Tactical early decision Forum

[Dcc617]

Good afternoon everybody,

I've recently discovered this site and think that it is a great resource.

I am in a bit of an odd situation. I am active duty military, but am planning to get out this June. My scores are a bit on the low side (165/3.72). I would like to get into a top 20 school. I would retake the LSAT, but I'm working 60 hour weeks so I don't think I can prepare as much as it would take to make a big jump in improvement.

I am trying to decide where to ED to best improve my chances of admission. Scholarships are not an issue since I'll be using the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon. I would really love to go to UT Austin or Michigan, if I could get in.

I appreciate any thoughts you all have.

EDIT: To any future person who stumbles across this thread, I ended up retaking and scoring a 176. Now my options are completely different. Listen to TLS.

[ChemEng1642]

Where are you trying to eventually end up/What do you want to do with your JD?

[KMart]

Thank you for your service, and you are one of a select few where people would not discourage you to apply ED.

That being said, it doesn't look great for the schools you mentioned.



ED Excluded:

[Dcc617]

Well, I have a pipe dream of becoming a law professor one day. I enjoyed academia in undergrad and would like to pursue it if I can.

Otherwise I am interested in getting a federal clerkship and possibly pursuing something in public interest. I am not very interested in big law.

[phillywc]

What part of the country are you from? Where would you like to work?

I think Michigan ED would be at least possible.

[Dcc617]

From VA but no attachment to where I want to work. I'm more concerned with getting a job. A benefit to being military is that you are already used to moving around.

[ChemEng1642]

I would say Michigan over Texas - especially if you aren't completely sold on Texas. There is more flexibility after graduating and and - at least from what I've heard - it's much more difficult to get a job outside of Texas with a UT degree than outside of Michigan with a Michigan degree. This is not from first hand experience or research though so take it with a grain of salt.

Why only those 2 schools out of curiosity?

Also thank you for your service!

Edited.

[Dcc617]

First, I would like to thank everyone for chiming in. I've been agonizing over this for a while, so feedback helps.

I have a friend who goes to UT who raves about how awesome the program is there. I like the job prospects and military support at both of the schools. Also, my GPA is around median for both and my LSAT is between 25 and 50 percentile, so I thought I was at least a little competitive.

But any top 20 where I can get my tuition covered by GI bill would be awesome.

[FairchildFLT]

You can also check out the veterans thread. Lots of good information from fellow veterans for veterans. Hua partner good look!

Edit: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... start=1400

Editing for forgotten link.

[KMart]

it's much more difficult to get a job outside of Texas with a UT degree than outside of Michigan with a Michigan degree.

This is accurate and not hearsay.

[ChemEng1642]

it's much more difficult to get a job outside of Texas with a UT degree than outside of Michigan with a Michigan degree.

This is accurate and not hearsay.

Oh good then I'm not spewing nonsense!

[03152016]

There is more flexibility after graduating and and - at least from what I've heard - it's much more difficult to get a job outside of Texas with a UT degree than outside of Michigan with a Michigan degree. This is hearsay though so take it with a grain of salt.

texas is a strong regional. mich is a t14 that places into chi and nyc. it's completely substantiated that umich is more portable than ut

[03152016]

i wouldn't ed personally, you never know where you'll sneak in
if you do, read this: http://admissionsbythenumbers.blogspot. ... op-14.html

also, i believe mich has an early start for ed applicants, if that matters
(i think they do it to lock you in, but maybe there's a valid reason for it i'm not aware of)

[KMart]

also, i believe mich has an early start for ed applicants, if that matters
(i think they do it to lock you in, but maybe there's a valid reason for it i'm not aware of)

They do have an early start. I believe it is May 2015 and you graduate a semester earlier. Although I am not sure the reason why this is.

[Dcc617]

The summer start actually prevents me from applying ED to Michigan. I would have to be on terminal leave to do it, since I'm on the hook for the army until late June. There is mo way I'm going to be able to get it approved before November 15th.

That really sucks.

[thelawyerguy]

Are you a Virginia resident? That would help with ED to UVA.

[malleus discentium]

Why can't you study for the LSAT after you get out in June?

[chuckbass]

Are you a Virginia resident? That would help with ED to UVA.

[ChemEng1642]

There is more flexibility after graduating and and - at least from what I've heard - it's much more difficult to get a job outside of Texas with a UT degree than outside of Michigan with a Michigan degree. This is hearsay though so take it with a grain of salt.

texas is a strong regional. mich is a t14 that places into chi and nyc. it's completely substantiated that umich is more portable than ut

Edited original post for clarity.

[Moneytrees]

With a 165/3.7+ you are a relatively strong candidate and in this climate of declining law applications I think you will get into some top 20 schools. I think you have a shot at schools that don't place a ton of weight on having a high GPA (Cornell, UT, definitely Washington U).

That being said, you could always ED and try your luck with a top school. I suppose it can't hurt since you aren't looking to get $$ from schools.

[AHugeSpider]

Former Michigan Summer Starter here. Summer Start is awesome, but if you can’t do it you should really call the Admissions Office and ask about your situation. There are a lot of veterans around Michigan so I wouldn’t be surprised if they have run into this situation before and they sometimes make exceptions if you have a good reason. Even if they say no, it doesn’t hurt to ask.