GULC with $$, UMich with none vs. working Forum

[avd90]

Hi there,

So I'm in a big quandary. I am a URM (Puerto Rican) with a 165 and 3.89 GPA. I took the December LSAT and I made a bubbling error that took me down from what would have been a 171. My average LSAT practice was in the mid-170's, so needless to say I was quite disappointed with my turn out. After speaking with my pre-law advisor, I decided to throw my applications in (due to need-based fee waivers) and see what happens. I also decided that since my score was low, I should look for work and potentially reapply next cycle.

It is also worth noting that Columbia/NYU are my top choices. I have been WLed across the t-14, with the exception of Michigan and GULC. I have $32500/year at GULC, and $13000 financial aid at MICH. I was leaning towards Mich, but then I received all that aid from GULC. I haven't heard from NYU, Duke, Cornell or Harvard. I'm also hesitant to relocate to Michigan, even though I love A2. I

I also just received an offer to work as a legal assistant at Skadden in the city. The job would be an incredible opportunity to network and learn, and it's in my ideal location (NYC). The only issue is that the position is a two year commitment, and I'm nervous about taking too much time off. I ultimately would like to attend NYU/Columbia, but I don't want my tunnel vision to cause me to give up some great opportunities. My brain tells me to work, but my heart really wants to go to school next year.

I'm not sure what the right decision is, and I have to let the job know by Wednesday. I know I can improve my LSAT score, and hopefully get into one of my top choices, or at least get more money from Mich or another school. Any advice would be amazing.

[Killingly]

I know I can improve my LSAT score

If you really think this is true, I'd say take the job and retake the LSAT.

[Br3v]

If between schools GULC, if have time and really don't mind, job study retake say whatsup in HLS


Actually, certainly retake and try for HLS, one more yr for a lifetime of different job prospects???

[CanadianWolf]

For which Top 14 law schools are you on the waitlist ("waitlisted across the T-14") ? If this includes Harvard, Yale & Stanford, then you need to ride out the waitlists & apply for financial aid. A higher LSAT score is valueless for H,Y & S if you are admitted since almost all aid money is based on financial need.

Also, working as a legal assistant at Skadden may not necessarily provide the networking opportunities that you envision; you may build a network of paralegals & legal assistants, rather than of associates & partners.

[avd90]

I did not apply to S or Y because I didn't want to pay $100 for each app when I thought I'd be a long shot. Otherwise I'm WL at Columbia, UChicago, Northwestern, UVA, Berk, UPenn

[CanadianWolf]

Then retaking the LSAT may be a smart move.

[Sammy841]

I think it really depends on whether going to NYU or Columbia is worth two years of waiting. I don't actually think working at a big firm is that helpful for networking, but it can give you a better sense if that's the kind of job you want post law school. I'm 25 so I feel more of a push to go now and with your good options I would say just go. You can definitely go back to NYC with either GULC or MIchigan. I would commit to one and spend my summer plastering NYU and Columbia with LOCIs. Maybe you could retake in JUne and send that in as well? With a large jump that could get your top choices to take another look.

[quiver]

My average LSAT practice was in the mid-170's, so needless to say I was quite disappointed with my turn out.

I know I can improve my LSAT score, and hopefully get into one of my top choices, or at least get more money from Mich or another school.

There is a massive difference between a 165 and a 174-176. I know you're leery about taking 2 years off but a ~3.9 + 175 + URM is really YSH territory. I think the best answer here is to retake and hit your potential. Whether that means taking this job for 2 years or trying to get another job for only a year is up to you but attending in the fall would be selling yourself short IMO.

[avd90]

thank you. I think it's worth mentioning that I'm 22 and graduating in May, so there may be less of a clock ticking down on me. I'm also trying to figure out if I have to sign a 2 year contract, or if they just strongly suggest I stay for two years. otherwise, I definitely think I'm leaning towards a retake

[bk1]

I know I can improve my LSAT score

If you really think this is true, I'd say take the job and retake the LSAT.

[chiwachiwa]

People routinely break those 2-year paralegal jobs. If you can get 170+, you are nearly a lock for HYS with ~3.9 and URM status.

[Elston Gunn]

My average LSAT practice was in the mid-170's, so needless to say I was quite disappointed with my turn out.

I know I can improve my LSAT score, and hopefully get into one of my top choices, or at least get more money from Mich or another school.

There is a massive difference between a 165 and a 174-176. I know you're leery about taking 2 years off but a ~3.9 + 175 + URM is really YSH territory. I think the best answer here is to retake and hit your potential. Whether that means taking this job for 2 years or trying to get another job for only a year is up to you but attending in the fall would be selling yourself short IMO.

Yeah, that's YSH territory as a non-URM. As a URM, H would be locked down, and YS might be close too. Retake if you can stand it. Otherwise GULC with that much money is a really good option.

[PotatoMonkey]

thank you. I think it's worth mentioning that I'm 22 and graduating in May, so there may be less of a clock ticking down on me. I'm also trying to figure out if I have to sign a 2 year contract, or if they just strongly suggest I stay for two years. otherwise, I definitely think I'm leaning towards a retake

I was in the same boat (though not URM). I under-performed my LSAT, applied anyways, and wasn't terribly excited by any of my choices. I ended up pulling up my GPA in senior year and decided to take two years off and retake. While I haven't taken yet (June), I can already tell you that taking the time off itself was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made, aside from all of the benefits it will give you in applying. I'm more relaxed, more eager and certain that I want to go back to school - though that might not be an issue for you - and I definitely feel that I'm getting some time to enjoy my 20s without constant stress without really putting myself in a bad situation time-wise. HTH.

[Ialdabaoth]

People routinely break those 2-year paralegal jobs. If you can get 170+, you are nearly a lock for HYS with ~3.9 and URM status.

And there aren't any negative repercussions for breaking the two-year commitments?

[Golden Bear 11]

Retake- 3.9 + URM + 170 = HYS.

[thelawyler]

Take the job and reapply. It's not a big deal, and you'll enjoy NYC.

[flem]

thank you. I think it's worth mentioning that I'm 22 and graduating in May, so there may be less of a clock ticking down on me. I'm also trying to figure out if I have to sign a 2 year contract, or if they just strongly suggest I stay for two years. otherwise, I definitely think I'm leaning towards a retake

Enjoy Skadden, broheim

Gain work experience as to not be a K-JD asshole

[BearState]

thank you. I think it's worth mentioning that I'm 22 and graduating in May, so there may be less of a clock ticking down on me. I'm also trying to figure out if I have to sign a 2 year contract, or if they just strongly suggest I stay for two years. otherwise, I definitely think I'm leaning towards a retake

Enjoy Skadden, broheim

Gain work experience as to not be a K-JD asshole

F'real. 2 years of neat work experience, saving some $, better LSAT; you can't lose.

[Doorkeeper]

I don't know why this thread was necroed....OP got into Harvard and will be attending, according to his profile.

[flem]

I don't know why this thread was necroed....OP got into Harvard and will be attending, according to his profile.

lulz

Cheers brah

[Ialdabaoth]

I don't know why this thread was necroed....OP got into Harvard and will be attending, according to his profile.

Haha, sorry, that was me. I was just curious about the 2 year biglaw paralegal "commitments."