. they basically implied that unless you’re exceptional, it’s not worth the risk, which honestly left me feeling pretty discouraged.

so i wanted to hear from real people instead of agencies.

are there any international students here, especially from india, who gave the LSAT and actually got into a good law school in the US? how did your application process go and how did things work out with the visa?

also, in your honest opinion, is pursuing a US JD as an international student in the current climate a reasonable bet, or am i throwing time and money at something that’s stacked against me from the start?

i’d really appreciate any real experiences or advice.

thanks so much.

I was browsing through the core curriculum and read through some of the LOR modules and one of them said that if you don't have at least one academic LOR, most admissions committees will pass on you. This worries me for a couple of reasons: 1) I've been out of college for almost 7 years now; and 2) when I was in school, I was the student who didn't really participate in class, just listened and took notes and aimed to do well. I did not go to office hours or TA sessions or anything like that, many of my classes were medium-large seminars, and so I'm worried none of my old college professors would even remember me, even with a refresher. The one professor I would maybe consider wrote a LOR for me when I applied in 2020, so I don't even know if it's wise to ask her for another LOR for round 2 of applying. I currently work in a large law office where the learning curve has been pretty steep and I believe there are quite a few attorneys/supervisors/mentors in my office who would be able to speak to my learning ability, critical thinking skills, and rigor better than an old college professor who may or may not remember me and my academic abilities. TL;DR: Do I absolutely have to have a LOR from an old college prof? Out of college 7 years, didn't stay in touch with any professors, quiet in college, and I think my work colleagues would be able to recommend me better than old college professors.

I have a dilemma. I received a 'no decision' from the law school I applied to. They said everything looks fine, but I should increase my LSAT score by 3-4 points. I am supposed to take the February LSAT in a month, but I feel nowhere near ready after not studying for 9 months since my last LSAT. Our priority deadline is April 1st, but since I've already applied and they're just waiting on updates, would taking the April LSAT be the best choice so I could set myself up for a better score? Or should I take both?

Hi! I studied abroad last semester (spring 2025) and the grades are reflected in my transcript but do not count towards my GPA, per my university guidelines. Will LSAC count these grades towards my GPA or do they do the same thing as my university? The study abroad institution I attended was in the UK, not sure if this matters lol

Hey everyone! Does anyone know how competitive applying for part-time or night classes is compared to regular admissions?

Hi, so I am in a panic because I have my LOR and CAS report but not my transcripts on file. I have ordered them but not received and I am trying to apply by Dec 31. Can I submit my application and pay to send the CAS and it will update when they recieve it? or do I need to fully wait?

Hello, is anyone here applying for 2027 cycle but studying now? I graduated unviersity in APpril 2025 and taking a year off but it seems that beginning law school in fall of 2027 is more than a year off because I would be applying fall of 2026? anyone have any advice? I'm 24 and fear that its too late

Hey everyone! I am 24 years old (turning 25 soon), I am currently doing my masters, but LAW SCHOOL is my passion. I am supposed to write the exam in less than two weeks, but I am not prepared. I was so consumed with school and life, I don't think I am prepared. The last couple of years have been rough, with a lot of roadblocks in my path, which is why I have taken my sweet time to apply for law school.

I wanted to apply for the 2026 cycle, but I fear a bad score may look bad (especially since I have written the exam before). I want this really bad, but I fear I am getting old, and people my age are moving on, doing other things with their lives. I feel super behind. I know this sounds contradicatory, you want something really bad, but compare yourself with others.

The cultural background I come from, people usually don't take all the risks I have taken (as a woman). I was working for two years after my undergrad, went back for a masters and now applying for law school.

I don't know a part of me thinks I shouldn't write the exam, and study and apply for the 2027 cycle? Any thoughts, anyone on the same boat?

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Clayton, a current law school applicant, chats with law school admissions expert and mastermind Jacob Baska to learn the answers to pressing admissions questions.

They delve into:

1. the importance of adding an “interests” section to your resume,

2. focusing on applying to schools in locations you’d like to live in,

3. whether it matters if you apply in January or March for regular admissions,

4. and how to create a comprehensive and easy-to-parse application.

I need advice on why X essays. When is it needed to write one? I’ve never visited the schools or have family or friends that attended the university. My only reason really for these schools is location and some of the clinics. I don’t want to write an essays that could bring my other ones down. Please help!!

I graduated from undergrad in 2024 and decided I wanted to pursue law school during the summer of 2025. I was a business major, so most of my classes were online; therefore, I did not develop a personal connection with any of my professors. I also did not think I would need to, since I was not thinking of pursuing higher education after I graduated. I plan on getting a letter of recommendation from my supervisor, but I also need one from an undergraduate professor. How do I go about asking my professors for a letter of recommendation when I did not establish a connection with them?

Does it really matter to law school admissions if you have fewer LSAT scores with an application? I am considering changing my test date (currently scheduled) from February to April, or just taking both tests. I already have a previous LSAT score, so I want to know if it would make much of a difference on an application if I had two scores or three? Should I reach out to individual schools?

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Applicants are up 22 percent from last year, and LSAT test-takers are up 19 percent. That’s leaving a lot of applicants wondering what this cycle really looks like.

This episode of the 7Sage Admissions Podcast features our Fall 2026 Application Vibe Check Deans Roundtable, with a panel of law school admissions deans discussing the realities of the current cycle.

They address key questions applicants are asking right now, including whether January 1 is too late to apply, whether admissions teams are being more cautious this year, common application pet peeves, and what they consistently like to see in strong applications.

If you’re applying this cycle and trying to make sense of rising application volume, this episode will help you understand what matters most.

Is it too late to apply to any Ontario Law School for fall 2026?

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Are these admissions tips common knowledge…or shocking revelation?

Jake is an old hand when it comes to dispensing pearls of law school admission wisdom. But Clayton is a relative newbie and was surprised to hear Jake’s answers to often-asked admissions questions.

In this episode, Clayton gets a chance to ask “say what?” about Jake’s admissions best practices.

They touch on vague statement prompts, whether optional really means optional, what’s so baffling about resumes, and much more.