Top Law Schools

I've narrowed down my list of schools to apply to, but now it seems like I don't have enough. I'd prefer to stay in the eastern US, especially the east coast (though NYC isn't really high on my list). I could definitely use some input.

Stats:
3.9x, 164
Great LORs
Normal PS (no ultra-compelling story)
Leadership positions at a small regional school
Applying straight out of UG

List:
Boston University
Boston College
Ohio State
Case Western
Notre Dame
GWU
William and Mary
UVA (ED?)

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Does this list seem fitting considering my stats?

I had almost the exact same numbers and applied to some of the same schools.

BU-Waitlist
BC-Reject
Ohio State-In
Case Western-In
Notre Dame-Waitlist
GWU-Waitlist
William and Mary-Waitlist
UVA (YES ED)-Good luck...

Schools that should be on this list:
Wash U
Vanderbilt
Emory
UNC

NU_Jet55 wrote:I had almost the exact same numbers and applied to some of the same schools.

BU-Waitlist
BC-Reject
Ohio State-In
Case Western-In
Notre Dame-Waitlist
GWU-Waitlist
William and Mary-Waitlist
UVA (YES ED)-Good luck...

Schools that should be on this list:
Wash U
Vanderbilt
Emory
UNC

If you don't mind me asking, where else did you apply, and how well did you fare with those schools?

jslom958 wrote:If you don't mind me asking, where else did you apply, and how well did you fare with those schools?

I applied late, and I had some work experience, so I'm a bit of a special case. But as you'll learn, numbers are basically everything. I applied to some state schools ranked between 50 and 80 that were in areas that I wouldn't have minded living. They gave me great scholarship offers, and I utilized each offer to get a bigger one.

Ultimately my decision came down to Wash U with a small scholly vs. (close to) a full ride at one of these state schools. For me, it was an easy choice.

Sorry but I think you have less than a 20% chance at UVA, even ED with those numbers. I could be wrong.

JJDancer wrote:Sorry but I think you have less than a 20% chance at UVA, even ED with those numbers. I could be wrong.

UVA needs to keep it's GPA median at 3.85, and thus has to admit half their class with at least a 3.85. They (anecdotally) admit plenty of people with 170+ LSATs and GPAs below 3.85, so they'd have to take a number of people with better GPAs to balance the class out. They also like taking people ED. A 3.9x applying ED has a shot, although I don't know enough to put a percentage on it.

If OP is a Virginia resident or URM, I'd say ED to UVA is a pretty solid chance; absent those factors, I still think it would be worth it, if OP is willing to pay sticker there, but the odds are more dour.

The problem, OP, is that if you're applying as a senior in undergrad, then your GPA is not set in stone, and they may be somewhat hesitant to take someone who might slack off and let their GPA drop.

Vandy's out.

If EDing at UVA doesn't work, where should I ED? I was thinking Georgetown PT, but I don't really have a legitimate reason for going PT instead of FT there. Would that matter?

jslom958 wrote:If EDing at UVA doesn't work, where should I ED? I was thinking Georgetown PT, but I don't really have a legitimate reason for going PT instead of FT there. Would that matter?

They'll sniff it out. I got straight up rejected from Georgetown PT last year when ED'd there, but I was on UVA's waitlist until very late in the game as a regular applicant.

Unless you retake or get very very lucky, the T12/T17 is pretty much out of the question.

T19 FTW!

Why not add Temple to the list (if you like Philly, of course)? It's dirt cheap (even for OOS) and they'll probably give you a nice scholly, too. Plus, they own their market (most Penn grads head to NYC). I'd also add UConn (probably get some $$$), Maryland, Washington & Lee, and maybe an Illinois or UMN to your list. I know you said east coast, so it depends if you mind the midwest on those last two -- but they're great schools. Btw, I too had similar numbers last year (LSAT was 162 though) and I got rejected at BC, waitlisted at BU and W&M, and waitlisted at UVA.

If you don't ED to UVA, T17 is out.