Hire a consultant? Forum

[ach24]

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[djjf39]

I have first hand experience with a couple of consultants, and I would use extreme caution. I find most are over-priced and not much help. It sounds like you are a self starter. If this assumption is correct, then I would go out and read/look over a couple of those "Get into top law schools" books and spend time in the forums asking other TSLers questions.

[ach24]

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[ScaredWorkedBored]

Consultants are universally a scam. 95% of your application is hard numbers that the consultant can do nothing about, and the 5% that's not, you can find out for free on boards like this. Honestly, the only "consultant" someone should ever hire is a lawyer that does bar admission if there's something very serious in the background - you don't want to waste $150,000.

The only thing dumber than grad school admission consultants are undergrad and below admission consultants.

OP - You have a 3.8 and a probable high 160's-170 LSAT (assuming you did the PT's professionally). The only school you listed where it's even a question that you would get in is Vanderbilt. And that's not a question if you actually get a 170. An official GPA of 3.8 with that sort of score isn't going to need an explanation no matter how you got it or from where.

[stintez]

I talked to Ann Levine for my free hour. She gave me some really good advice on which private tutor I should use. If I had the extra 3000 for her I would have thought about it. However I would use caution.

[TTTGrad]

While you are contemplating wasting thousands of dollars on a consultant to get into law school, you should be aware that the legal industry too is hiring consultants, such as Altman Weil, to ensure that tomorrow's generation of law grads won't get a slice of the pie in the sky. Ten years from now when you are a contract attorney doing doc review from Bangladore (if you are lucky), you will be kicking yourself for paying for a pre-law consultant. Skip the consultant or better yet, pass on law school. You will thank me later.

http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdail ... costs.html

[Moxie]

Forget the hiring consultant. Score a 170 or above and you're in at all those schools (and llikely still in at all if you get a 168+)

Your undergraduate school typically means very little. Save the money you would pay for a consultant, and instead buy LSAT materials or tutoring if necessary.

[newyorklaw23]

While you are contemplating wasting thousands of dollars on a consultant to get into law school, you should be aware that the legal industry too is hiring consultants, such as Altman Weil, to ensure that tomorrow's generation of law grads won't get a slice of the pie in the sky. Ten years from now when you are a contract attorney doing doc review from Bangladore (if you are lucky), you will be kicking yourself for paying for a pre-law consultant. Skip the consultant or better yet, pass on law school. You will thank me later.

http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdail ... costs.html

The OP seems like a mature, reasonable, and experienced applicant. I'm sorry but your "no one should go to law school" argument isn't going to sell until things actually get as bad as you predict they will. Accept it and move on. I'm not trying to be naive, i see some validity to the things you say, but in trying to sell your ideas you come across as some bitter unemployed loon. If you learned to express your ideas in a way that is more accessible and palatable you might actually be able to convince some people that law school is not the right choice for them. But the way you present your arguments (rude unsolicited advice that is steeped in sarcasm and negativity) makes you easy to ignore. Present your ideas in a calm and respectful way and people will stop treating you like a troll.

[xyzzzzzzzz]

[ach24]

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[CanadianWolf]

Why do you think that you need to hire an admissions consultant ? Law school admissions are based overwhelmingly on one's LSAT score & on one's GPA. As mentioned above, if you have a criminal record, then hire an attorney that specializes in bar disciplinary proceedings in your targeted jurisdiction for advice.
Typically admissions consultants are most helpful for private boarding school matters, colleges & for students with significant behavioural issues.Many "admissions" consultants are quasi or actual therapists experienced in admissions who offer an educated & concerned person with whom to speak during an anxiety laden period of one's life.
The most important issue is to determine what you expect a consultant to do for you.

[Mirrored]

Some sincere advice.

First, you don't at all sound like you need a consultant.

3.8 + 165lsat will get you into most law schools that you're looking at. 170 and you are a lock for Vandy.

Use the lsac gpa/lsat score matrix to see what your odds are.

Beyond that, you have a great story you can spin for a personal statement.

MOTHER TAKES ON LEGAL CAREER TO PUT HERSELF THROUGH UNDERGRAD AGAINST ADVERSITY.

That sells.

Admissions consultants are for people who cannot do the work, or need to figure out a way to address a serious deficiency, or are for that one person who the 5% soft factors are going to make or break.

You're not any of those and you can spin your personal story as a victory/triumph/empowerment.
Even if you don't do the above your credentials are good. GPA/LSAT + Work Experience + Overcoming a challenge.

I don't think you'll need to explain circumstances.

[SuperFreak]

Absolutely not.

Everything you have right now is a perfect fit for a T14.

STORY OF THE EVENING:

SINGLE MOM WITH DISABLED CHILD APPLIES TO LAW SCHOOL WITH HIGH GPA+LSAT

It has all the fixings to get into the upper echelons of law heaven. Do not, and I don't repeat this mildly, waste your money on a consultant (although having one wouldn't hurt).

[Renzo]

I'll be your consultant.

How much money do you have?