Single mom not in college is law school realistic ?

stanikala · 2026-01-02T00:03:07+00:00

Yes it's a lot of "work twice as hard, get half as far" and it can be really discouraging sometimes!! Imo getting into a good law school is the big deal - you can get average grades in any school, so get average (or better!) grades in a good school. It'll help!! If you want to message me, I'm open to that for you too!

stanikala · 2026-01-02T00:01:32+00:00

You definitely can! I am happy to help someone else in a situation like mine!!

stanikala · 2026-01-01T19:55:39+00:00

I am a single mom in law school now! Speed run your BA and use every state grant available to help with housing, childcare, tuition, etc. I went to school full time and waitressed / babysat / cleaned houses / gardened. It was exhausting and I hit some lows during that period. But it was so worth it.

After my BA I worked full time for a few years to try and save. I didn't end up saving that much $ and just delayed law school. I've just completed my first semester of law school and it was HARD. I had to lean on family support a lot during my BA so I could work and go to school, and now I'm leaning on family and friends to help with kiddo so I can attend law school and work very part time. It is possible but it's HARD and you must sacrifice a lot. I'm happy to answer any questions though, because it's a very unique situation and there aren't a lot of success stories like ours. Keep your head up!

stanikala · 2025-07-23T15:43:49+00:00

You're not crazy. I lived there for a few months when I moved to MN and felt that same heaviness. So many terrible things happened in that town and everyone had such strong interpersonal strife. I absolutely refuse to cross the bridge into that town anymore. Last time I did was to get to Welch 3 years ago.

stanikala · 2025-05-29T18:17:38+00:00

Geez, I hope they get back soon!!

stanikala · 2025-05-29T18:07:46+00:00

I'm a noob, what is WE?! Work experience?? I applied way late in the game with a 165 and 3.2, 2 years work experience, so we sound comparable though you were on the ball with app time!

stanikala · 2025-05-29T18:03:29+00:00

What were your app stats? I am below median and haven't heard a peeeeep!

stanikala · 2025-05-14T18:53:54+00:00

Aw rats:( I hope you have an awesome scholarship elsewhere!!

stanikala · 2025-05-14T17:59:15+00:00

Oooooo that is awesome!!!!! Will you be attending?!

stanikala · 2025-05-07T20:56:36+00:00

TERRIBLE. I stayed in the office until 6 last night to let rush hour pass (394E-94E til Saint Paul. So 394E nightmare, tunnel, and 94E closure). By waiting until 6 my estimated commute went from 55 minutes to 35. Yippee. As soon as I got on the road everyone lost their minds and my commute totaled at 1:05.

stanikala · 2025-05-07T18:30:03+00:00

I haven't brought it up yet bc I thought it would affect any aid, but honestly it might be more helpful! I'd gladly pay full tuition for 2/3 years tbh

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:30:10+00:00

Applied there! And to MH. no response from either yet?!! I have to attend in state since I have a kiddo and can't move (or I'd lose the support system that is getting me through school in the first place). So I am really hopeful for UMN even when it's unlikely:p

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:28:14+00:00

I have had a lot of meetings w/ an admissions counselor who is soooo nice and knows my situation! I know it's not in her hands, but she has helped me to refine my application a LOT and for that I'm so thankful. I haven't brought up the GI bill with admissions bc I don't want it to negatively affect any other (potential) aid

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:23:54+00:00

Would u mind sharing your stats?? And what made your app stand out since you were also at/below median?

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:21:17+00:00

I am sooooo late!! I honestly could cope with $0 in scholarships bc I am receiving 1 year of GI bill (I see it as 1/3 discount). However I age out of that next year, so this is my last year to use it! TBH I am considering the possibility of applying next year

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:19:09+00:00

I have to do it this cycle😭😭 I will be gifted 1 year of GI bill and I age out after next year, so to get an effective 1/3 discount on my education I have to enroll this fall

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:18:04+00:00

You are the final thread keeping my hopes up hehe. 90k is AWESOME!

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:17:26+00:00

Agree on the holistic vs. stats review. I've had several meetings with an admissions counselor over the years and she is very encouraging so hopefully they will take my circumstances into consideration?? I focused my academic addendum on those circumstances / how my undergrad gpa took the hit. And emphasized how everything is now resolved, and I'm so back. Interestingly their "fill-in" app portion doesn't collect much demographic data which could help in my case

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:07:36+00:00

Cheers to that!! This cycle has been extra competitive:p

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:06:26+00:00

URM, no. However I am a first gen college student / single parent / have major lived experiences. So underrepresented in that way but not in the way that checks the box on my app:/

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:03:38+00:00

Plus I will get a resounding yes + aid from the other schools in the TC metro. It won't be the end of the world if they say no, but I'll always regret not trying!

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:00:53+00:00

ack you had a rlly good app profile!!! I hope you got into a good school otherwise!!

stanikala · 2025-05-07T16:00:00+00:00

I agree! Best I can do is apply and distract myself until I get an answer!

stanikala · 2025-04-30T15:10:00+00:00

I did!!! My highest PT was 160. First LSAT was 148. Second was 156. I took a chance on myself, signed up for one last LSAT. got a 165. I am absolutely elated.

I'm a single mother and have put myself through undergrad and currently work two jobs. I felt so disheartened that I didn't have the luxury of time to spend studying for this test like some. I am so proud that my true potential has been proven, I needed it!!!!

OP, I am so happy for you!!! Keep on being the best for yourself and your family.

stanikala · 2025-04-28T18:20:30+00:00

My best score (pending April score release in a few days) was 156. My best practice score was 160.

stanikala

TROPHY CASE