Toledo vs. Waitlist vs. Retake Forum

[Artistry]

GPA: 3
LSAT: 153
Residency: Alaska
URM: No
Ties: Alaska and New Mexico, California (minimal)
Interests: Criminal Law, IP

Basically, I got in at Toledo. Normally, I wouldn't seriously consider this school, but I would be studying for a JD and a Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ). My family has pledged to cover all costs concerning both degrees, and there has been no scholarships awarded yet.

I'm also waitlisted at Seattle.

The goal is to find a decent job, whether that be in Alaska or anywhere else. Basically, I'm stating for the record that I can live just about anywhere and be happy. Having lived in Alaska for as long as I have allows me to have this view to a very liberal degree (I've lived in -70 F and more than 100 F); if that doesn't qualify me to live anywhere, nothing will.

If I get a decent full time job for the coming year, I'd probably retake the LSAT and wait until the next admission cycle. However, my family is pressing me to go sooner rather than later, and to accept going to Toledo to get the JD/MACJ.

Or maybe I should retake the LSAT regardless of what happens on the job front and wait a year anyway.

Should I go to Toledo, ride the waitlist at Seattle, or simply retake regardless of what happens?

[Paul Campos]

If your family is paying it's not free.

20% of Toledo's 2010 class got a real legal job. Are you willing to take an 80% chance that you're lighting their money on fire?

[stillwater]

You should absolutely, 100% retake the LSAT. It will improve your lot markedly.

[Artistry]

If your family is paying it's not free.

20% of Toledo's 2010 class got a real legal job. Are you willing to take an 80% chance that you're lighting their money on fire?

That's what scares me. I don't want to go through all this trouble to end up without a job and having wasted my family's money. That being said, I'm not sure it matters too much where I go to school as far as legal work in Alaska is concerned.

And I should note that I will probably get some scholarship help; we'll see. In all likelihood, I'll get something, but unless its significant aid, that would hinder any possible decision on this matter.

EDIT: part of the reason why I want a MACJ is because it compliments the criminal legal education, and also acts as an insurance in case I can't find a legal job. I know I'll be able to find work with a MACJ.

You should absolutely, 100% retake the LSAT. It will improve your lot markedly.

I personally agree with this. However, my family does not; they want me to go right away and do my business in all haste. If I don't, I risk losing their aid (they've told me that if I don't go, they'll invest in some property with the money).

How do I go about convincing them that waiting is better? If I get a good full time job over the next year, then sure. If not, it might be harder to convince them.