Getting into T20? Forum

[Meolane913]

I'm a senior with a 3.57 GPA and got a 166 on the LSAT. I'm considering taking it again but was wondering about my chances getting in with my score already. I had a bad freshman year but took a year off and worked and will be finishing college in 3 years instead of 4, taking 21 hours a semester. I have had a 3.8+ since then. Also graduated high school a year early. I don't know if that will affect my chances of getting in but thought I'd add it. Should I retake the LSAT or try to get in with these?

[Clemenceau]

Study more and retake. It can only help.

[RamTitan]

I think you have a decent shot at schools like USC and Washu, but you should definitely retake to increase your opportunities

[Kopetz]

(redacted)

Your GPA and LSAT are more important, by far, than just about any other factor (barring things which might preclude your acceptance completely, e.g. an administrative cancellation of your LSAT or certain serious character and fitness issues.) Check out the spreadsheet in this thread and compare your numbers to the T20. See also the data for your numbers at LSN, which is subject to a few biases (self-reported numbers from applicants) but useful to get a general idea of your standing.

Both the 509 data and the myLSN data indicate to me that you'd be better off studying for and retaking the LSAT. A bump of even 3 points puts you at or above the median for most schools and will make a significant difference in your chances in the lower T14.

[shineoncrazydiamond]

Even just bumping your score up a few points (which really comes down to just a few more questions answered correctly) could really make a difference in your chances, and would put you at or above median instead of just below it at several of these schools and some T14s, as Kopetz said. If you're capable of scoring a 166 you're probably capable of scoring a 170. Also, even if you get in with your current numbers, I think a few extra LSAT points could really help your scholarship chances/options, especially if the rise in high LSAT scores this past cycle continues.

And LSN is indeed a useful resource for seeing how folks with similar numbers have fared.