Can my "softs" save me? Forum

[TigerGrad15]

I received my second round of LSAT scores tonight and was disappointed to find I only earned a 153 (56%). As a result, I am deeply concerned if I will be able to get in to either of my top law school choices, or any decent school for that matter. I had a very rough start to college and was eventually dismissed from my University. I was able to do well enough elsewhere in order to gain my way back into the University and am now doing much better. I was able to make a 3.22 GPA my first semester back while studying for the LSAT. However, my cumulative GPA is still a 2.2 according to LSAC. I was recently diagnosed with severe anxiety and am certain that has played a major role in my lsat and academic struggles. I am hoping that my work experience during college will help excuse some of my shortcomings. I worked full time for six months as the legislative intern for my state's Department of Labor, I worked a semester teaching and petitioning for a grass roots organization, and was able to intern this past summer for one of the nations more prestigious bar associations. As a result, I have a quality resume and was able to solidify a few high quality letters of recommendation. With that being said, I am curious if I apply in the next few weeks, then is there any hope of me gaining admission to either of Colorado's law schools. Any constructive criticism or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

[RCSOB657]

I am going to guess no, but I am not admissions. Good luck, I mean that.

School Name Us News Ranking Acceptance Rate Med.LSAT Med.GPA LSN Applications
University of Colorado Boulder 43 35% 164 3.65 2492
University of Denver 68 46% 159 3.46 2074

[LET'S GET IT]

You are well below both median's at both schools. It seems unlikely. Softs can help if you are a borderline case, but they don't do much if you are an auto reject. I know it sucks, but have you considered taking the LSAT again? Good luck to you, whatever path you take.

[TigerGrad15]

I have taken the LSAT twice now with the 153 being the higher of the two. I had not considered taking it again since I am under the impression that I would be applying relatively late in the cycle if I were to retake. If I am forced to go to some low level law school, how easy is it to transfer up? Could I do so after my first semester, or would I have to wait until after the completion of my first year?

[LET'S GET IT]

I have taken the LSAT twice now with the 153 being the higher of the two. I had not considered taking it again since I am under the impression that I would be applying relatively late in the cycle if I were to retake. If I am forced to go to some low level law school, how easy is it to transfer up? Could I do so after my first semester, or would I have to wait until after the completion of my first year?

It's difficult. You would need to be towards the top of your class and law schools grades are difficult to predict. I know it's not what you want to hear, but have you considered sitting a cycle so you can give it your all on preparing for the LSAT? There are great resources on this site.

Oh, and you have to complete a year before you could transfer.

[JamMasterJ]

hate to tell you but softs aren't strong enough to get past being that far below medians, and generally speaking, your softs aren't really strong enough to actually "boost" your application.

[TigerGrad15]

I think I will apply in hopes of getting "lucky." If all else fails, I may take a year off to work in the legal field. I was assured by the Director of Placement at the Association I worked for that she would be able to find me a decent starting position. During my employment, I could study for the LSAT once again in hopes of doing much better next time around. "Third time's the charm," right? lol How much would my third LSAT be considered in relation to the two previous? Say I scored in the upper 150s/lower 160s, would schools look past my previous poor performances? Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.

[whitespider]

Don't even think about applying until you've got a better LSAT score.

2.2/153 would clearly be auto-reject at Boulder and DU.

Sorry dude, but you'd just be wasting your money.

[LET'S GET IT]

I think I will apply in hopes of getting "lucky." If all else fails, I may take a year off to work in the legal field. I was assured by the Director of Placement at the Association I worked for that she would be able to find me a decent starting position. During my employment, I could study for the LSAT once again in hopes of doing much better next time around. "Third time's the charm," right? lol How much would my third LSAT be considered in relation to the two previous? Say I scored in the upper 150s/lower 160s, would schools look past my previous poor performances? Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.

Not sure about the Colorado schools specifically, but the vast majority of schools only consider your highest score. I love your positive attitude and I will be pulling for you.

[Mullens]

You should not attend law school with your current numbers. There's a very good chance it will cost way too much money for poor career prospects. Given your health problems and the stress of the profession, I might not recommend you attend at all.

[tortsandtiaras]

I think I will apply in hopes of getting "lucky." If all else fails, I may take a year off to work in the legal field. I was assured by the Director of Placement at the Association I worked for that she would be able to find me a decent starting position. During my employment, I could study for the LSAT once again in hopes of doing much better next time around. "Third time's the charm," right? lol How much would my third LSAT be considered in relation to the two previous? Say I scored in the upper 150s/lower 160s, would schools look past my previous poor performances? Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.

Not sure about the Colorado schools specifically, but the vast majority of schools only consider your highest school. I love your positive attitude and I will be pulling for you.

This. I am so glad you are optomistic and open to advice. I know you can do better!