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Alright, my LSAT is significantly below the T14's expectations and its already the middle of December, so I know I am far behind the curve. But, as admissions roll in, I keep thinking that it was a waste to not try at the T14. Even if I don't get in, which is very likely, I still would have liked to have known.

Here are my stats: 163/3.81, decent softs. I know, no where near the T14, but crazier things have happened. Right now I've already gotten into Iowa and W&L which were both up in the air. I have a lot more schools to hear back from that are 50/50 shots, but I am starting to think I didn't shoot as high as I could have. Maybe I'm high on a 4-0 win streak, but I think I should throw a Hail Mary and see where it lands.

Keep in mind that I don't think I can realistically get into the T14, and also really keep in mind that I will not retake the LSAT, but what school would be my absolute best shot? It seems dumb to be obsessed with getting into the T14, but obviously it carries a lot of weight.

retake?

Birdlaw wrote:I will not retake the LSAT

if this is the case, I think it's Cornell or Berkley if you have good softs.

James Bond wrote:retake?

163... is low for T-14, like you said.
If you had a 167 or even perhaps a 165, and if it were still September the i would say yes and ED to Cornell or Georgetown.
But, I mean, if you feel like it, go ahead.
I don't think, unfortunately, they'll bite though :/

You probably should've applied earlier. That being said apply 10-14 range

People's Eyebrow wrote:You probably should've applied earlier. That being said apply 10-14 range

i'll give him 100:1 odds it isn't happening.

.

ED at UVA?

applepiecrust wrote:ED at UVA?

Thank you

They really should just put a "retake" button right next to post reply and quote. It'd save a lot of people that post on here a lot of time.

I get the retake argument, but I never got much higher than a 163 on any of my practice tests. At this point, a retake would mean taking a year off after I graduate with little employment prospects. I'm also not really keen on holding off my legal career for a year. I know my odds are horrible, but I figured it wouldn't hurt. I don't know if I will apply, but if I do it will be in the next couple of days. Thanks for any advice, I know retaking is the very popular response, but I can't afford an LSAT prep course without taking out a bank loan with a high interest rate and no real means of paying it back quickly. If I didn't take a course I would just be using the same books I've already studied.

I wish I would have ED'd somewhere, but its too late. Worst case scenario, I'm happy with going to Iowa.

Have you ever considered that law might not be your thing?

I'm not trying to be a dick either. Although I decided for different reasons, I ultimately realized that law wasn't my thing either.

You Puerto Rican?

James Bond wrote:Have you ever considered that law might not be your thing?

I'm not trying to be a dick either. Although I decided for different reasons, I ultimately realized that law wasn't my thing either.

007, what the heck???

The guy scores in the upper 80th percentile, and you're just gonna sit there and say s/he should reconsider being a lawyer at all?

Ridiculous.

weejonbu wrote:

James Bond wrote:Have you ever considered that law might not be your thing?

I'm not trying to be a dick either. Although I decided for different reasons, I ultimately realized that law wasn't my thing either.

007, what the heck???

The guy scores in the upper 80th percentile, and you're just gonna sit there and say s/he should reconsider being a lawyer at all?

Ridiculous.

http://www.economist.com/node/17461573? ... 3&fsrc=rss

Law's a dismal market, weejo

James Bond wrote:

weejonbu wrote:

James Bond wrote:Have you ever considered that law might not be your thing?

I'm not trying to be a dick either. Although I decided for different reasons, I ultimately realized that law wasn't my thing either.

007, what the heck???

The guy scores in the upper 80th percentile, and you're just gonna sit there and say s/he should reconsider being a lawyer at all?

Ridiculous.

http://www.economist.com/node/17461573? ... 3&fsrc=rss

Law's a dismal market, weejo

Hate to break this to you, but the U.S. is coming out of an economic recession... nothing on the job front is doing exceptionally well right now.

http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/ ... tless.aspx

Birdlaw wrote:I get the retake argument, but I never got much higher than a 163 on any of my practice tests. At this point, a retake would mean taking a year off after I graduate with little employment prospects. I'm also not really keen on holding off my legal career for a year. I know my odds are horrible, but I figured it wouldn't hurt. I don't know if I will apply, but if I do it will be in the next couple of days. Thanks for any advice, I know retaking is the very popular response, but I can't afford an LSAT prep course without taking out a bank loan with a high interest rate and no real means of paying it back quickly. If I didn't take a course I would just be using the same books I've already studied.

I wish I would have ED'd somewhere, but its too late. Worst case scenario, I'm happy with going to Iowa.

You could get a job out of school. Job prospects aren't that bad for people with a degree right now. It might not be your dream job but you can get a job.

Berkeley is your only shot at T14, but you'll need great softs and PS.

weejonbu wrote:Hate to break this to you, but the U.S. is coming out of an economic recession... nothing on the job front is doing exceptionally well right now.

http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/ ... tless.aspx

not the same.

James Bond wrote:

weejonbu wrote:Hate to break this to you, but the U.S. is coming out of an economic recession... nothing on the job front is doing exceptionally well right now.

http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/ ... tless.aspx

not the same.

Out of curiosity, why did you decide against a legal education?

Also, if you have decided that law isn't your thing--which is perfectly fine--why are you still posting on web forum dedicated to people who are pre-law/in law school/in the legal profession?

If you have the money/fee waivers, then go for it. However, I don't see a 163 non-URM getting in at the t14 barring some amazing softs or background. If you want it that badly then retake. It would be one year of your life compared to your entire future of employment prospects and always wondering "what if."

weejonbu wrote:Out of curiosity, why did you decide against a legal education?

Also, if you have decided that law isn't your thing--which is perfectly fine--why are you still posting on web forum dedicated to people who are pre-law/in law school/in the legal profession?

1. Job prospects, debt load, and the reality of what you do in the profession. The job prospects are far more abysmal than the average, the cost is extreme, and the career is not what I'm looking for. I'd do a lot better as a lawyer on law and order

2. TLS has given me a whole lot. I feel it's my duty to give back.

James Bond is tha man! He's the reason why I have a rock hard six pack.

James Bond wrote:

weejonbu wrote:Out of curiosity, why did you decide against a legal education?

Also, if you have decided that law isn't your thing--which is perfectly fine--why are you still posting on web forum dedicated to people who are pre-law/in law school/in the legal profession?

1. Job prospects, debt load, and the reality of what you do in the profession. The job prospects are far more abysmal than the average, the cost is extreme, and the career is not what I'm looking for. I'd do a lot better as a lawyer on law and order

2. TLS has given me a whole lot. I feel it's my duty to give back.

That's a fair response, and your points are well taken.

Still, I think there are many career fields out there today that require one to "roll the dice" so to speak. That doesn't justify every decision that results in the debt load and dismal job market you mentioned, but neither does it negate the fact that a legal education is still a respected academic route to take.

If one were to study law just because that was something they wanted to do in their lifetime, they would be justified in that decision, no?

weejonbu wrote:If one were to study law just because that was something they wanted to do in their lifetime, they would be justified in that decision, no?

There are less expensive ways to study the law. On an unrelated note, my textbooks and E&Es are up for sale if anyone is interested.