that you have an explanation for the concerns they have with your credit report, you're focusing on the wrong group here.

You can make promises till you're blue in the face,Citi doesnt care. All that matters to them is that score and they aren't likely to "take your word" on an extension of credit.

What you should do, since you are aware of these circumstances (namely the student loans) you should contact all 3 bureaus and file a notation explaining this. That will give creditors an opportunity to evaluate that part of your report more accurately.

But your high account balances usually indicates a higher than average debt to income ratio. That means a larger than typical percentage of your income already goes to debt and adding to that could put you in financial trouble if you ever lost your income. You likely have some hefty student loans (esp. for a J.D.) and that is going to be factored in with your other debt.

Good luck in school!