I agree with you and all the others that have suggested I re-take the LSAT, I knew that this was the best option the whole time, I guess I was just in denial. All of these responses have made it crystal clear what the right decsion is...study hard and re-take the test. I do realize that law school is a ton of work and I am up for the challenge. I would be very grateful for any tips you could give me in good ways to prepare for the LSAT. Out of curiosity, where abroad are you living? Anyway, congrats on your success, a 177 on the LSAT is amazing. You are obviously very bright. Thank you.awahoya wrote:northwood wrote:OP There is something very wrong with your application. Your GPA should help you out a bit- but in all honesty you need to raise your LSAT at least 5 points. Study hard- and work on your essays for a while. Send out your applications early ( before Thanksgiving) and see how the cycle goes. Just because you are unemployed now doesnt mean you should go to law school this upcoming school year. Taking another year off wont hurt anything in the long run- and doing better on the test will help you a ton. Especially if you send in your applications super early. You may think its just your lsat- but chances are its more than just that. Contact at least one of the schools that rejected you in late May/June and have them go over your application with you either in person or over the phone. The admissions person will let you know which parts of your application need the most work. Take that information and use the time from June to October to work on those sections. Having to be in the top 20% of anyschool is very very hard to do. IN fact- you would be better off planning on losing hte scholarship. Would you attend Cal Western at full tuition plus living expenses for 2 years plus living expenses for the first year?
You may not like what people are saying- but this is a huge decision. Taking a year off and working at any job and studying for that test is a great idea. Think of it not as studying for admissions- but giving yourself the better oppotunity at lowering the cost of attendance- and being rewarded with a sholarship for your efforts. If someone were to offer you $25,000 to study for the test and wait a year- would you? How about $50,000 or even$ 81,000+? Because every dollar that you earn from a scholarship is a dollar ( plus interest) that you dont have to pay bak. You can either pay a lot of money now- or wait a year and increase your chances at getting paid ( by a big scholarship) after a few more months of studying for the test. By waiting another 6 months- and fixing your application and lsat score you will be eligible for possibly more scholarship money. That is a financial offer that you should not pass up
After reading this thread, I think this is the best response; it encapsulates a lot of what other people are trying to tell you (a la retake), but also gives you the most solid reason to do so: “every dollar that you earn from a scholarship is a dollar (plus interest) that you don’t have to pay back.” You seem earnest and like you’re willing to work hard to see your dream of heading to law school through to the end (you do realize that it will be a ton of hard work once you DO enter, right?)- your GPA is great (no matter the institution), and I’m sure with work on your PS and application (there are usually people on this site willing to help) you’ll be able to see things through. If you need any tips on good ways to prepare for the LSAT given a lot of time on your hands, just let me know. I’m not unemployed, but living abroad in a rural area- which also meant that I didn’t take a class and had to travel a good distance to take the test.
Pura Vida
