3.76/173 (and 165, multiple LSAT), non-URM, average softs

I'd really like to lock up my chances to go to school in NYC. I know I have a pretty good chance at both RD, but I just have a feeling that this cycle is going to be harder and that LSP isn't as accurate. If I don't get into either, I'd probably go to UCLA with $, since I have no real interest in any of the other T14 for various reasons. But I keep hearing that anything outside the t14 is going to be super hard to get a job nowadays...

I'm probably leaning towards big law, but I'm trying to go in with an open mind. I feel like I'd enjoy the Village more than Morningside Heights, as it's a bit livelier. I've read about their reps - Columbia is more gunnery, NYU more laidback, etc. Obviously, in terms of ranking, their difference barely matters.

The only other schools I would take over either would be HYS (not gonna happen) and Berkeley, which is always a toss up.

Is it worth it to ED at either school? I have a feeling I'd get accepted if I ED at NYU, but with Columbia I'm not so sure.

What would you do in my situation?

hey Kinch,

I would really go with ED at whichever one you feel you'd rather attend. if you're completely okay with either, I would personally ED at Columbia, as I imagine you'll have a slightly better shot at NYU RD than at Columbia ED. if you're paranoid about getting locked out, go for NYU ED. but really, despite the potential craziness of this cycle, you have great numbers. good luck!

one thing to consider in terms of NYU/the Village is housing, or rather the lack thereof. Columbia has some pretty great subsidized housing, and I personally think MH is also a great neighbourhood though of course somewhat more subdued. don't think you should let that sway your decision, just thought I'd add it in in case you weren't already in the know!

definitely don't ed to nyu you're definitely in RD and will prolly get $

you might want to ED to columbia tho if thats where you want to go as it would prolly lock it up for you

You think I'm "definitely" in at NYU RD? I'm not so sure, given that NYU averages multiple LSATs (or, at least, they don't consider just the highest score). Look at this guy from last year's cycle: http://lawschoolnumbers.com/sheltron5000. 173/3.7, multiple LSAT, and got waitlisted at NYU. That's what's got me worried.

If you'd be equally happy at either Columbia or NYU, then definitely apply ED at NYU, since their standards are slightly lower. If you prefer Columbia, then you'd have to decide if the small risk of getting rejected from both Columbia ED and NYU RD is worth it.

Pretty bad looking cycle for his numbers. His PS and LOR may not have done him any favors...

You might be wasting a chance at Columbia or at money from NYU.

Is Columbia really that much harder to get into than NYU now? I'm starting to see people posting things like "HYSC" in their chances threads - this did not happen when I was applying.

Columbia is significantly more selective in LSAT (170-172-175) than NYU (169-171-173), especially at the high end. To that this difference in perspective, Columbia's LSAT band is 1 point below Harvard's (171-173-176). NYU also has to fill 50 more seats than Columbia, and NYU's cross-admit yield with Columbia hurts their selectivity (having to take more students to fill the class).