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Several questions on chances

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 3:38 am
by klinea
Hey everyone,

As I read through some of the other responses to threads I still had a few questions. As far as general information goes, my LSAT and GPA are 161/3.65. I realize that my LSAT is weak, but it was a 12 point improvement over my Sept. score which was downright embarrassing. I am re-taking it in Feb. because I am still not satisfied and finally have had the proper time to prepare.

The real reason that I'm posting is because I am curious to get feedback regarding schools that place more weight on factors outside of LSAT/GPA. Obviously, my scores aren't too impressive, but I have worked hard throughout my undergraduate years to be well rounded. I can include things such as my internship for my Senator in DC, work for my Governor, student body president of a large university, study abroad, second language (Portuguese), and an agricultural background. I have worked hard to get respectable, well-written letters of recommendation and extensively on my personal statement. While these things are by no means "earth-shattering," I am just playing the hand I have been dealt. As with anyone else, I am just trying to maximize my chances of acceptance into a good school. Advice on reach schools that may potentially be interested is what I'm looking for, however, all input is welcomed.

Have a great evening.

Re: Several questions on chances

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 3:56 am
by 84Sunbird2000
klinea wrote:Hey everyone,

As I read through some of the other responses to threads I still had a few questions. As far as general information goes, my LSAT and GPA are 161/3.65. I realize that my LSAT is weak, but it was a 12 point improvement over my Sept. score which was downright embarrassing. I am re-taking it in Feb. because I am still not satisfied and finally have had the proper time to prepare.

The real reason that I'm posting is because I am curious to get feedback regarding schools that place more weight on factors outside of LSAT/GPA. Obviously, my scores aren't too impressive, but I have worked hard throughout my undergraduate years to be well rounded. I can include things such as my internship for my Senator in DC, work for my Governor, student body president of a large university, study abroad, second language (Portuguese), and an agricultural background. I have worked hard to get respectable, well-written letters of recommendation and extensively on my personal statement. While these things are by no means "earth-shattering," I am just playing the hand I have been dealt. As with anyone else, I am just trying to maximize my chances of acceptance into a good school. Advice on reach schools that may potentially be interested is what I'm looking for, however, all input is welcomed.

Have a great evening.
Well, first, you don't have a weak LSAT. TLS is grossly distorted in that regard, and your percentile (84th, I think) is high. That score will get you some nice scholarships to T2s and in at some T1s - of course you know.

I actually don't know what "great" softs are. Your softs sound incredible, but it seems that they are constantly downplayed here. I guess I'd echo what I've learned in a rote manner: your softs are maybe worth a couple points on the LSAT or a tenth or two GPA. It seems unfair, and in some ways probably is.

If I were to guess, Iowa and Indiana-Bloomington would be your best bets in the T30 with your numbers. From 30 on down, you have a good shot. Tulane and Case Western seem to have fairly wide placement in the T1/T2 range. You could go to either Florida or Florida St. if you wanted to practice there. Stetson does well in Florida and you'd probably get a full ride or even a ride and stipend, but they are way down at T2/T3. In fact, the 30-80 state schools are almost all a good choice if you want to practice there - many of them dominate their regions, but you know all this.

Then again, there is always the option of begging fee waives to super reaches and going nuts. That's pretty much what I'm doing. Nothing lost, and with your softs, who knows - maybe you'll get something.