Applying in Jan 2014 Forum

[mjk0330]

3.6 GPA Top 20s UG
PTing around 165 (Taking LSAT in Dec 2013)
Non-urm
good LORs & softs, apps ready to go
LSN tells me I have a shot at some T14s (Cornell/Michigan/Georgetown) if I apply very early in the cycle, but close to 0 if I apply late Dec/early Jan.
Obviously not every admit puts their numbers up on LSN, but I'm worried about hurting my chances at admissions by applying in January, esp. with my numbers.
I could always just apply and see, but I feel reapplying to the same school if denied admission this year will further decrease my chances of getting in the next cycle.
Any thoughts/advice??

[jptw88]

If you score below a law school's median LSAT you MUST get your application in early during the admissions cycle. Ad comms have more "flexibility" with applicants early during the cycle; the earlier the better. If you score below your first choice school's median LSAT, consider holding off until next cycle.

An LSAC GPA of 3.6 from a top 20 undergrad institution will most def be a huge boost in admissions and give you a competitive advantage to those with similar stats from lower-tiered undergrad institutions.
Best of luck for the December LSAT and your upcoming cycle!

[midwest17]

An LSAC GPA of 3.6 from a top 20 undergrad institution will most def be a huge boost in admissions and give you a competitive advantage to those with similar stats from lower-tiered undergrad institutions.

Evidence? This goes against common wisdom here. A 3.6 is a 3.6 is a 3.6.

[A. Nony Mouse]

An LSAC GPA of 3.6 from a top 20 undergrad institution will most def be a huge boost in admissions and give you a competitive advantage to those with similar stats from lower-tiered undergrad institutions.

Evidence? This goes against common wisdom here. A 3.6 is a 3.6 is a 3.6.

Credited. There is discussion suggesting that there can be a boost for the very top schools (HYSP), but even so, I haven't seen anyone call it a "huge" boost. Generally, your undergrad doesn't matter - schools don't get to report UGPAs to USNWR with the qualifier of 3.5 (Harvard) - it's just a 3.5.

[mjk0330]

Would ED to Cornell round II make any difference?

[mr. wednesday]

Can you work for a year and apply next cycle? Save some money for living expenses, have the chance to retake the LSAT in Feb or June if you aren't happy with your score, and apply on day 1 in the fall.

[snagglepuss]

While one or two people have got into Michigan and Georgetown (not Cornell according to LSN) with 3.6/165, I think trying to edge you're way into the T14 with some school's 25th percentile LSAT is a bad idea. PTing around 165 doesn't make a T14 acceptance likely at all. I have the same GPA, and I don't think sending apps is worth the money without at least a 167/168 (personally I'm thinking 170+). Come back with a real score. If it is 165, retake. Things are really that simple. Don't settle.

[mjk0330]

Thank you guys!