Where to apply... 3.8/159

[horsethief80]

I've read lots of posts on the forum about where to apply. I'm shooting for Spring of 2011 or Fall of 2011. I've factored in all the different considerations like school ranking, tuition costs, possible scholarships, and I still can't really make a decision. I live in Texas, and I'd like to apply to schools here. For personal reasons, I'm also interested in schools in Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arizona. I finished undergrad in 2002, and I have 2 years experience working for Immigration and 3 years as a police officer. I'm kind of torn between going somewhere with some prestige and somewhere where I can get some scholarship money. Anyhow, any suggestion on where to apply and/or attend would be greatly appreciated. Gracias.

[kalvano]

SMU, Tulane...those are the first that spring to mind.

But seeing a 3.8 GPA also makes me want to scream "re-take". Getting in to the low 160's would be a tremendous help, and if you get get into the 170's, you'd be golden most anywhere.

At least shoot for the 160's and go for UT.


Don't waste such a good GPA. With work experience like yours and another 6-10 points on the LSAT, you could easily go T14.

[DerrickRose]

Well if you're from Texas, you know how Texans are about Texas. If that's where you want to end up, that's where you should go to school.

You look like you're a good bet to get in and maybe get some money in the SMU, Houston, Baylor area, but I have to agree with the guy above about an LSAT retake. How was your LSAT experience? Because if you can straighten some of that stuff out and get say a 165, then all of the sudden you're in at UT, and that might as well be Yale if you want to stay in Texas.

Oh, and I would like to formally encourage this type of thread for the "Choosing a Law School" board. I feel like we can help people a lot more at this stage than the "Emory or Seton Hall ($$$) for Chicago Biglaw?" stage.

[Luis Gomez]

Apply to Baylor. I hated the school but it does seem to prepare good DA and other litigators.
or
Get a higher lsat score and apply to SMU an Uof H.

[horsethief80]

Thanks for all the help and info. SMU, Baylor, and Tulane are definitely possibilities. I didn't have a great experience with the LSAT. I thought I did a lot worse than I actually did. And 159 was lots higher than I ever scored on the practice tests. I'm just a little leery about taking it again for fear I'll do worse.

[BarbellDreams]

If you retake you should shoot for UT, if not, I highly suggest applying to ASU, Tulane, Southern Methodist, and U of Houston. I think your best bet is Houston which places very well in TX.

[06162014123]

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[Generic20101L]

You will be able to get into SMU Tulane most likely. If that's fine with you, why would you want to retake? Those are both pretty damn good schools.

That's my advice. I got a 159 also and was just done with LSAT. Spend that extra study time during 1L and forget about the LSAT, it's not like you have a 147 and can't get into a T3 school.

Just my advice.....

[ScaredWorkedBored]

If the 159 was the best you've ever done and it felt like "how the hell did I do that" a retake makes less sense.

FWIW, Texas itself is a super long-shot, but you're at the 75th percentile GPA, a resident and you've got interesting and normally well-respected work experience. I'd write a glowing Texan personal statement and take a shot at UT just to see what happens. Probably won't, but the upside's worth it.

[BriaTharen]

If you have the time to truly devote to studying, I would retake. But only if you have time time. There is no point in retaking the LSAT on the same level of prep and possibly getting a lower score.

Your numbers are good enough to get you into LSU, but your LSAT is 4 points below Tulane's median. Go for it, but go in with eyes wide open.

Good luck!