Should I Retake? 176/3.1 Forum

[Splitter1415]

SnakySalmon,

I did study the logical reasoning section because I did not understand anything. The logic games were fun and I had to learn something similar back home when I was younger. The reading section was my weakest part, but I was so focused on getting a 100+ on the TOEFL and kind of skipped studying for it. I probably would have scored much worse if I had not studied for the TOEFL. Thank you.


SplitMyPants,

Thank you. I will definitely chef out your LSN profile. I will see how many schools I can apply to.

[SnakySalmon]

You may also want to talk to Spivey to see if he can help. I think they offer some need based discounts on consulting, and maybe a few pro-bono cases.

[Splitter1415]

TheodoreKGB,

I don't mind paying sticker price. I guess I'll have to take about 120k in loans, though. Fordham sometimes rejects splitters, so I am very scared. Thank you.


Mullens,

That is a smart idea. I feel bad applying to other schools just to use their offers for negotiating with other schools, though. Thank you.


SnakySalmon,

Who is Spivey? I probably make too much money to be qualified for anything need-based. Waiting tables is not fun, but I am graduating without any debt and I am very thankful for that.

[SnakySalmon]

He's an admissions consultant who posts on this site a lot. Here is his thread: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=197451

I'd suggest PMing he or his partner Karen. It seems like you're a super solid candidate who's kind of lost, and they can help with that.

[Splitter1415]

SnakySalmon,

Have you used his service before? Is it worth paying somebody to get help with personal statement? Thank you.

[SnakySalmon]

SnakySalmon,

Have you used his service before? Is it worth paying somebody to get help with personal statement? Thank you.

I've talked to him before, and plan to use his services after I get my LSAT score in June. He knows his stuff, and their are plenty of people one here who stand by him. I'd suggest reading through some of the 300 pages of him giving advice to people on here, and see what you think.

I think so. You have a genuinely interesting and compelling life, and being able to capture that effectively in your PS may help you get into the school you want.

[Splitter1415]

SpikySalmon,

Thank you. Now I have to do some research. Good luck with your LSAT! I don't think you need my help, but please feel free to PM me if you need help with logic games

[Splitter1415]

I probably should have added two more options.

ED NYU without retaking

Consider other options

[0831kf]

I'm assuming you are not that rich (being an immigrant who was discriminated back in motherland), so wonder how you would pay for law school. If you don't have any support, serious $ at Fordham might be a good decision if you are 100% set on PI (which sounds like you are with your story), especially with your SO situation.

My recommendation is to apply Columbia, NYU, Fordham, Cardozo, Brooklyn, and Penn, Cornell, Georgetown, even Virginia. They are not that far away... You can see him maybe once in a month, or even more often if you seriously want to see him more often after 1L, especially if you are in Penn or Georgetown. Train is amazing. It's really only six semesters, 16-7 weeks long. You can do both 1L/2L summer in NYC.

But for your goal, Fordham with $$$$ could be the best option.

[Splitter1415]

0831kf,

You are right. I am not rich. I have been working very hard and have around 60k in my saving account. I have no debt from undergrad. My spouse will pay for COL as long as I stay in NYC and he will contribute 10k/year towards school. Getting into Fordham with money will certainly be great. I will look into other schools you recommended. Thank you.

[ManoftheHour]

I do not want to end up with a 170.

I wish I could say that. lol

This is one of the few times where "retake" is not TCR. You have a good score. A 180 will really not make that much of a difference. Best of luck!

[ThinkNegative]

No you should not retake and yes you should apply to NYU. Your chances aren't even that bad.

180 is not better than 176 for most practical purposes

+1

Apply to Columbia too if the $ won't be too onerous. Never know

[Splitter1415]

ManoftheHour,

I hope I didn't offend anyone with that comment. Thank you.


ThinkNegative,

If there's a slight chance, maybe I'll apply. I'll have to take out 100-120k in loans if I get into NYU or Columbia without any aid. Thank you.

[gnomgnomuch]

Can you do Cornell? or is it only the city?

Also, is there ANYWAY to be able to leave NYC, you'd have a decent shot at the lower t-14's and schools like Vanderbilt.

[Splitter1415]

gnomgnomuch,

I'm stuck here. I won't move unless I get a very generous scholarship offer from a school close to NYC. I wonder if cornell will give me some aid...

[Splitter1415]

Update


After having a discussion with the spouse, I have decide to try ED at NYU. If I don't get into NYU, I'll apply to Fordham. Thank you very much for helping me, everyone. I'm a little disappointed that he wouldn't let me move out of NYC, but I'm just hoping that I'll get into NYU.

[jenesaislaw]

ED to any school that isn't offering a scholarship on the other end baffles me.

[Big Dog]

I am embarrassed to send an email like that to NYU, Columbia and Fordham with my numbers, but will try with all other law schools in NYC. Thank you.

With all due respect, if you are afraid of someone saying, 'no', to you, you won't make a very effective attorney.

btw: in answer to your question, I can't see how a few extra points would make any difference. Why not an Early App to CLS? (If you are gonna pay sticker, why not aim for the higher ranked?)

[Splitter1415]

jenesaislaw,

I understand your point, but my spouse is getting a raise and he's willing to contribute 20k/year. After emptying my saving account, I'll only have to take 50k in loans even if I have to pay sticker at NYU.


Big Dog,

I just don't think I have a chance at Columbia. I cannot just say no to him because we are married. I believe we always have to talk and come to an agreement.

[FuriousDuck]

...

[Splitter1415]

FuriousDuck,

I am very confused. Since I signed up, I've been told different things by different people. Do you recommend ED at Columbia over NYU? Of course, I have improved, but there are many international students who do great in undergrad. I am clearly not one of them.

[PrideandGlory1776]

ED Northwestern Law next year for free 150k - they will give it to 172+ splitters regardless of GPA so long as its 3.0+

[Clearly]

ED Northwestern Law next year for free 150k - they will give it to 172+ splitters regardless of GPA so long as its 3.0+

Citation needed...because this is blatantly false.

[Nucky]

I suggest you do not retake. Your Achilles heel is your GPA, not your LSAT, but there isn't much you can do about that now. Blanket the T14 and use competing offers to negotiate scholarship amounts at school/s you desire most.

Good luck, and well done.

[Splitter1415]

PrideandGlory1776,

Northwestern seems like a great school. If I had the freedom of moving out of NYC, I would consider applying.


Clearly,

I get your point. It seems impossible.


Nucky,

Thank you. If I don't get into NYU, I'll apply to other schools. Maybe I can get some scholarship offers? Fordham is my second choice.