AA Male 3.63 GPA 149 LSAT.......Should I even apply? Forum

[20121109]

Does skin color really help a person that much? Jeez, the trend used to be that more melanin equaled less consideration now it is the opposite. When will society come to its senses and stop discriminating on the basis of race, period? It was wrong in the 19th and early 20th century and it is wrong now. I admire Hillsdale College because they were founded in the mid-1840s and since day one did not discriminate on the basis of race. They have ardently maintained that policy up until the present day despite the constant attempts by the forces of racism to force them to discriminate over the years. They stood their ground and because they're not racists they can't take students receiving federal dollars. I wish some law schools would follow in their example. Too bad Hillsdale doesn't have a law school. Doesn't racial discrimination violate the Civil Rights Act?

And that's what advocating for a society where one is judged by character and abilities rather than skin color will get you these days. It was controversial when Frederick Douglass said it, it was controversial when Dr. King said it, and it is controversial when I say it. But I'm going to say it because it's the right philosophy to live by in my humble opinion.

Racial debates within a law school admission context or anything that incites affirmative action debates are generally not tolerated on TLS.

Please refrain from sharing your views in on-topic forums. If you wish to discuss these issues, please find your way to the lounge.

[BlakcMajikc]

IMHO, I would advise taking a class. A lot of TLSers are disciplined enough to self-study, but I think a class really makes you adhere to a strict schedule (which is just as important as the methods that a great class will teach). I thought I had the discipline to study on my own, and did reasonably well on the first LSAT outing, but by doubling my prep load and treating LSAT prep like a job, I made a pretty substantial jump in a short amount of time. There are tons of great posts in the LSAT Prep section of these boards on LSAT classes, I would check it out.

Always aim for a 180, but if you score in the ~155 range you will have some scholarship offers on your plate. 160+ gives you options at some T14s. And of course, the more points on the LSAT, the more scholarship offers or larger $ amounts. So really, with a 11 point jump, you have a life-changing opportunity ahead of you. Best of luck and more importantly, best of studying!

[laxbrah420]

You're not black.

Does skin color really help a person that much? Jeez, the trend used to be that more melanin equaled less consideration now it is the opposite. When will society come to its senses and stop discriminating on the basis of race, period? It was wrong in the 19th and early 20th century and it is wrong now. I admire Hillsdale College because they were founded in the mid-1840s and since day one did not discriminate on the basis of race. They have ardently maintained that policy up until the present day despite the constant attempts by the forces of racism to force them to discriminate over the years. They stood their ground and because they're not racists they can't take students receiving federal dollars. I wish some law schools would follow in their example. Too bad Hillsdale doesn't have a law school. Doesn't racial discrimination violate the Civil Rights Act?

I think it's important that you realize that there is more to being black than melanin.

[You Gotta Have Faith]

My personal guess is: Miami (probably in, but questionable how much $ you'll get), Georgetown (probably out), UCLA (probably out), USC (probably out, but who knows), NYU (almost certainly out), San Diego (probably in), Pacific (probably in). Keep in mind, this is nothing other than a guess.

That said, URM cycles are rather volatile. And if you are really and truly interested, at least try for the school you want. However, I really think even a single point jump might help a lot. Jumping 4 or 5 would help you a whole lot. Being in the 150s for some reason is much better than being in the 140s, just on paper. Many URMs get into the T-14 with high-150s every year.

On a different note, are there any other schools you would consider? There is a huge jump between San Diego/Pacific/Miami and USC on up. There are a number of decent schools in the middle of the mix there that are being ignored. And based off of the ones you listed, you do not appear to have a preference for where you go (apart from perhaps being on a coast?)

Definitely, I have no particular preference. What schools do you have in mind?

Gee, I have not been on here in a while. There are quite a few schools that fall between the two categories you already described. I'm sure I'll probably not name them all.

But a few more that would fall in between are Pepperdine, Loyola, UC-Davis, and Hastings (for California).

Then there is Tulane, Baylor, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida (for the South).

And there is also IU-B, Case Western, UIUC, Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas (for the Midwest).

And also American, Brooklyn, UConn, Wm. and Mary, and Wake Forest (for the East Coast).

And Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, Denver, and BYU also (for the West).

By no stretch is that list exhaustive. But it should give you an idea of what types of places fall in that range. As for figuring out which ones to apply to, and what you are looking out of it, you'll have to find that out for yourself. But hopefully that helped.

Again, if you can stomach taking the LSAT again, I think it would be worth your time. Just a couple points higher would be really beneficial. Good luck!!

[yngblkgifted]

raise the LSAT to 160+ (very doable with the right amount of work) and go to a T14.

[uh1999]

I am interested in.......

U Miami
Georgetown
UCLA
Southern Cal
NYU
San Diego
Pacific


On a 1-10........How screwed am I?

Scale Reading: 10

From experience, I would guess that none of those schools will accept you.

In 1999, I applied to several of those schools. None offered acceptance.

Advice: take as much time as you need to learn the LSAT. For LG, do a ton of Sudoku puzzles to work on your deduction skills. For LR, read editorials. The tiny incremental benefits will add up over the long run. The proposition of attending law school will always be here.

It's 2012, and my understanding of LSAT concepts are much clearer now than before.

Good luck.

[Jante05]

for everyone suggesting retake, I second that. I would even go further and tell you to spend the $1,200 + for whatever prep course if you can't buckle down yourself

[thatlawguy]

Hey,

I completely agree with Champion and have had a similar experience this cycle. If you re-take the LSAT and score higher all the better. But waiting a year will allow you do refine all aspects of your application making your softs stand-out and perhaos adding work experience or an internship if you're able to secure one of those positions.