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Nobody can answer this with any certainty, but my guess is that it won't make a difference. You already have Hamilton-worthy stats - if you don't get one now you probably won't ever get one.

ChampagnePapi wrote:Nobody can answer this with any certainty, but my guess is that it won't make a difference. You already have Hamilton-worthy stats - if you don't get one now you probably won't ever get one.

Shoot for nyu and MVP full-rides too.

Your scores are there; your softs may not. Work on softs.

thanks

Olympics, cure for some debilitating medical condition, saving a beached whale, etc.

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TheThriller wrote:Olympics, cure for some debilitating medical condition, saving a beached whale, etc.

I saved only a beached dolphin, so that counts!

In all seriousness, find a passion and pursue it. Then write an app highlighting that passion. They care more about compelling narrative than numbers (because if that weren't the case, there'd be a ton of people who would get these schollys). Campus leadership roles don't cut it.

You're probably one point too low for a Hamilton atm. But retaking sounds really hazardous (you could easily go down if you have a bad day) and probably isn't worth it.

EdgarWinter wrote:You're probably one point too low for a Hamilton atm. But retaking sounds really hazardous (you could easily go down if you have a bad day) and probably isn't worth it.

I agree with this, and I would imagine your options with a 174/4.0 are going to be great even if you don't get a Hamilton.

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You probably need 1-2 points more for a Hamilton, but get some softs and I think you could do HYS and be better off all around.

EdgarWinter wrote:You're probably one point too low for a Hamilton atm. But retaking sounds really hazardous (you could easily go down if you have a bad day) and probably isn't worth it.

Agreed that you're probably a point or two too low for a Hamilton, especially since it doesn't sound like you have crazy softs. Most Hamiltons are 176+. But I'd want to know how you studied for the LSAT the last time before saying it would be a bad idea to retake. If you didn't really study too hard the first time (or, at least, less than you could have), and you're willing to totally commit yourself to it this time around, then it might actually be worth it. It's easier for you to improve on the LSAT at this point than it is to improve your softs.

Great stats. Apply and enjoy the ride. If you don't like the results, work for 2+ years to build your softs and reapply.

t-14orbust wrote:

TheThriller wrote:Olympics, cure for some debilitating medical condition, saving a beached whale, etc.

Saving a beached whale might be a prospect since I'm in California lol. Now I just need to find a beached whale that's still alive.

Please don't beach a whale just to save it tho. That would be even worse than that kid who took the piano out on the sandbar and set it on fire to make adcomms swoon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/us/28piano.html?_r=0

Your grades are already there. A 174/4.0 are the stats that get offers to HYS. You might or might not get a ruby/hamilton (but its certainly possible) .. but if you want decent options + no debt... youre a relative lock for a darrow/mordecai.

In terms of retaking if you consistently score 180 on lsat's and you are 120% CONFIDENT (i cannot stress this enough) that you will get a 177 or up (a 175 wont really open too many doors for you... and ive heard that H averages your lsat scores, if you still want H as an option) than you should retake. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy those acceptance letters.

There are lots of drawbacks to retaking a 174 though... you are already 98/99th.. and its possible (some may say likely) that your score will drop. Plus the opportunity cost of studying vs making money/perfecting your p.s/etc is also significant.

Bottom line: Your grades are perfect. You have incredible options open to you, you could always attend virginia, duke, michigan, penn (Maybe even berk) for close, or full rides with those grades if you dont get a hamilton.

GL =]

t-14orbust wrote:Hello all, after perusing the forums for quite a while I've finally decided to post something. I'm really afraid of future debt, and the Hamilton looks like the best bet for job prospects with minimal debt. However, my current LSAT is at a 174(retook 170) and my softs are alright but nothing incredible (leadership positions, fraternity man of the year, minimal WE etc). My LSDAS GPA is at 4.01 right now but may drop down to a 4, and my UG is anything but prestigious lol. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on whether or not retaking the LSAT and aiming for 175+ would significantly increase my chances at the Hamilton. I'm not sure how much I want to go through the whole LSAT studying process again, but I will have more free time since I'm graduating this Spring. I also do think I am capable of achieving such a score. Thanks for the advice in advance, and sorry if I did not follow proper posting protocol, I'm fairly new here.

You're in at HS already; yale might look for that extra special soft so I'm not sure there.

Hamilton is 176+. I would say with 95% certainty if next cycle is like last year, you will not be offered it with your current stats without a retake. I think you are in Butler or maybe Ruby territory though.

As another poster mentioned, all the same, I think a third retake might be foolish overall. You already have two great scores and a killer chance at all the top schools. going from 174 to 176 means missing one or two less questions, and this is 99% luck; on the other hand, it is very easy to score way below 174, which could even hurt your chances at some schools. So I wouldn't risk it unless you are hamilton or bust.

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t-14orbust wrote:Thanks for all the replies everyone! I really appreciate everything. I just wanted to let you all - and any future lurkers - know that I will not be re-taking, for many of the reasons cited above. Thanks again! I won't be applying until the coming fall, and will post my results when the time comes.

Best of luck to you, an incredible cycle is coming your way.