Where should nematoad apply ED? Forum

[nematoad]

My numbers are 3.41/166, 162. Graduated 2009 from a top UC. Interesting soft factors. National Karate Champ, published in a science journal and literary mag, fluent/proficient in 3 languages, study abroad at a top intl school. 2 years WE.
So the schools I'm realistically looking at are GWU, BC, BU, Emory, Hastings, and Fordham but I really want to apply ED to one of the following reaches Gtown (PT), UCLA, Northwestern, Columbia/NYU and I don't know which one to pick. Columbia and NYU are just to keep shit interesting and cause my parents are pretty adamant I apply. Relatively UCLA is the most realistic esp. cause I'm a Cali resident, but I'd be pretty hesitant to go there since I essentially spent my whole life in West LA and 3 years of Westwood, with 16 year old persian kids running around, may drive me to glock someone in the face.
Solely based on numbers I know I don't deserve any of these schools, but I'll be applying immediately when apps come out and I did apply to most of these schools last cycle so I'm hoping for a lot a bit of luck, Where would you guys apply ED if you were me?

[sumus romani]

Sorry dude, but each of those schools is a waste of your time. UCLA is the most likely out of the bunch, but your chances at getting in ED are quite low.

[JusticeHarlan]

You probably don't have the stats to get into any of those reaches, but I'm always in favor of sending out apps (if you can spare the application fee/have a waiver) if only because then you don't have to wonder "what if." I voted Northwestern just because of your work experience, but I wouldn't get your hopes up on any school listed.

As for GWU, BC, BU, and Fordham, I applied to those schools this past cycle with almost identical stats, got four wait lists out of the bargain, so apply early, try to put in a "why x" if you can (I didn't) and good luck with your cycle.

[nematoad]

Sorry dude, but each of those schools is a waste of your time. UCLA is the most likely out of the bunch, but your chances at getting in ED are quite low.

nah its cool, i figured as much. i just see these ED apps as really pricey lotto tickets with a more fulfilling prize if I win.

[nematoad]

You probably don't have the stats to get into any of those reaches, but I'm always in favor of sending out apps (if you can spare the application fee/have a waiver) if only because then you don't have to wonder "what if." I voted Northwestern just because of your work experience, but I wouldn't get your hopes up on any school listed.

As for GWU, BC, BU, and Fordham, I applied to those schools this past cycle with almost identical stats, got four wait lists out of the bargain, so apply early, try to put in a "why x" if you can (I didn't) and good luck with your cycle.

thank you sir
EDIT: Harlan are you holding out hope for Cornell or are u sticking with BC no matter what? I imagine my cycle looking similar to yours... would love to go to BC and pretty ready to ride the WLs to get there.

[sumus romani]

Sorry dude, but each of those schools is a waste of your time. UCLA is the most likely out of the bunch, but your chances at getting in ED are quite low.

nah its cool, i figured as much. i just see these ED apps as really pricey lotto tickets with a more fulfilling prize if I win.

Yeah, what consititutes a "waste of time" will vary from person to person. But lotto tickets almost always have a negative expected outcome for the buyer, and so playing is almost always irrational (except once in a blue moon when the payout actually results in an expected positive net gain). I don't recommend playing the lotto. Even more important is the "I would always regret not having given it a shot". Whenever anyone says that, I always say to go for it.

[Aberzombie1892]

If you must ED, at least only ED to a school at which your LSAT is at or above the 25th percentile.

If Northwestern's stats don't increase (they will, but I'm offering a hypo), you are above the 25th gpa and at the 25th LSAT with 2 years of work experience.

If there was somewhere to ED, Northwestern would be it. Your chances are slim; however, you already know this.

[3ThrowAway99]

Unfortunately I think softs don't usually count for much in law applications, but maybe in your case they will help. I think Emory, Fordham, and Hastings are the only ones listed that you have a fairly good shot at based on your numbers, but if you can afford it I don't see it hurting anything to apply wherever you want to (at least you know you tried, but really, this is almost a complete numbers game from what I have seen).

Your higher LSAT is what I got and my GPA was slightly higher than yours. I also have considerable softs in terms of an internship at a top-notch govt. center (and associated recommendation), in addition to several years of experience as an expert witness in court (and associated recommendation by Judge). I applied rather late (Dec/Jan) and my applications could have been stronger (I made a few errors, but nothing I think that was really severe)- I am attending a lower T1 (top 50) school with a more than half-scholarship. I got waitlisted at a T20 and rejected by a number of T10s I applied to (which I really shouldn't have bothered with in hindsight, but I may have always wondered if I didn't try for it). I imagine if I had applied more broadly I probably would have gotten some T25 acceptances, but obviously ranking wasn't the only thing I was considering when I was applying. Good luck.

EDIT: not really sure about Emory.. you might have as good or better a shot at GW.. I imagine both schools will be at least slight reaches given your GPA.

[nematoad]

If there was somewhere to ED, Northwestern would be it. Your chances are slim; however, you already know this.

I'm starting to lean more towards Northwestern now. I also like the fact that there's an interview. Lawschoolpredictor has me at a "weak consider"... I'm happy with any consideration at all.

I imagine if I had applied more broadly I probably would have gotten some T25 acceptances, but obviously ranking wasn't the only thing I was considering when I was applying. Good luck.

same with me. pretty picky about where I'm living and definitely don't see myself applying to schools located in smaller cities/towns even if they are T30.

thank you all for the responses.