Getting Cold Feet... Need Advice Forum

[nch2092]

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[fredfred]

Just fyi the odds of getting a top paying job or clerkship from a top 50 school are extremely small unless it is a t14 or other strong regional (Vandy, Texas, USC, etc.).

[stego]

Recently got pulled from the WL with $$$ at a top 50. I quit my job, signed a lease and was ready to go. I just got a call yesterday from another school I have been waitlisted at pretty much telling me I can expect close to a full-ride if I wait a year. The call is making me rethink everything and I am wondering if I should apply for next cycle. I took the LSAT for a third and final time in June and improved by a few points so my application looks much different.
-Highest LSAT: low 160's
-GPA: 3.4 (huge upward trend)
-Grad program (top 3 school) 4.0
-2 years work experience
-Goals: gunning for a job with top $ to pay off loans or clerkship
-Lack of strong ties anywhere

Will I be that much better off if I went from high 150's in the last cycle to low 160's in the upcoming cycle? I have no idea if I will be able to find meaningful work if I take another year; but, I realize in the grand scheme of things, if I have to work at a job that is meaningless for another year, it could be a small price to pay. Thoughts?

You might get better advice w/ more information. What school were you going to attend and what school did you just get off the waitlist at?

[Zero99]

Just fyi the odds of getting a top paying job or clerkship from a top 50 school are extremely small unless it is a t14 or other strong regional (Vandy, Texas, USC, etc.).

Qft. It is unlikely you'll get a high paying job out of a random T1 school. Since that is the case, I'd prioritize low/no debt over everything else and be comfortable working a state gov/PD/DA/nonprofit-type job in your school's region.

[rnoodles]

Just looked through OP's posts. If it's between UNC and Tulane, I think you're much better served sticking with UNC OP. (This opinion is partly based on personal experience.)

[nch2092]

Just fyi the odds of getting a top paying job or clerkship from a top 50 school are extremely small unless it is a t14 or other strong regional (Vandy, Texas, USC, etc.).

Qft. It is unlikely you'll get a high paying job out of a random T1 school. Since that is the case, I'd prioritize low/no debt over everything else and be comfortable working a state gov/PD/DA/nonprofit-type job in your school's region.

Yes I realize my chances, and prioritizing low/no debt is the objective. Taking this into consideration my biggest question is whether or not waiting one more year and applying early in the next cycle will even matter that much. A score in the low 160's could give me a stronger chance at stronger regional schools; but, I would likely be looking at less money assuming I get into stronger regional schools. I am still waitlisted at Emory and another top regional school, I would like to believe that if I was placed on WL at these places with an original score in the upper 150's, I would stand a decent chance of admission if I applied day 1 of next cycle with my score now in the low 160's. I realize this last part is pure speculation, but now I am dealing with "what ifs" and I am trying to think it through before it is too late.

[fredfred]

Just fyi the odds of getting a top paying job or clerkship from a top 50 school are extremely small unless it is a t14 or other strong regional (Vandy, Texas, USC, etc.).

Qft. It is unlikely you'll get a high paying job out of a random T1 school. Since that is the case, I'd prioritize low/no debt over everything else and be comfortable working a state gov/PD/DA/nonprofit-type job in your school's region.

Yes I realize my chances, and prioritizing low/no debt is the objective. Taking this into consideration my biggest question is whether or not waiting one more year and applying early in the next cycle will even matter that much. A score in the low 160's could give me a stronger chance at stronger regional schools; but, I would likely be looking at less money assuming I get into stronger regional schools. I am still waitlisted at Emory and another top regional school, I would like to believe that if I was placed on WL at these places with an original score in the upper 150's, I would stand a decent chance of admission if I applied day 1 of next cycle with my score now in the low 160's. I realize this last part is pure speculation, but now I am dealing with "what ifs" and I am trying to think it through before it is too late.

Retake a third time then. I was like you, got a high 150s, then a low 160s score first two times. Got into strong regionals with $$$, decided to retake one last time. Got mid 170s, got into mid t14 just the past few weeks with lots of $$$$$. That would be my advice.

[nch2092]

Recently got pulled from the WL with $$$ at a top 50. I quit my job, signed a lease and was ready to go. I just got a call yesterday from another school I have been waitlisted at pretty much telling me I can expect close to a full-ride if I wait a year. The call is making me rethink everything and I am wondering if I should apply for next cycle. I took the LSAT for a third and final time in June and improved by a few points so my application looks much different.
-Highest LSAT: low 160's
-GPA: 3.4 (huge upward trend)
-Grad program (top 3 school) 4.0
-2 years work experience
-Goals: gunning for a job with top $ to pay off loans or clerkship
-Lack of strong ties anywhere

Will I be that much better off if I went from high 150's in the last cycle to low 160's in the upcoming cycle? I have no idea if I will be able to find meaningful work if I take another year; but, I realize in the grand scheme of things, if I have to work at a job that is meaningless for another year, it could be a small price to pay. Thoughts?

You might get better advice w/ more information. What school were you going to attend and what school did you just get off the waitlist at?

Planning on Tulane w/ $$$
recent offers Wake and Richmond w/ $$$
-similar ties in each geographical area.
-Still WL at top choices which I would have to assume means its pretty much final

[nch2092]

Just fyi the odds of getting a top paying job or clerkship from a top 50 school are extremely small unless it is a t14 or other strong regional (Vandy, Texas, USC, etc.).

Qft. It is unlikely you'll get a high paying job out of a random T1 school. Since that is the case, I'd prioritize low/no debt over everything else and be comfortable working a state gov/PD/DA/nonprofit-type job in your school's region.

Yes I realize my chances, and prioritizing low/no debt is the objective. Taking this into consideration my biggest question is whether or not waiting one more year and applying early in the next cycle will even matter that much. A score in the low 160's could give me a stronger chance at stronger regional schools; but, I would likely be looking at less money assuming I get into stronger regional schools. I am still waitlisted at Emory and another top regional school, I would like to believe that if I was placed on WL at these places with an original score in the upper 150's, I would stand a decent chance of admission if I applied day 1 of next cycle with my score now in the low 160's. I realize this last part is pure speculation, but now I am dealing with "what ifs" and I am trying to think it through before it is too late.

Retake a third time then. I was like you, got a high 150s, then a low 160s score first two times. Got into strong regionals with $$$, decided to retake one last time. Got mid 170s, got into mid t14 just the past few weeks with lots of $$$$$. That would be my advice.

I wish I could I was PTing much higher in the 170's for my last take and unfortunately jaw surgery may have affected the score. Either way I have taken it 3 times, I do not believe in excuses, and I can't rewind the clocks, so I am stuck w/ my score unless I wait 2 years which I am not willing to do.

[fredfred]

Just fyi the odds of getting a top paying job or clerkship from a top 50 school are extremely small unless it is a t14 or other strong regional (Vandy, Texas, USC, etc.).

Qft. It is unlikely you'll get a high paying job out of a random T1 school. Since that is the case, I'd prioritize low/no debt over everything else and be comfortable working a state gov/PD/DA/nonprofit-type job in your school's region.

Yes I realize my chances, and prioritizing low/no debt is the objective. Taking this into consideration my biggest question is whether or not waiting one more year and applying early in the next cycle will even matter that much. A score in the low 160's could give me a stronger chance at stronger regional schools; but, I would likely be looking at less money assuming I get into stronger regional schools. I am still waitlisted at Emory and another top regional school, I would like to believe that if I was placed on WL at these places with an original score in the upper 150's, I would stand a decent chance of admission if I applied day 1 of next cycle with my score now in the low 160's. I realize this last part is pure speculation, but now I am dealing with "what ifs" and I am trying to think it through before it is too late.

Retake a third time then. I was like you, got a high 150s, then a low 160s score first two times. Got into strong regionals with $$$, decided to retake one last time. Got mid 170s, got into mid t14 just the past few weeks with lots of $$$$$. That would be my advice.

I wish I could I was PTing much higher in the 170's for my last take and unfortunately jaw surgery may have affected the score. Either way I have taken it 3 times, I do not believe in excuses, and I can't rewind the clocks, so I am stuck w/ my score unless I wait 2 years which I am not willing to do.

Ah sorry about the surgery man. That sucks. Its a hard decision but I would reapply the first day possible. Write really strong essays for each school (i.e. Why ND for instance) and try again. I had similar numbers so you can pm me if you want.

[Zero99]

If you can figure out what to do with yourself, I'd apply day 1 with low 160s score. Many strong regional schools have an LSAT of 163, which may drop again this year. I'm not sure what low 160s is, but if you are above the median you may be looking at money from some of them. If you are deadest on biglaw, it pays to wait a year and try to double your chances (~17% -> ~34%). The risks are that you may be paying sticker, which is awful, and may not get biglaw. Even so, since you can't retake, I would apply day 1 and at the least get a full ride somewhere.

[Hornet2011]

High 150s to low 160s makes a world of difference as you are aware. While I wouldn't tell you directly outright to not go this year, as I don't know your age, life situation, etc, but I do believe in 95% of situations it makes the most sense to wait this year out and reapply. Admittedly, you did sign a lease... how hard would that be to get out of? Personally even if you can't get out of it and are stuck, I think it is still worth moving there and working for a year as long as the cost of this lease isn't so out of wack with your likely salary that it will put you significantly in the hole.

[Mack.Hambleton]

Your goals do not make sense with those schools. Retake or don't go. Maybe use your degree from a top three school to find a job

[Hornet2011]

Your goals do not make sense with those schools. Retake or don't go. Maybe use your degree from a top three school to find a job

I agree. I totally looked over the part of a top 3 grad degree. Admittedly though Op's employability depends on what sort of program he / she did.

[jbagelboy]

Your goals do not make sense with those schools. Retake or don't go. Maybe use your degree from a top three school to find a job

I agree. I totally looked over the part of a top 3 grad degree. Admittedly though Op's employability depends on what sort of program he / she did.

what does "top 3" grad program mean