Top Law Schools

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I would apply early. I think you're in for a great cycle!

http://mylsn.info/64vnxa/

Absolutely retake. Applying in late October/early November is still considered early.

Why go to law school? Sounds like you already have a great job! If I were you I would work for a few more years, get an MBA, and slide into management.

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That's a fantastic GPA for EE. I would probably retake if you have the time and you want to have a better chance at the T6

169 NA? Don't hesitate to apply this cycle. Seriously, blanket the T14. You're not guaranteed admission into Yale, but I think that with the dearth of NA applicants you'll be a strong contender for the rest of the T14.

I think you're good to go.

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You might as well wait until November to apply if you are definitely retaking. November is still early in the cycle.

You can apply and then have your app automatically updated with your score.

That said, I really don't even think a retake is absolutely necessary, even if advisable. You're already gonna get into one of the HYS schools for sure.

Keep in mind that HYS don't give merit scholarships, just need-based aid. See what kinds of offers you get before you decide where to go--apply anywhere you'd be willing to go as well as a few places that are safeties, and decide once you know where you stand when it comes to scholarships (and negotiate!)

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cc1012 wrote:The conventional wisdom is to retake and reapply. I can certainly cancel my retake and just go with my 169 and spend my time crafting personal statements and making the best application possible. There is always the possibility that my score could go down and I would've wasted all of that time.

It seems like people are 50/50 on whether I should spend my time studying for a retake or forego the retake and spend that time getting applications in very early.

If you are flexible with when you start law school you could also apply and assess your options. Then you could either accept or retake to reapply next year.

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Would it be better to get my applications in as early as possible and use the retake for scholarship negotiation (late September)?

Yes.

Give this a look. Google the following phrase...lsac graph showing lsat scores by race... I would give the link but I think we are not supposed to post links. Look at page 24 of LSAC report. It will give you a clear picture of Native LSAT scores. Of course it could change each year but it provides a pretty good history. Early is worth more than a point or two increase for you.

shadowfax wrote:Give this a look. Google the following phrase...lsac graph showing lsat scores by race... I would give the link but I think we are not supposed to post links. Look at page 24 of LSAC report. It will give you a clear picture of Native LSAT scores. Of course it could change each year but it provides a pretty good history. Early is worth more than a point or two increase for you.

This is wrong. Applying soon after Halloween will not have a demonstrable effect on OP's cycle. And lol at applying in September being "worth more than a point or two increase".

OP, you are in great shape, but a higher LSAT will definitely increase your odds of landing HYS, if you want. Applying any time before Thanksgiving is plenty early. Just make sure that your personal and diversity statements are as perfect as possible.

Simple. Apply early but still-retake in October. Boom done

cc1012 wrote:

shump92 wrote:

cc1012 wrote:The conventional wisdom is to retake and reapply. I can certainly cancel my retake and just go with my 169 and spend my time crafting personal statements and making the best application possible. There is always the possibility that my score could go down and I would've wasted all of that time.

It seems like people are 50/50 on whether I should spend my time studying for a retake or forego the retake and spend that time getting applications in very early.

If you are flexible with when you start law school you could also apply and assess your options. Then you could either accept or retake to reapply next year.

I'm not too flexible. Unless I get terrible offers, I want to attend law school during Fall 2016.

You won't have terrible offers. And as URM, your LSAT score is probably fine as is. Retake would be most valuable if you are looking for high scholarships from the mid to upper T14. For HYS it probably won't make too much of a difference. Definitely spend a lot of time on your application essays and do a diversity addendum. Retaking won't hurt if it does not take away from you doing the essays very well but it probably is not essential for you to have a good cycle.

Trippel wrote:

shadowfax wrote:Give this a look. Google the following phrase...lsac graph showing lsat scores by race... I would give the link but I think we are not supposed to post links. Look at page 24 of LSAC report. It will give you a clear picture of Native LSAT scores. Of course it could change each year but it provides a pretty good history. Early is worth more than a point or two increase for you.

This is wrong. Applying soon after Halloween will not have a demonstrable effect on OP's cycle. And lol at applying in September being "worth more than a point or two increase".

OP, you are in great shape, but a higher LSAT will definitely increase your odds of landing HYS, if you want. Applying any time before Thanksgiving is plenty early. Just make sure that your personal and diversity statements are as perfect as possible.

Good advice.

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I just think that 169, 3.74 NA you have a strong shot at all of the T14 -- Yale, Stanford and Harvard included. However, if debt is a concern, re-taking is the best alternative. Retake, score 170+, and you'll have T6 (Columbia, Chicago, NYU) throwing a lot of money at you.

Oskosh wrote:I just think that 169, 3.74 NA you have a strong shot at all of the T14 -- Yale, Stanford and Harvard included. However, if debt is a concern, re-taking is the best alternative. Retake, score 170+, and you'll have T6 (Columbia, Chicago, NYU) throwing a lot of money at you.

Just to add- OP will already have a ton of money thrown his/her way.

Oskosh wrote:I just think that 169, 3.74 NA you have a strong shot at all of the T14 -- Yale, Stanford and Harvard included. However, if debt is a concern, re-taking is the best alternative. Retake, score 170+, and you'll have T6 (Columbia, Chicago, NYU) throwing a lot of money at you.

Good luck.