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I am stuck between two scenarios right now and would appreciate any input or insight. The first option is to apply for 2012 admission with my current stats in the next 2-3 weeks... and the second option is to retake the LSAT, hope for a boost, and apply for 2013 admission.

I am a Maryland resident and went to a well regarded private college in New England. I originally got a 164 on the LSAT in December 2010, but I retook in October and managed a 168. Even so, I feel like I am capable of scoring higher, but I don't want to be delusional either. My practice tests were generally ranging between 167-171 prior to this administration in October, so getting a 172 at least seems possible if I really dig in with the Powerscore bibles.

A couple of questions: 1) How realistic is it for me to bump my score to between 171-173? 2) If I did bump my score in that range, would a 172 on my third try carry as much weight with schools as doing so on the first or second attempt 3) With 3 years work experience, would an LSAT around 172 get me into Northwestern or Georgetown (I assume all of the other T-14 schools are out based on my subpar GPA).

Assuming that I did apply for admission this cycle, my list of schools would look something like this: WUSTL, Boston College, Emory, Georgia, Washington and Lee, George Washington, Maryland, George Mason, Wake Forest, UNC, and SMU. I would assume I could get half schollies at some of those schools, but the idea of going to Northwestern or Georgetown is really appealing. Plus, I don't mind the idea of putting off law school for a year.

Any suggestions on what I should do. Thanks.

For your hypothetical, I could see you getting GULC or NW.

As it stands now, you're gonna end up at WUSTL, Emory, UGA, W&L, GW, Wake, or SMU, out of those options listed. See http://www.lawschoolnumbers.com for more.

Thanks! What do you think is the minimum LSAT I would need for a decent shot at GULC or Northwestern? 171?

Do you have any full-time post-graduate work experience? That would matter for northwestern.

I graduated in May 2010, so right now I have just over a year of postgraduate work experience. The last six months I have been working at one of the mega law firms in DC. I will probably work there a few more months and in total I should have right around 2 years work experience if I applied for 2013 admission.

Also, I took off a year between junior and senior year of college and worked about 9 months during that time, including several months on a presidential campaign. Don't know if Northwestern would pay much consideration to that part of my work experience though...