Softs, How bad to be considered bad? Forum

[Otunga]

So is it tcr that having lackluster softs will not be much of a factor when applying to law school, but that I should have them for the sake of employment post-law school?

No. It will hurt you for both. You'll probably still get into Chicago and Columbia, but HYS will be tough. People with your numbers get dinged every year at H for weak softs. Work experience, extracurriculars and school leadership positions will rarely help you overperform your numbers, but a lack of these things will likely make you underperform.

So is this tcr? I know I have a marginal chance at Stanford and Yale, but I'd be super happy with Harvard

How do you know you have a marginal chance at Stanford and Yale? Just from your numbers? If you have absolutely no softs whatsoever I would write those two off and just hope Harvard decides to take you.

Doesn't HLS take the vast majority of applicants with his stats? To 'just hope' might be a little strong. He can definitely fluff up the resume with the volunteer positions with some help from people who know how to write resumes.

OP: do you have any paid W/E?

[asdfjkz900]

How do you know you have a marginal chance at Stanford and Yale? Just from your numbers? If you have absolutely no softs whatsoever I would write those two off and just hope Harvard decides to take you.

Lol you mad bro?

[Otunga]

How do you know you have a marginal chance at Stanford and Yale? Just from your numbers? If you have absolutely no softs whatsoever I would write those two off and just hope Harvard decides to take you.

Lol you mad bro?

He's probably right about Yale and Stanford, though.

[asdfjkz900]

Well yeah; I thought I made it clear that I knew I had a very small chance (if at all) at YS. That shouldn't preclude me from sending an application or two their way, especially with my numbers no?

[Otunga]

Well yeah; I thought I made it clear that I knew I had a very small chance (if at all) at YS. That shouldn't preclude me from sending an application or two their way, especially with my numbers no?

Definitely send. It'd be absurd not to with your numbers.

[Happy Gilmore]

How do you know you have a marginal chance at Stanford and Yale? Just from your numbers? If you have absolutely no softs whatsoever I would write those two off and just hope Harvard decides to take you.

Lol you mad bro?

Na just the way you worded it made it sound like you thought you had a better shot at YS then H. I was only taking issue with that part (It's probably not how you mean't it or said it- just how I understood it). Basically that your chances at H are better then YS is all I mean't by that.

[sinfiery]

I had really terrible softs. Your above median GPA will get you HLS, YS are possible because of how close to perfect your numbers are (Distance from median and/or 75% is generally considered a soft, and a good one) but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[esse est percipi]

Those numbers aren't going to be completely indicative. First, students with outstanding GPAs and test scores tend to be very involved, successful people. It's probably quite rare to be in OP's situation. Second, the people that report on LSN are generally well-prepared applicants who probably have higher than average softs. And third, most of these cited Harvard admits are not K-JD (meaning they have full time work experience, which is probably impressive given their GPAs).

[Otunga]

Those numbers aren't going to be completely indicative. First, students with outstanding GPAs and test scores tend to be very involved, successful people. It's probably quite rare to be in OP's situation. Second, the people that report on LSN are generally well-prepared applicants who probably have higher than average softs. And third, most of these cited Harvard admits are not K-JD (meaning they have full time work experience, which is probably impressive given their GPAs).

Very good points. Though I doubt it's THAT rare to be in OPs situation. Lots of people in college have fun and are able to get stellar grades without getting much real-world experience.

[King Cayuga]

Do internships at law firms and government offices count as work experience? I have a lot of internships but only one actual "job", and that was from HS...

[sinfiery]

Those numbers aren't going to be completely indicative. First, students with outstanding GPAs and test scores tend to be very involved, successful people. It's probably quite rare to be in OP's situation. Second, the people that report on LSN are generally well-prepared applicants who probably have higher than average softs. And third, most of these cited Harvard admits are not K-JD (meaning they have full time work experience, which is probably impressive given their GPAs).

Counter argument: 29-0

Above both medians is a really strong bet for HLS though failure can still occur, it likely won't be because of lack of WE.