Attending Law School: 2011 vs. 2012 Forum

[droges]

I took the October LSAT and bombed with a 163 then retook in February and improved to 167. I am debating retaking in June mainly because I screwed up half the games section and believe I could have score a 170 or higher. Also, I feel the hold placed on my applications while waiting for my Feb score will really impact my chances this cycle. I would love to stay in the Northeast or Mid- Atlantic but I recently got accepted to UGA with a decent scholarship and would put me at paying 10k a year which is hard to turn sown considering the employment prospects coming out of school. Therefore, should I retake and apply earlier in cycle with the hopes of being admitted to a BC/BU/GW, if I am not admitted to these schools this cycle, or take the money at UGA and not worry about debt but restrict myself to the southeast market? I would appreciate any input, thanks.

[bartleby]

what would you be doing in the year off?

[droges]

I graduated early in December and am working at State Street (the job is awful so if anything it makes me want to go to school more). Otherwise, I am founding a small venture and would consider traveling.

[droges]

Any other thoughts? The year off is a slight concern but I am more concerned with balancing placement in a good law firm, preferably the Northeast or Mid Atlantic, and minimizing my debt.

[Gecko of Doom]

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[droges]

That is very true, but my experience in my current position is discouraging me from working for over another year. I wouldnt mind living and working in Atlanta or the southeast for a while but eventually would like to move into either the mid Atlantic or Northeast. Basically, work for 5-10 years in Atlanta then find a job closer to my home state (New York)? Would a UGA law degree, supplemented with work expericence in a good Atlanta law firm, put me in position to eventually relocate?

[DoubleChecks]

um, whats your GPA? or rather, what are the highest ranked schools you could even realistically get into with a 170+ (assuming low 170's at best?) ?

[droges]

My GPA is 3.65 with an upward trend (3.85 over past three years, if that matters). So I assume 170 or low 170s would put me in position to be considered at some T14/13/15 schools, or however it is defined now, but obviously 170 is not guaranteed.

[droges]

Any other advice? Any insight would be helpful.

[BarbellDreams]

I would retake and reapply. Even if you dont get the LSAT up applying September 1st instead of late in the game will greatly increase your chances.

[droges]

Yea I definitely agree that applying earlier in the cycle would be beneficial. But if I take the LSAT for a third time will that be a negative in the eyes of the review/selection committee?

[005618502]

Yea I definitely agree that applying earlier in the cycle would be beneficial. But if I take the LSAT for a third time will that be a negative in the eyes of the review/selection committee?

Not if you do better.

[droges]

I didnt think it would have a negative impact, if worst comes to worst I could always cancel my score if I believe I didnt improve. I know the rational choice would probably be to wait another cycle but it is hard to imagine waiting a full year, espacially with such a disappointing job and law school option which is low in debt.

[droges]

Any recommendations from those who have taken a year between undergrad and law school?

[charliebrownwn]

Any recommendations from those who have taken a year between undergrad and law school?

If you find a full-time (real) job, there's nothing wrong with it and it will make you a better candidate. You might even learn something useful or have an experience to use in a personal statement next time.

If you do nothing or work retail/fast food, it will suck, you won't save much money, and it'll be really boring.

[Robespierre]

You want the Northeast/Mid Atl and your best acceptance is UGa, which is a mismatch. In the meantime, you've got a job with a good company in the financial industry, which millions of people would kill for. Also, legal job prospects could improve if you wait a year, as the economy improves (speculation, I know, but that's my opinion). For these reasons, my vote is wait a cycle.

I've been working almost 4 years since graduating UG and it's fine. I'm learning, enjoying, and putting money in the bank. Nothing to worry about there, and for you it's just ONE year.