Applying to a school for a 3rd time Forum

[mugrad06]

There is one school in particular I want to go to but unfortunetly my LSAT score sucks. The first time I applied I hadn't taken the LSAT yet (everyone said to go ahead and apply) I got my score back and it was horrible, so I register for the Feb test hoping I could bring it up and only managed two pts. So I was denied. I took the test again 2 yrs later in Oct 08 and managed to only go up 1 pt. Didn't apply then but decided to this cycle on the advice of some current students. Obviously I didn't get in. I'm debating on taking the LSAT for a 4th time, but my question is do admission committees look down on an applicant that has applied twice before, even if (by some miricale) I get an LSAT thats within their median or higher on this next go around?

[jks289]

There is one school in particular I want to go to but unfortunetly my LSAT score sucks. The first time I applied I hadn't taken the LSAT yet (everyone said to go ahead and apply) I got my score back and it was horrible, so I register for the Feb test hoping I could bring it up and only managed two pts. So I was denied. I took the test again 2 yrs later in Oct 08 and managed to only go up 1 pt. Didn't apply then but decided to this cycle on the advice of some current students. Obviously I didn't get in. I'm debating on taking the LSAT for a 4th time, but my question is do admission committees look down on an applicant that has applied twice before, even if (by some miricale) I get an LSAT thats within their median or higher on this next go around?

After three tries how likely is it that you will significantly improve? And then assuming you do improve how do you convince a school that your high score is really indicative of your potential and the other three are anomalies? I think you are in a tough position regardless of what happens, but if this is really your dream school that I don't see how throwing $80 at a dream is all that harmful. You should really look at backups however, is there really something so unique about this school that you will be unable to replicate it elsewhere? If you really want to be a lawyer, then look at alternatives. Good luck. One has to admire your persistence.

[ricking1288]

to be blunt, either choose a different law school because that law school just isn't for you or think of another career path because there's only so much higher you can go from your LSATs score if you already took it 3 times. Every person has an their own individual limit on what they can score on the LSAT.

[mugrad06]

that's been my biggest fear is trying to push my LSAT 8-9pts higher. Last time around I really put a lot of effort into studying and was making what I wanted on the practice test, but test day still managed 1 pt. I was soooo disappointed. WVU is where I want to go and I want to stay in state. Supposedly they highly favor residents, and WVU does have a monopoly on legal jobs in WV (it's the only law school in the state) The main prosecutor, as well as the assistant, in my county both go to my church (they also teach criminal justice and I have taken a few class from them) highly suggest going to WVU if you want to stay in WV.

As for chosing a different law school, I'd only manage to get into TTTT schools with the current score and they would be mostly at sticker which is something I really don't want to do.

[jks289]

that's been my biggest fear is trying to push my LSAT 8-9pts higher. Last time around I really put a lot of effort into studying and was making what I wanted on the practice test, but test day still managed 1 pt. I was soooo disappointed. WVU is where I want to go and I want to stay in state. Supposedly they highly favor residents, and WVU does have a monopoly on legal jobs in WV (it's the only law school in the state) The main prosecutor, as well as the assistant, in my county both go to my church (they also teach criminal justice and I have taken a few class from them) highly suggest going to WVU if you want to stay in WV.

As for chosing a different law school, I'd only manage to get into TTTT schools with the current score and they would be mostly at sticker which is something I really don't want to do.

Ok, that makes sense. Do you mind sharing your numbers with us? Primarily what is your GPA, because if it is above their 75% you may have an easier time. I am assuming from WVU numbers you are scoring somewhere in the 140s and need to be the in high 150s. Going from a 145 to a 155 is a LOT easier than a 165 to a 175, so you may be able to achieve your score yet. If you do, I would put every alum you know on the case. Have them write letters, write a very tailored personal statement about your commitment to the state and the school. If you are rejected this cycle, politely email the Admission Dean and say you intend to apply again and you'd like to discuss with him how you might strengthen your application. I am a big believer in being proactive and making things happen. Where there is a will, there is a way (usually).

Some advice on the LSAT, it sounds like it may have beaten you mentally. Beyond normal prep (which you need so do not neglect) you may want to look at ways to combat test anxiety. For me a crucial part of the LSAT was learning how to get through the feeling that I was f-ing up. I'd have an off game and then waste time thinking "shit shit shit I ruined the whole test" which wasted time and didn't help anything.

[mugrad06]

1st time - 143, 2nd - 145, and 3rd - 146. I was PT in the mid 150s and I took Kaplan's prep course the last time around too. I'm pretty sure I do have text anxiety, I've never done really well on standardized tests. But I felt really good about the last test. There were a few question I was certainly hung up on but overall I felt I did really great so when I got my score back it was a major let down. My GPA is 3.35 and I also have a MA (but apparently that doesn't mean a thing) I know the attorney I work for would write a LOR (he went to WVU) and I'm sure the assistant prosecutor will write one as well for my at least one academic one (I had 3 classes with her) As for the PS, I did write a tailored one for them and wanting to stay in WV. I'm sure I can improve on it though. Glad you mentioned emailing the Admissions Dean because I was thinking about doing that.