Reapplying vs USC/UCLA/Texas/Vandy Forum

[gobeers]

~3.6, 165. took LSAT twice, not really open to doing it again. graduating undergrad next month.

My options right now are USC, waitlists at UCLA/Texas/Vandy, or reapplying. i applied november/december this cycle.

I am hoping to take a year off before beginning law school (was offered an opportunity to teach English/work abroad and with my desire to work in either international law/with spanish speaking clients, it directly supplements my career goals).

My concern is if I reapply at the beginning of next cycle, I will only have been abroad for about 2 months and there won't be much different about my application. That is leading me to either ask for a deferral from USC, or explain the situation to one of the waitlists and hope/pray that if they accept me, they'll give me the year off.

Will reapplying really increase my chances anywhere (with my numbers)? I kind of feel that I'm not getting much better than my current options... Also think I want to be in LA (family ties) but not set on it/open to moving to LA later.

Appreciate any insight!!

[OtterLaw]

~3.6, 165. took LSAT twice, not really open to doing it again. graduating undergrad next month.

My options right now are USC, waitlists at UCLA/Texas/Vandy, or reapplying. i applied november/december this cycle.

I am hoping to take a year off before beginning law school (was offered an opportunity to teach English/work abroad and with my desire to work in either international law/with spanish speaking clients, it directly supplements my career goals).

My concern is if I reapply at the beginning of next cycle, I will only have been abroad for about 2 months and there won't be much different about my application. That is leading me to either ask for a deferral from USC, or explain the situation to one of the waitlists and hope/pray that if they accept me, they'll give me the year off.

Will reapplying really increase my chances anywhere (with my numbers)? I kind of feel that I'm not getting much better than my current options... Also think I want to be in LA (family ties) but not set on it/open to moving to LA later.

Appreciate any insight!!

It's my understanding that most schools won't let you defer if they accept you from the waitlist. I know UT won't, but I suppose you could check with the other schools. I guess my point is that I wouldn't count on that as a good option.

Brace yourself for the "retake" posts coming. If you're going to take a year off anyway, I would advise you to give the test one more shot. It won't hurt you and could open up some better doors for you.

[gobeers]

~3.6, 165. took LSAT twice, not really open to doing it again. graduating undergrad next month.

My options right now are USC, waitlists at UCLA/Texas/Vandy, or reapplying. i applied november/december this cycle.

I am hoping to take a year off before beginning law school (was offered an opportunity to teach English/work abroad and with my desire to work in either international law/with spanish speaking clients, it directly supplements my career goals).

My concern is if I reapply at the beginning of next cycle, I will only have been abroad for about 2 months and there won't be much different about my application. That is leading me to either ask for a deferral from USC, or explain the situation to one of the waitlists and hope/pray that if they accept me, they'll give me the year off.

Will reapplying really increase my chances anywhere (with my numbers)? I kind of feel that I'm not getting much better than my current options... Also think I want to be in LA (family ties) but not set on it/open to moving to LA later.

Appreciate any insight!!

It's my understanding that most schools won't let you defer if they accept you from the waitlist. I know UT won't, but I suppose you could check with the other schools. I guess my point is that I wouldn't count on that as a good option.

Brace yourself for the "retake" posts coming. If you're going to take a year off anyway, I would advise you to give the test one more shot. It won't hurt you and could open up some better doors for you.

I know. I just don't see it being likely (with insufficient time to study for June with finals/graduation coming up) and unlikely to study for September (moving to another country/starting a new job) and if I dont apply early in the cycle, I feel like I'll have similar results.

Lets say a retake wasn't an option (though I will keep considering), any other thoughts on reapplying for better options vs deferring?

[mornincounselor]

You can always apply early and still retake. Just let the schools know if you score higher. I wouldn't consider November/December to be that late. Mid-november is fairly early still. Late december is a different story, though.

You don't mention if you were offered any money. I do not think sticker at USC (or nearly anywhere for nearly everyone) is worth it.

[gobeers]

Was offered 27k a year at SC. Again, I don't plan on retaking.

I guess the real question is do you think that reapplying Sept 1 will increase my chances anywhere (one of the waitlists if not a t14)? (I applied late Nov- mid Dec).

~3.6, 165. took LSAT twice, not really open to doing it again. graduating undergrad next month.

My options right now are USC, waitlists at UCLA/Texas/Vandy, or reapplying. i applied november/december this cycle.

I am hoping to take a year off before beginning law school (was offered an opportunity to teach English/work abroad and with my desire to work in either international law/with spanish speaking clients, it directly supplements my career goals).

My concern is if I reapply at the beginning of next cycle, I will only have been abroad for about 2 months and there won't be much different about my application. That is leading me to either ask for a deferral from USC, or explain the situation to one of the waitlists and hope/pray that if they accept me, they'll give me the year off.

Will reapplying really increase my chances anywhere (with my numbers)? I kind of feel that I'm not getting much better than my current options... Also think I want to be in LA (family ties) but not set on it/open to moving to LA later.

Appreciate any insight!!

It's my understanding that most schools won't let you defer if they accept you from the waitlist. I know UT won't, but I suppose you could check with the other schools. I guess my point is that I wouldn't count on that as a good option.

Brace yourself for the "retake" posts coming. If you're going to take a year off anyway, I would advise you to give the test one more shot. It won't hurt you and could open up some better doors for you.

I know. I just don't see it being likely (with insufficient time to study for June with finals/graduation coming up) and unlikely to study for September (moving to another country/starting a new job) and if I dont apply early in the cycle, I feel like I'll have similar results.

Lets say a retake wasn't an option (though I will keep considering), any other thoughts on reapplying for better options vs deferring?

[johnjay]

If you are deferring a year anyways there is no reason not to retake. Just a 2 point bump could either get you into a t14 (Which makes a significant difference for biglaw prospects) or would get you more money at one of these 4 schools.

If you have fully made up your mind on not retaking, then there is no reason to reapply in the fall. Good luck at whichever school you choose though, all 4 are great schools.