Top Law Schools

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Well first off W&M is lowballing you hard. I had worse numbers last cycle and got a 80% scholly. But no matter, retake. Nothing to think about here, retake is the simple answer.

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Do you have work experience in the science field? If not, then retake + work experience sounds like the right move in this case.

Otunga wrote:Do you have work experience in the science field? If not, then retake + work experience sounds like the right move in this case.

I'll be getting some of that this summer working for a small private company but there is no guarantee the employment will extend beyond just this summer. If I retake, assuming a better LSAT, in the T14 range, should I be targeting schools in the areas in which I want to work, DC/VA, or just blanket and take the best offer. The LST numbers seem to indicate that there is a small regional bias with some of the T14 schools but I am just assuming that has to do more with where people want to work rather than an actual bias by employers.

I'm glad you see the wisdom in retaking. In terms of what you should target coming out, I'd look really hard at UVA, as I think your GPA is going to be too low to get you into HYS territory. If you get 175+, maybe H, but that's a difficult feat.

Ejiroghene wrote:

Otunga wrote:Do you have work experience in the science field? If not, then retake + work experience sounds like the right move in this case.

I'll be getting some of that this summer working for a small private company but there is no guarantee the employment will extend beyond just this summer. If I retake, assuming a better LSAT, in the T14 range, should I be targeting schools in the areas in which I want to work, DC/VA, or just blanket and take the best offer. The LST numbers seem to indicate that there is a small regional bias with some of the T14 schools but I am just assuming that has to do more with where people want to work rather than an actual bias by employers.

Sounds like UVA would be ideal for you with a higher LSAT. I suppose I'm seeing it this way: even if you retake and don't score higher, you'd have relevant work experience and thus would be a better job candidate when applying for patent jobs in law school (whether prosecution or litigation). Additionally, you'd likely have some savings for COL and could mitigate debt even further that way.

3.5 is kind of a no man's land, so you'd have to check out lawschoolnumbers and see where 3.5/170s and above stand to see the scholarship offers. UVA with a solid scholarship or even Vandy on a full ride (they offer stipends as well to selected applicants) sounds awesome for your goals.

Otunga wrote:
3.5 is kind of a no man's land

This is so very well put. I'm stealing it, dude.

fliptrip wrote:

Otunga wrote:
3.5 is kind of a no man's land

This is so very well put. I'm stealing it, dude.

I'd go one step further and say 165 is also a no man's land for an LSAT score. I'd also hesitate to be TOO optimistic about the kind of scholarship offer UVA would give to a 3.5/170+, though I know some t14s are more GPA-conscious than others.

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Otunga wrote:

fliptrip wrote:

Otunga wrote:
3.5 is kind of a no man's land

This is so very well put. I'm stealing it, dude.

I'd go one step further and say 165 is also a no man's land for an LSAT score. I'd also hesitate to be TOO optimistic about the kind of scholarship offer UVA would give to a 3.5/170+, though I know some t14s are more GPA-conscious than others.

Stealing that too. And, I very much agree with your analysis re: $ at UVA. If you obliterate the LSAT and get to 175, you might snag Harvard. So, you'll be in the need-based aid game there and who knows what will come of that. Chi wouldn't make a ton of sense with where you want to end up, and Col/NYU will probably cost too much. Penn might be an option, if you can navigate their tricky admissions process. This could come down to a Penn/UVA/GW for free decision.

As a 3.5/165 applicant I can definitely confirm that it's no man's land. A couple points' increase in either GPA or LSAT would put you in the running for a lower T-14, but otherwise you're largely shut out. I ended up getting 102k from Emory fwiw