Top Law Schools

Texas is my top choice and is a reach for me as it is, and I've read/heard that it is much, much harder to get into if you are not a TX resident, which I'm not. I have scores that are borderline at the very best. Would this in-state/out-of-state thing totally kill any chance I would have as a reach applicant? Lastly, would the baking of cookies influence the admissions board's decision?

All state schools have preference for in-state people.

If your numbers are borderline, it could very well be the deciding factor.

However, apply anyway. You never know.

Also, I'm going to go to Austin at some point in the next few months anyway to visit friends and I plan to stop into the admissions office at Texas to introduce myself. Has anyone else tried this? I know they won't say "Oh my gosh, you are in! We love you!" but I'm hoping to at least put myself on their radar or at least make a contact there to email later on in the process. Has anyone done this anywhere?