Sui Generis is currently trendy among scenesters

Narkoleptik asked awhile back whether I would consider re-applying to law school. It's too early to give a complete answer (wait, no it's not--certainly I'll consider it), but I have some thoughts that I'd like to share right now. Whether I actually do re-apply is an open question. Here's what I know:

1. I learned a lot about applying to law school. If I do choose to re-apply, I have an advantage over first-time applicants. I know a ton more about the process now than I did last October, and I could use that knowledge to my benefit. I can't say how, but I would make different choices, and I would be more on the ball if I played the applications game again. After all my first-hand experience, plus blog reading and discussions with other applicants, I'm a frickin' professional. I'd give myself better odds the second time around. If there is a next time, it will be for keeps.

2. I learned a lot about myself. This is the corollary to #1. Half the battle was figuring out where I stand: why I want to go to law school, where I want to live, what I want to do with a JD degree, when to go about it, and finally, how to achieve all of this. That leads into the second half of the equation, which is who I am right now; more exactly, how other people see me and how I can most effectively market myself. If law school applications were the only area that this knowledge is applicable, it would have been a waste of time. But this level of understanding can be levered in many areas of life. Businesses, investors, and other graduate programs like guys with skills. Figuring out which ones they're looking for and how to present yourself as a perfect manifestation of them is priceless. Which leads me to my next point.

3. I'm glad I went through the process at least once. Don't get me wrong, the waiting isn't fun, and I don't enjoy getting rejection letters (or the cold shoulder--I'm talking to you, Georgia). But, as I keep reminding myself, everything so far is going according to plan. I didn't go into this mess with a "law school or bust" attitude; I went in with a targeted attitude of "getting into these particular schools would be nice, and if not, that's okay too." So far, I haven't been accepted, but that's not failure according to these parameters. I just want a yes or no, and then I'll go in whatever direction looks best (which is why the deferrals and waitlists are especially frustrating--just give me a clear answer!).

Who can say what will happen this fall? I might be starting law school, re-applying, or doing something completely different. Only time will tell. As always, I hope you'll stay tuned to see how things shake out. You never know what I'll do next--I'm a loose cannon, man.