Maximizing My Chances? Forum

[RCG37]

Here's the deal: I have t14 ambitions with a 165 (and a 160 from sept 09) and a 3.92 gpa.

Aside from getting my apps in on Sept. 1st (which I plan on doing), what can I do to absolutely maximize my chances of getting into the following schools:

Boalt
Georgetown (part time and full time)
Cornell
Duke
UVA
Penn
Michigan

A little more background: I graduated in May 2010, have good work experience, currently relocated to Washington DC for a journalism job, I have solid academic recommendations and I plan to write "Why X" statements.

What else can I do? Any ideas?

[03121202698008]

Are you a URM?

Retake the LSAT is about your only option at those schools...

[TCScrutinizer]

http://berkeley.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats
http://gulc.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats
http://cornell.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats
http://duke.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats
http://uva.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats
http://penn.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats
http://michigan.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats

Retake the LSAT, become a black male, or commence sacrifices to the dark god of your choice.

[scribelaw]

You'd have a decent -- or at least outside -- shot at UVA if you apply early decision. You might also try Michigan early decision.

You really need probably a 168 for a more realistic shot at the T14.

As is, you might get money from some T30 type schools, George Washington, Boston College, etc.

[03121202698008]

You'd have a decent -- or at least outside -- shot at UVA if you apply early decision. You might also try Michigan early decision.

You really need probably a 168 for a more realistic shot at the T14.

As is, you might get money from some T30 type schools, George Washington, Boston College, etc.

I think you are over-estimating the odds. According to LSN, three people got into Michigan with a 165 or less that were not URM. Two had superb softs (one withdrew to attend Standford). Two were veterans and Michigan is very pro-veteran in their admissions. That's not exactly a "decent" shot.

UVA had 7 ED acceptances with <166 but I'm guessing they were all in-state.

[beachbum]

In other words: if you're serious about attending these schools, the best (and only?) way of maximizing your chances is to retake the LSAT.

[03121202698008]

Penn is definitely out. I got stuck in defered hell with a 3.92/168/3.85 Masters, as a PA resident, a combat veteran (10 years in military) with a significant resume, and excellent softs. Oh, and I applied ED in Oct.

[TCScrutinizer]

Penn is definitely out. I got stuck in defered hell with a 3.92/168/3.85 Masters, as a PA resident, a combat veteran (10 years in military) with a significant resume, and excellent softs. Oh, and I applied ED in Oct.

Wow, that's fucked up. I know a non-URM guy with about your raw numbers and nowhere near your softs who got in with money.