speakeasier wrote:So, I created an account just so I could ask this question. I took the LSAT twice (160 first time, 170 second time) and a 3.55 GPA, and I got preferred waitlisted at Georgetown. While Georgetown definitely wasn't my first choice, this kind of worries me, because I'm aiming for other T-14 schools.
My mind comes up with the following (arbitrary?) reasons: I didn't go to the group interview thing...I wrote about being an atheist in my personal statement, and this is a Jesuit school...160 LSAT counted against me...I applied somewhat last minute to this particular school (Mid-December)...
What do you guys think? Is this an indicator of my chances at higher-ranked schools like Northwestern or UPenn? Totally random? Shit happens? I'm kind of going out of my mind here. Thank you!
My 2 cents as a non-ED, non-URM applicant who made it in with lower numbers by a good margin (below both 25%) -
Declining the interview is said not to hurt your application, but it is definitely used to gauge interest. You didn't show much if you declined it. If you had reasons like being out of town, you could probably have found a time that worked for you, no?
A personal statement about being atheist probably didnt hurt you in the sense that the reviewer did not like that you are atheist, but maybe that, since the personal statement should be a reflection of who you are as a person, the person you portrayed does not seem like someone who is a great fit or is likely to be very interested in GULC. As well, if the reviewer is someone of faith, you probably hit a wrong note off the bat and were not going to get the benefit of the doubt. Adcomms are all just people like the rest of us, and personal bias must come into play.
It probably just comes down to their perception of interest. If GULC does interest you, an LOCI should help. As far as your chances at the rest of the T-14, I really dont think this is a huge indicator, though like I said earlier, you did pick a controversial topic for a PS, and it might rub some people wrong. It may also strike some people as genius if it is well written.
I know this is not what most people advocate, not on TLS at least, but I personally think it is not a bad idea to write to schools and find out what they thought about your application if you are on a W/L or deferral or whatever. There is absolutely a way to do it and not sound whiny, like some suggest is the case when you ask those questions. Something along the lines of "I am very interested in X school and want to do the best I can to improve my chances of moving off of the waitlist and be admitted. What options do I have for expressing my sincere interest in X school, and for better demonstrating my potential as a future lawyer?" The answer of course is an LOCI, but at least in establishing communication, you have hopefully convinced them that it is not just a knee jerk reaction to being wait listed.
These are law schools, and the industry is built on personal connections and networking. That is half the reason for attend a T-14 school, the connections. Having been out of undergrad for quite some time, I have used the same methods for dealing with schools as I have for jobs, and from most schools I have been put in direct contact with an actual admissions officer, not just an administrative assistant. They will always tell me as an initial disclaimer that they are not supposed to give "tips" to applicants, but somehow they always end up following that with solid advice that has helped me greatly. Be it Yale or GULC or TTTT, your numbers alone do not necessarily indicate to an adcomm that you will struggle or excel at any law school out there. The personal factor is what will cause them to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Hope this is helpful for you, or for anyone applying.
Could that be my letter going in the mail? 
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