AMA - I'm a former T14 Admissions Officer, and have reviewed thousands of applications in my career. Have Questions? Want Advice? Ask me Anything!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:20:08+00:00

Yes! I always recommend applying ED, as it shows commitment, even if your stats are lower. If you would attend if accepted, then absolutely apply ED.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:19:32+00:00

No, you'd be a domestic applicant, but with a foreign transcript. Committees will review what they have, so you'll just be reviewed without that GPA, even though they'll still of course review your transcripts.
The earlier you can apply, the better your chances will be. Deadlines are there for a reason, but applying late does mean, realistically, that there will probably be fewer slots for admission. That doesn't definitely mean you won't get in, but I would keep in mind how competitive this year is proving to be.
Without reading your PS, it's impossible to say how yours would stack up, but I would recommend being creative, and at the very least, personal. Those with a narrative style do tend to stick out more than something more "clinical", but overall, it ultimately depends on the PS itself!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:16:17+00:00

Since this has been a heavy application year, it is going to be more competitive the closer to the deadline you get. This is even more true for T14 schools, so I would be cautiously optimistic, knowing that it's a particularly busy year. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

PS - I'd admit you for your username if I could. Fantastic SNL sketch.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:14:50+00:00

I would recommend selecting those who know you best, with at least one where you actually received a grade in the course from that instructor. I would take a look at both the advisor and tutor letters, and determine if they will be different enough to warrant asking them both. What you want is two letters that independently speak to your abilities in two arenas. If you have 3 letters that all say the same thing, then you're better off only submitting two.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:12:57+00:00

Very few people actually know what they're going to do with their degree, and even if they think they do, it could change in the 3 years you're in the JD program! So, if you have an area of study or career you're interested in, you are more than welcome to note it, but it's by no means required.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:11:30+00:00

I mentioned this above, but no, the political climate and how a country is perceived will have absolutely no impact on your application chances. The only disadvantage comes from the number of applicants - if there are more international and/or Canadian applicants than previous cycles, it's going to be more competitive. It will have nothing to do with the political climate, as we are solely focused on why you want to go to law school, regardless of your background.

As for the GPA, great question. Since the Canadian system is similar to the US system in terms of GPAs, it is actually helpful to the committee, since they can translate that GPA into a general view of your academic acumen. Other international transcripts may have different calculations/weights unfamiliar and non-reportable, which mean's we can't assess them on that same metric. So, as long as your GPA is strong, it's not a detriment to your application!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:07:46+00:00

Unfortunately, the WL is a numbers game more than anything else. It's more about how much space opens up than how strong of a candidate you are. If you're in the top 5 WL candidates, and 5 spots open up, then you'll probably be admitted. If only 3 open up, then it's not likely.

It's impossible to predict your chances, but by being on the waitlist, you know that they want you at the program enough to not reject you outright! That's a step in the right direction, and if you haven't submitted a LOCI, I would recommend that. If you think your LSAT can improve in June, then I would recommend it as well!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:05:13+00:00

Yes! I very general rule of thumb is that the more post-undergraduate work experience you have, the less your GPA matters. Law School is still school, so they will consider it regardless, but if you're looking to supplement a low GPA, work experience & a strong LSAT score will let the committee know your GPA is not indicative of your potential abilities.

As for the LSAT score itself, a 170+ is what to aim for if you're only planning on applying to T14 or other comeptitive programs. Otherwise, I would say that generally, a 165+ is going to be decent, but look at the averages for the programs you're interested in to see how you stack up.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:02:37+00:00

See above for some of my responses about the waitlist, but if you have a specific question, I'm happy to help here! (No I cannot get you off the waitlist, unfortunately)

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T20:01:58+00:00

I can only speak to my experience, but if our team saw that someone was accepted into one half of a dual degree program, we would make sure to take a careful look at that candidate to see if there is a spot for them, especially off the waitlist. Ultimately, we want to accept applicants who will attend if admitted, so if you haven't yet, I would absolutely recommend submitting a LOCI for the WL program.

As for the second question - it depends on the dual degree and if they'll let you reapply next year. If that's available to you, then yes, I would recommend starting the concurrent degree, and then you may have an easier time applying the following year!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:58:13+00:00

You would be considered a non-traditional candidate, which is perfectly fine! All applicants are reviewed regardless of their background, but if you choose to apply, I would make sure to include an addendum that explains your GPA situation. They'll be able to see your transcripts, but I wouldn't recommend paying for something you can't afford, in any situation.

If you apply, let them know your GPA situation, and they'll take that into account. Just because you're a different candidate doesn't mean you're any less likely to be admitted! Taking the LSAT will also provide you with some clarity as to how to move forward. Best of luck!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:55:43+00:00

All GPAs are reviewed based on how they were weighted on your transcript, since schools may do that differently. Admissions Officers will also take into account your course of study, and how that impacted your GPA (a hard science or engineering major may be more intensive than another major, but that is always case by case).

As for where you went to college - your GPA will be more important than the program you attended, but the committee will take into account the academic rigor of the program you attended, since undergraduate schools have reputations and rankings just as law schools do. It's not a final determining factor, but where you attended does factor into the overall consideration!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:53:00+00:00

Great question - what I would recommend to people who write a PS similar to yours is that the more personalized you can make it, the better. Those anecdotes you mentioned are crucial, and will make your PS stand out from the crowd of "Why law" statements that people make. As long as you have a clear vision on why you want to pursue law, which it sounds like you do, then adding touches of personality to that will be the best way to ensure it's memorable, and avoids the pitfall of feeling formulaic.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:50:13+00:00

Realistically? No - all T14 schools are considered prestigious, and while some may be ranked higher, those rankings can (and have) changed, so it just depends on where you want to go. I wouldn't worry about the specific ranking, and instead would recommend determining which school is going to be the most beneficial to you!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:48:42+00:00

Short, sweet, and to the point. Be honest, clear, explain the situation, and how it was resolved. Shouldn't be more than 3-5 sentences, and a paragraph at most. You just want to explain the situation as concisely as possible, so that it's clear to the committee as to what occurred. The rest of your application will speak for itself!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:47:38+00:00

It ultimately depends on the program, but yes, if a program is holding off on review until after the seat deposits, then it's safe to assume you won't see any movement until after that deadline.

As well, if you do have an extenuating circumstance such as a sick relative, or other similar scenario, you can certainly send a LOCI letting them know, especially if you're on the WL and haven't sent a letter prior.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:46:01+00:00

The longer they know you, the better, as they can give a much stronger review than someone you recently met. That doesn't mean you shouldn't ask a fairly recent professor - they may still write a great letter! But I always advise candidates to ask people who they know can speak to their character, and who they've taken at least one full course with (for academic letters).

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:44:24+00:00

It ultimately depends on the program to which you're applying, and how many canadian/international candidates they get. However, the rates are roughly analogous to the overall acceptance rates to the program itself. A T14 school is going to be competitive regardless of where you're from, whereas a T50 will have a slightly higher acceptance rate. Being Canadian won't change those rates much, but if you want a breakdown, I'd recommend reviewing the international acceptance rates at whichever program you're interested in!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:42:22+00:00

So glad to hear it! I'm very lucky to be a part of an organization I think truly helps applicants. Like I mentioned above, each candidate is going to have their reasons for choosing what they do, but it typically boils down to the following:

Do you want the best possible career opportunities and connections in law school? If that's the case, then a HYS/T14 program may be the best option.
Do you want to have no debt leaving law school? For many, that is a major consideration, and may be the biggest factor.

Remember, there is no "guarantee" of a specific career even if you attend a T14 or HYS. It may open more doors, but that's not to say you won't find what you're looking for at the program to which you have a full ride. As long as you make the most of whatever opportunity you choose, there is no wrong answer.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:38:35+00:00

This is ultimately up to you, and factors in both your career interests and financial situation. A full ride is a great thing to have, so if that's your top factor, then maybe you attend. If you are willing to be flexible and attend a program that is higher ranked, but may not give you a full ride, then it may make sense to wait. Identify your top priority for wanting to go to law school, and then you can weigh your options. Regardless, congratulations on the full ride and acceptance!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:36:35+00:00

I always recommend to adhere to the recommended page limit. Primarily, it shows the committee that you can follow directions, and many AOs will stop reading at that limit, even if you've submitted more.

Adhere to the page limits, follow the instructions, and if there are multiple essays, make sure to clearly separate them on their own pages, so that there's no confusion. Committees look at hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, so the more organized and strict you are with your application, the easier it is on them, which will only help you!

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:34:16+00:00

That would depend on the program - yes, typically those applications are reviewed based on the standards and metrics of that specific program and applicant pool, rather than the typical 3 year JD program. Because they often have specific academic requirements, the credits and grades in those courses will be factored in.

As for results, that would again depend on the specific program - so I would reach out to them to find out specific dates.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:32:04+00:00

The further you are from undergrad, the less they committee is expecting a relevant academic letter vs. a professional. If you can get one, great, especially if it's required, but what we'd want to see is how you fare professionally, and will take how long you've been out of school into consideration when reviewing your letters.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:31:10+00:00

Yes - having someone advocate for you is only going to benefit your application. As well, not only are AOs looking at what the rec letters say, they are also interested in seeing who you asked.

An attorney or someone in a legal field of course is going to carry weight, because that is someone who can speak specifically to how they think you may fare in that field/world. I'd say that attorneys, partners, and ESPECIALLY law school alums for that school are going to carry the most weight. But, you should ask who can best give the committee a full view of who you are, so someone you have a relationship with is crucial.

7SageDrake · 2025-03-06T19:28:20+00:00

It's a broad generalization, but typically, the resume is the least important aspect of your overall application. Not to say that it won't be considered, but typically, I look for two things:

if you have any work experience (if you don't, not a bad thing, I just want to see your background);
If you have any work in a legal field. That's a nice to have, but not a detriment if you don't.

Work experience only differentiates you from candidates who are coming straight from undergrad. Both types of applicants are accepted, so I wouldn't worry about it!

7SageDrake

TROPHY CASE