3.91/165...applying Fall 2011 Forum

[RCG37]

160 in sept. 165 Feb., 3.91 gpa, solid softs...

Here's my list:

Reach City...
Berkeley
Penn
Northwestern
Georgetown

Target...
Cornell
UCLA
BU

My apps would be in by September 1st, no later.
I'm dying to go to Berkeley and would be willing to ED to Georgetown or NU... am I being delusional??

[Vincent Vega]

160 in sept. 165 Feb., 3.91 gpa, solid softs...

Here's my list:

Reach City...
Berkeley
Penn
Northwestern
Georgetown

Target...
Cornell
UCLA
BU

My apps would be in by September 1st, no later.
I'm dying to go to Berkeley and would be willing to ED to Georgetown or NU... am I being delusional??

Look at my cycle on LSN: http://www.lawschoolnumbers.com/BethpageBlack

[Vincent Vega]

Based on my results,
Berkeley - out
Penn - didn't apply
Northwestern - didn't apply
Georgetown - out

Target...
Cornell - out
UCLA - waitlisted
BU - haven't heard back, but I expect to get in without a scholarship

[sandiecohen47]

Since you aren't applying for a while, would you consider retaking a third time? I have a 3.98/165 and have had pretty good results. But, a higher LSAT score will turn those reaches into targets. Good luck!

[RCG37]

Since you aren't applying for a while, would you consider retaking a third time? I have a 3.98/165 and have had pretty good results. But, a higher LSAT score will turn those reaches into targets. Good luck!

Are you on LSN? I'd be interested to see your cycle with similar numbers and all.

[sandiecohen47]

Yep! The link is in my profile. Highlights have been acceptances to UCLA, USC, Wash U and GW. I'm currently in Faculty Review at Berkeley and have yet to hear back from 4 reaches.

Again, I am really satisfied. But if you want a guaranteed acceptance to one of those reaches, hunker down and retake to get 3 or more points higher. Still, congrats on your new score!

[86revolt]

like sandie, i'm also on faculty review at Boalt, so i will let you know how that goes. but i've gotten into both Vanderbilt and UT Austin, which are UCLA's peer institutions. i would recommend applying to those if you have any interest whatsoever of being in the south. even if not, both are super-regionals, so will allow you to move to the coasts without too much difficulty.

[amputatedbrain]

With almost the exact same numbers, I got into Boalt off FR, UCLA, and BU . . . W/L at Gtown/Penn . . . You have a shot at getting into one of those schools, but you can't take anything for granted with a 165. I personally would add a safety or two to that list.

[Neelio]

3.88/165 here... got WL at Berkeley, USC, and Georgetown. In at UC Davis. Waiting on UW. If I could go back in time I would have retaken and tried for a 167. Seems to be the magic number for a lot of people.

[RCG37]

With almost the exact same numbers, I got into Boalt off FR, UCLA, and BU . . . W/L at Gtown/Penn . . . You have a shot at getting into one of those schools, but you can't take anything for granted with a 165. I personally would add a safety or two to that list.

Good stuff. Anything in particular you think helped to get into Boalt?

Also, does anyone have any opinions on Northwestern? I currently live in Chicago and have solid work experience for the city as well as know some NU law grads who are now city officials which might help in terms of LOR.

Similar story for Michigan (which I am definitely considering adding to the list, though I loathe to think of moving back to the Mitten)...I'm from Detroit and am a U of M legacy..I know they love that kind of BS over there.

[Vincent Vega]

With almost the exact same numbers, I got into Boalt off FR, UCLA, and BU . . . W/L at Gtown/Penn . . . You have a shot at getting into one of those schools, but you can't take anything for granted with a 165. I personally would add a safety or two to that list.

Good stuff. Anything in particular you think helped to get into Boalt?

Willing to bet money it was the military service.

[OneKnight]

160 in sept. 165 Feb., 3.91 gpa, solid softs...

Here's my list:

Reach City...
Berkeley (could be anything)
Penn - WL/Out
Northwestern - Out (unless you have good WE)
Georgetown - Out

Target...
Cornell - WL
UCLA - WL
BU - In (probably w/o $ - that said, with a 166+ you'd be all but guaranteed $)

My apps would be in by September 1st, no later.
I'm dying to go to Berkeley and would be willing to ED to Georgetown or NU... am I being delusional??

Berkeley won't care much if you retake the LSAT and do a little better. Gtown, on the other hand, will care a lot. If you retake, get around a 168/169, and ED at Gtown, you should be fine.

[amputatedbrain]

With almost the exact same numbers, I got into Boalt off FR, UCLA, and BU . . . W/L at Gtown/Penn . . . You have a shot at getting into one of those schools, but you can't take anything for granted with a 165. I personally would add a safety or two to that list.

Good stuff. Anything in particular you think helped to get into Boalt?

Willing to bet money it was the military service.

If I had to guess, I'd probably agree, but military service only takes you so far, and then it's all in how you sell it. I didn't write a specific why Boalt essay, but I did take full advantage of the entire 4 page PS . . . I know others who got in with their standard 2 pager they sent everywhere else, but I think it helps for borderline applicants.