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Hi!

Just a little background on me. I'm an Orthodox Jew whose numbers are 165/170/3.49. I am debating between those four options and my time to decide is rather limited.

Until about an hour ago, I had decided I would attend Duke. But the more I learn about the area, the more I come to see that is isn't really a viable place for an Orthodox Jew. Getting meat and finding places to eat for the Sabbath and Holidays isn't too realistic, and a car would 100% be required. It probably is somewhat realistic, but the whole "law school experience" would be extremely lacking, as I wouldn't be able to have such a vibrant social life in that area. In terms of money, there is a small possibility I get some need-based aid, but my gut tells me I probably won't and I'll be lucky if I get anything since it's so late.

As for GULC, there is a decent chance I get some aid. I don't know how much but it would probably be in the $15K/yr range. GULC has a solid Orthodox Jewish life, as DC is a big city, but it isn't the same as NYC. Job prospects in GULC aren't bad, but they aren't on the same level as Duke. But GULC is very livable for an Orthodox Jew. I also like the idea of working in public interest in DC. However, that isn't real money. I'll update you guys when I get more info on a GULC scholarship, if there is one.

Fordham is offering me $25K/yr and they would have the best Jewish life, as my family and friends are in NYC, and, well, it's NYC. Though, they have the worst job prospects of the three. My hope would be to work hard and end up on top of my class and possibly transfer. Yes, I understand I cannot assume ending up on the top of my class. There is no guarantee and I get that.

The last option would be to reapply early next cycle. I applied at the end of January in this cycle and only got a 170 on the February LSAT. Question, though, is: What are my odds at getting accepted ED at NYU or Penn. Which would be my best bet? I would definitely prefer NYU, and I'm assuming applying ED at Columbia would be rather pointless. I would spend my year off working and getting my applications in at the beginning of the cycle. I would also possibly tutor the LSAT.

I, however, would not retake the LSAT, as I have already taken it 3 times (one "Cancel").

What would all say is my best bet given my situation? I really appreciate all of your responses and advice.

Thanks so much!

-Mo

While I definitely respect what's important to you, it would be silly to go to Fordham over Duke if you made that decision. Keep in mind that even with that scholarship, you'll have a much higher COL. While you are in a unique situation of balancing what's best for you personally and professionally, I think you're kind of shooting yourself in the foot if you decided you wanted to attend this year and didn't choose Duke. Also it would seem like you have a solid shot at Penn with that ED. Did you apply to Penn this cycle RD though? That may have an effect if your application hasn't changed since you won't be retaking the LSAT.

scotth724 wrote:While I definitely respect what's important to you, it would be silly to go to Fordham over Duke if you made that decision. Keep in mind that even with that scholarship, you'll have a much higher COL. While you are in a unique situation of balancing what's best for you personally and professionally, I think you're kind of shooting yourself in the foot if you decided you wanted to attend this year and didn't choose Duke. Also it would seem like you have a solid shot at Penn with that ED. Did you apply to Penn this cycle RD though? That may have an effect if your application hasn't changed since you won't be retaking the LSAT.

Oh, I forgot to reference that. My cost of living will be about the same in NYC, as my parents will be helping me cover most of it and there is cheap living if you know NYC well, which I do. I bolded that so other could see it.

What about NYU? Would I have a solid shot at NYU? I interned for a judge who adjuncts there, and he wrote me a letter of recommendation for my waitlist situation there now, so I'm sure he'll write me on there in the Fall. I did apply to Penn RD, but at the end of January. I would change up my personal statement and whatever else is written. I may use the same topic, but I would write it differently and the topic I used would be more impressive now than it was a few months ago.

Would you advise going to Duke over reapplying or is more of a toss up?

Well what kind of job are you looking to get? That'll help other people weigh in as well. Personally even with COL covered I'd strike Fordham off the list, it's an unnecessary gamble that you don't need to take. And while NYU would certainly be the right fit for you, with your numbers ED is still a stretch. The reason Penn is likely to work out is because their LSAT median is a 170, so while your GPA is low for them your LSAT still keeps you competitive. For NYU on the other hand, you're below both medians, and while you certainly could make it in ED, the likelihood seems low.

And also it's really a toss up. With your numbers I think it would be a good decision, since you wouldn't reasonably get much of a better offer next cycle anyways, but if you're going to be miserable for 3 years you're also probably not going to do well in law school or lead a healthy life. So with that said I can't really help you there.

scotth724 wrote:And also it's really a toss up. With your numbers I think it would be a good decision, since you wouldn't reasonably get much of a better offer next cycle anyways, but if you're going to be miserable for 3 years you're also probably not going to do well in law school or lead a healthy life. So with that said I can't really help you there.

Well, I'm not really 100% sure what I would want to do next for law. I've always told myself that I would want to do ADA work for about 3-5 years and then go into Criminal Defense, but that could always change. I'm not even sure if BigLaw would be my best bet. It's always a possibility, though.

But yeah, the issue with Duke is that the QoL there would be pretty bad, no matter how anyone would try to sell it. And law school is supposed to be at least somewhat enjoyable, right? I'm supposed to meet people and make friends and socialize, all while working extremely hard. Right? Or am I supposed to have no life?

This is all so stressful. Ugh.

Thanks, again, everyone!

You dont have a good shot at NYU because you are below both medians

Rolling the dice for scholarships and different T14 options next cycle isnt a terrible idea

I would just go to duke if I were you

Nova wrote:You dont have a good shot at NYU because you are below both medians

Rolling the dice for scholarships and different T14 options next cycle isnt a terrible idea

I would just go to duke if I were you

Issue with Duke is that the QoL would be Hell. I don't want to assume, but I don't think you understand the difficulty of living as an Orthodox Jew when you don't have easy access to kosher meat, other Orthodox Jews, and easily accessible synagogues...

Maybe I'd get into Michigan next year RD?

You should be in at Michigan RD, possibly with $.

scotth724 wrote:You should be in at Michigan RD, possibly with $.

So you think I got waitlisted this year because I applied so late?

I agree with scott



yeah, applying late def hurt

Nova wrote:I agree with scott



yeah, applying late def hurt

The issue with that graph is that it includes 171's and 3.6's, which are a big difference from my numbers. I think 169-170 and 3.45-3.55 would probably give a more accurate picture. Would you be able to put that graph together?

Also, including ED makes it unaccurate. I could only apply to one school ED, right?

Applying late definitely hurt. But that graph is still a realistic expectation for you. You're above the LSAT median, and while you're below their median GPA, they have one of the lower medians among the T14 anyways and also that's less important.

170 >>>> 169

to M tho



fixed the ED

Nova wrote:170 >>>> 169

to M tho



fixed the ED

Why'd you skip a year and include anytime? I'm gonna go make a graph. One sec.

I did it on purpose cause that year had the most applicants like ever

its not like the 2 most recent cycles at all

next year is predicted to be down even a little more than this year

moshei24 wrote:Also, including ED makes it unaccurate. I could only apply to one school ED, right?

actually you can apply ED to more than 1 school. just not at the same time

you can end up EDing at like 3 or 4 places total if you line everything up right

There is an art to it

i forget how tho

other posters know

Nova wrote:I did it on purpose cause that year had the most applicants like ever

its not like the 2 most recent cycles at all

next year is predicted to be down even a little more than this year

Gotcha. It seems like Michigan and Cornell are shoe-ins RD with $$.

Nova wrote:

moshei24 wrote:Also, including ED makes it unaccurate. I could only apply to one school ED, right?

actually you can apply ED to more than 1 school. just not at the same time

you can end up EDing at like 3 or 4 places total if you line everything up right

There is an art to it

i forget how tho

other posters know

How long does it usually take to hear back from each school? Who would know the art to doing that?

probably several regular posters. Someone like Br3v or North probably

someone will probably see this and answer it. Or if youre realy curious you could make a thread abt it

Nova wrote:probably several regular posters. Someone like Br3v or North probably

someone will probably see this and answer it. Or if youre realy curious you could make a thread abt it

Yeah, but I don't have a rush on getting that done, as I wouldn't need to know until next cycle.

I still vote duke.

Pretty sure it was hashed out pretty well in you last thread why its the best option if you subtract your QoL conundrum

QoL is definitely a huge deal though so IDK

Nova wrote:I still vote duke.

Pretty sure it was hashed out pretty well in you last thread why its the best option if you subtract your QoL conundrum

QoL is definitely a huge deal though so IDK

Right, that's why I chose Duke until I spoke to an Orthodox Jew who lives there with his wife who pretty much told me the QoL would be Hell. And Hell x100 without a car. So now, crisis. I still think there's a solid chance I get into Cornell or Michigan off WL, if not NYU.