Top Law Schools

Hello all!

I found this forum after lurking around google for a few hours, and i'm amazed at the information i've found in such short time. I wanted to hear everyones opinions and thoughts concerning my application to the mentioned schools.

I am a URM(AA), and the first in my immediate family to graduate high school conversely i'm i'm on pace to receive my master's degree next spring (1 year early). Additionally, I will be service retired from the Air Force this winter (medical) after 7 years; and I hope to use my GI Bill for law school. I've completed a plethora of community service; in addition to belonging to a social fraternity. Im originally from Chicago, but i've lived in Europe for the past 3 years; where I also participated in several anti-terrorism tasks (Belgium, France). I've completed airspace missions in D.C.; where our mission was to ensure no aircraft came within x amount of miles of the Pentagon, White House, etc. Currently, I have a 4.0 in my master program at the University of Illinois, but my undergraduate GPA was a 3.47. I took the LSAT once and received a 162, but I am scheduled to retake it again in December. I have excellent recommendation letters, and a great personal statement to go with it.

Do I really have a chance of attending any of the mentioned schools? Is their anything you all would recommend me doing to become a stronger candidate?

With your current scores? Nope. Get a 170+ and you might pull HS. Yale is likely out with your gpa no matter the lsat.

Yeah thats what I was thinking. I retest soon, and I plan on delaying a few of my master classes until after I test.

robertwilsonwd wrote:Yeah thats what I was thinking. I retest soon, and I plan on delaying a few of my master classes until after I test.

If you want H or S, I wouldn't take the LSAT again soon. Instead, prep until you are averaging a few points above a score you would be comfortable with. There is no rush to take it and score below your potential especially since you won't be attending for at least another year.

Good luck!

You would probably get into Columbia, Chicago, and NYU down with your current stats... There was a famous case about affirmative action in the early 2000's where they released data stating that then around 170 black students per year had 3.5 gpa plus 160+ LSAT scores. Only 63 black students had a 3.5 gpa and 165+ LSAT in a later case (back when most of tls was in high school for time reference). There are a lot less people going to law school currently. Harvard takes around 50 of these black people and the rest are pretty much spread through the rest of the t-14... My numbers are worst than yours but my numbers twin on lsn got 90k from Columbia last cycle. Get over a 165 and you'll likely get HYS but you can still get into an amazing school with your current stats.

Justtrying2help wrote:You would probably get into Columbia, Chicago, and NYU down with your current stats... There was a famous case about affirmative action in the early 2000's where they released data stating that then around 170 black students per year had 3.5 gpa plus 160+ LSAT scores. Only 63 black students had a 3.5 gpa and 165+ LSAT in a later case (back when most of tls was in high school for time reference). There are a lot less people going to law school currently. Harvard takes around 50 of these black people and the rest are pretty much spread through the rest of the t-14... My numbers are worst than yours but my numbers twin on lsn got 90k from Columbia last cycle. Get over a 165 and you'll likely get HYS but you can still get into an amazing school with your current stats.

do you mind pming stats

When you are ready to apply, apply. Don't let anyone sway you from applying. They look at everything not just numbers.

robertwilsonwd wrote:Hello all!

I found this forum after lurking around google for a few hours, and i'm amazed at the information i've found in such short time. I wanted to hear everyones opinions and thoughts concerning my application to the mentioned schools.

I am a URM(AA), and the first in my immediate family to graduate high school conversely i'm i'm on pace to receive my master's degree next spring (1 year early). Additionally, I will be service retired from the Air Force this winter (medical) after 7 years; and I hope to use my GI Bill for law school. I've completed a plethora of community service; in addition to belonging to a social fraternity. Im originally from Chicago, but i've lived in Europe for the past 3 years; where I also participated in several anti-terrorism tasks (Belgium, France). I've completed airspace missions in D.C.; where our mission was to ensure no aircraft came within x amount of miles of the Pentagon, White House, etc. Currently, I have a 4.0 in my master program at the University of Illinois, but my undergraduate GPA was a 3.47. I took the LSAT once and received a 162, but I am scheduled to retake it again in December. I have excellent recommendation letters, and a great personal statement to go with it.

Do I really have a chance of attending any of the mentioned schools? Is their anything you all would recommend me doing to become a stronger candidate?

YHS are all open to you with the right LSAT - your GPA is not too low.

I have around the same GPA as you, higher LSAT (didn't break 170 though, ugh). Didn't apply to YS but applied to HLS. Still waiting for a decision, so I'll let you know how it goes lol

brinicolec wrote:I have around the same GPA as you, higher LSAT (didn't break 170 though, ugh). Didn't apply to YS but applied to HLS. Still waiting for a decision, so I'll let you know how it goes lol

Have you gotten any word back from them yet?

lollsat wrote:

brinicolec wrote:I have around the same GPA as you, higher LSAT (didn't break 170 though, ugh). Didn't apply to YS but applied to HLS. Still waiting for a decision, so I'll let you know how it goes lol

Have you gotten any word back from them yet?

Nope. Not expecting much tbh lol.