Top Law Schools

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I got into Emory and Vandy with $, but with lesser stats. Also got big money at Wake.

The difference is that I applied early. If you don't get into or don't get much money from Vandy/Emory, I'd sit out and reapply earlier (even if you don't retake). 165/4.0 should get you into better schools (possibly T14) than the 4 you mentioned in the subject.

I think Vandy/Emory are better for your desire to be geographically flexible, as the schools you listed are all pretty limited to their respective states.

Why won't you retake or sit out a cycle? Even if you just apply earlier in the cycle and apply to a larger spread/different spread of schools, you'll have better options.

Check this out: http://lawschoolnumbers.com/gpa-4.0/lsat-165 That's what you should be looking at.

If you can bump up your LSAT a few more points, you could be looking at Vandy, Duke, UVA. Settling for one of these options will probably limit you more than you like if you have aspirations for BigLaw.

If you're determined not to retake/sit out or anything like that, then just make sure to pick the area where you want to practice since you won't have a mobile degree. Keep your loans as low as possible.

Good luck!

I agree with the above posters that you should either retake or just work another year and apply earlier. Just applying early would get you money at Vandy probably. However, out of those choices I would choose UGA, and I would try to negotiate with them (maybe wait for Emory $). I don't know if you consider the suburbs of Atlanta rural (I don't), but there are tons of law firms outside the perimeter that you could target if you don't get the top 10% or so at UGA. Or choose Emory if you get in and get enough money. Emory has the advantage of being in Atlanta and you can network/extern in the city while in school (and it doesn't limit you to GA).

I have similar stats and want to practice in the South as well, so PM if you have any questions/want more info.

Retake especially if you underperformed. Also, no guarantee you will be top 20%.

HRomanus wrote:
I underperformed on the LSAT, so I have confidence that I will be competitive for top 20% in UGA/WF/UNC. .

Thats not how it works.

You seriously need to retake and apply early next fall. Far better schools will be accepting you and THROWING money at you. Vandy should be nothing but a safety school with that GPA.

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HRomanus wrote:I am resistant to retake and/or apply for the c/o 2018 cycle. I am already a year out of college and eager to return to the academic environment. I currently serve as a non-profit field executive, and while the position is challenging and rewarding, I miss the intellectual stimulation. That being said, it appears to be the most rational course if I am intent on having an opportunity at midlaw or biglaw.

For what it's worth, I'm over two years out now, and the world hasn't collapsed yet

However, if you plan on staying in SC, USC is not a bad choice. I'm completely envious of your full ride there, and despite the fact I have acceptances from higher ranked schools, it would be a no-brainer to me to take the money and stay in state if I were in your shoes. That being said, I have no desire to leave where I am. The USC degree will open doors for you here, it may not across the border.

My advice: talk to people close to you and see what they think. If you know any attorneys, get their opinion. I'm not going to tell you to sit out and retake - all of this is your decision.

Retake, don't waste that gpa

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HRomanus wrote:What are the consequences of applying to a school, being accepted, being offered a scholarship, and not attending....only to reapply the next year? I am assuming they would take this into consideration?

Also, do not many of the T14 schools only accept an average of LSAT scores rather than the highest only?

No consequences, especially if you retake.

Nobody averages. HLS and some others CONSIDER multiple scores.