What are my realistic options? Forum

[fmacaluso]

So here are the stats:

BS ME Mechanical Engineering: GPA 3.15
Binghamton University - NY
Taking June '10 LSAT. Practice Tests Average: 160

I've been studying my ass off for the past month and plan to take a course right up until the test on June 5.

I'm shooting for a 165 on the day of test, so given that, I'm curious.......

What are my real chances of getting into a decent law school that has an IP program?Is "decent" out of my range given my credentials?

Thanks so much for your help

[bass08]

eh it all depends on your lsat. If you score in the 160's you'll be fine for many tier 2 schools. Try to get 164+ and I think you could get some decent money at tier 2's. Also, apply early since you are taking the June '10 test.

[vanwinkle]

June is a long long time away. I went from 157 to 170 in 3-4 months. Work your ass off, get up into the high 160s. With a GPA that low you're gonna need your LSAT to carry you.

Your chances depend entirely on your LSAT score at this point. The higher it is the more chance you have of getting into a truly good (read: T14) school. Work on it like the rest of your life depends on it, because it does.

[fmacaluso]

Thanks guys. I figured that's what you'd say. I'm really hoping that the $1300 I pay for a Kaplan Review Course pays off. I'm shooting for anything above a 164.

If I do early decision to a school, that typically helps my chances of getting in, right? I presume that I can't apply early decision to more than 1 school because aren't there agreements of if you get in, you MUST go to that school?

[Scurredsitless1]

Thanks guys. I figured that's what you'd say. I'm really hoping that the $1300 I pay for a Kaplan Review Course pays off. I'm shooting for anything above a 164.

If I do early decision to a school, that typically helps my chances of getting in, right? I presume that I can't apply early decision to more than 1 school because aren't there agreements of if you get in, you MUST go to that school?

Early Decision is a binding agreement. You should only apply to one school ED, and only if you're absolutely certain you want to attend that school. Contrary to what schools will tell you, ED can hurt your chances at getting money. And the boost applying ED will give you is probably very small.

It seems to me applying ED helps the schools, not the applicants. This is certainly debatable.

Good Luck with your LSATs. If I could do it again, I would have spent more time practicing under actual, full test conditions. Testing fatigue was clearly a factor in my performance.

[flyingpanda]

And the boost applying ED will give you is probably very small.

It seems to me applying ED helps the schools, not the applicants. This is certainly debatable.

Depends on the school! NU and UVA EDs are a pretty big boost if one of your numbers is above median.

[lawschooliseasy]

With your numbers look at Chicago-Kent. They have an excellent IP program.

[tallboone]

Thanks guys. I figured that's what you'd say. I'm really hoping that the $1300 I pay for a Kaplan Review Course pays off. I'm shooting for anything above a 164.

If you haven't already paid for Kaplan, i would recommend Powerscore, Testmasters or Blueprint if you have them in your area. If not, take an online course from one of these companies.

[AngryAvocado]

Thanks guys. I figured that's what you'd say. I'm really hoping that the $1300 I pay for a Kaplan Review Course pays off. I'm shooting for anything above a 164.

If I do early decision to a school, that typically helps my chances of getting in, right? I presume that I can't apply early decision to more than 1 school because aren't there agreements of if you get in, you MUST go to that school?

Forget Kaplan. Follow the prevailing advice on this site, especially Pithypike's guide, and you'll be far better prepared than a Kaplan course will ever get you.

[vanwinkle]

With your numbers look at Chicago-Kent. They have an excellent IP program.

lolwut?

[lawschooliseasy]

With your numbers look at Chicago-Kent. They have an excellent IP program.

lolwut?

He said he got a 160 on a pt. If he scores in the low 160s, with his GPA he'll definitely get into Kent. They have one of the best IP programs around, even if everyone makes fun of their T2 status.

[vanwinkle]

With your numbers look at Chicago-Kent. They have an excellent IP program.

lolwut?

He said he got a 160 on a pt. If he scores in the low 160s, with his GPA he'll definitely get into Kent. They have one of the best IP programs around, even if everyone makes fun of their T2 status.

Let me show you a picture of everyone who was ever hired because their school had a high-ranked specialty program:

--ImageRemoved--

Kent is a money pit. People make fun of it because it's somewhere around the 8th best school in the Chicago market and it's a nearly worthless degree these days. The only reliable way to get a job from there, especially ITE, is to have a last name starting with "D" and ending in "aley".

The only good thing you can possibly say about Kent is, at least it's not DePaul.

[fmacaluso]

Now, now guys.

I haven't thought too much about schools yet. I'm really concentrating more on the LSAT, which leads me to my next question:

When I took the GRE, which was computer-based, I had the option to fill in the schools I wanted my scores sent to. The same isn't prevalent here, correct? I think it's taken care of by LSAC and/or LSDAS.

In engineering, I wasn't too concerned about which school I went to in terms of future job placement, but in Law School, I'm learning that it's much much more important.

The bottom line is that I'm going to do the best I can and I'll get into what I get into...

[Scurredsitless1]

I think it's taken care of by LSAC and/or LSDAS.

You will apply through LSAC. The folks that do your recommendations will send them to the LSAC. You need to have your undergrad send your transcripts to LSAC. LSAC will send your scores, recommendations, transcripts, personal statement, and resume when you apply. I really liked the way LSAC handled it (some people have their complaints). The process is pretty straightforward when you start digging in.

[fmacaluso]

OK, so the scores are only sent once you apply to said school.

I looked through and registered through LSDAS and LSAC so I'm roughly familiar with the site.

Good stuff. Thanks alot.