Prospects for Above Average at HYS admissions Forum

[privatemember2012]

Hi all,

Would like to consult the TLS oracle for some input on my situation as I've reached a crossroads.

I applied for law school back in 2012 during my final year of UG (Oxbridge). At that point, I had a Superior LSAC rating and 171 LSAT and was promptly waitlisted at HYS. So I decided to wait and get some more experience until applying again. Since then, the following has happened:

1) In my UG finals, I received a 2:1 degree classification and so my LSAC evaluation was downgraded to an "Above Average." In a cruel turn of events, I obtained the highest possible 2:1 - one additional point out of the 800 available would have earned me a First - but never mind, LSAC would not budge.
2) Following my UG degree, I obtained an MSc Economics from the LSE, for which I got a Distinction.
3) Since the Masters, I have been working in consulting for two years, including the last year at MBB.

Due to reasons I would prefer not to go into here, I am only seriously considering attending HYS. I am currently looking at applying again in the fall of 2017 and am ready to embark on a 9-month rigorous study regimen to get my LSAT score to the mid-170's.

But before I do that, I am wondering what my prospects with an Above Average rating might be even assuming that I get ~175 on my retake? In the end, I would prefer not to dedicate most of my free time alongside an exhausting job to a task that will likely not get me any further than I was five years ago (at least in terms of admissions).

Also, I'm interested in the following specific questions:
- What weight (if any) would admissions place on a Superior rating for my Masters course?
- What weight weight would my WE at MBB (2 years at time of application) carry?

Thanks!

[marryJLP92]

In response,

1) what marked your downfall in 2012 is a) lack of experience which is desired if not necessary for Internationals and b) an additional point or two on the LSAT. NB HSY median is 172 (+1)...you were below by one point. I would further suggest you have called or emailed the admissions upon being waitlisted.

2) I assume you got a 69 (70 being a 1st class) - quite unfortunate but alas you went to Cambridge/Oxford.

3) Given your academic credentials (LSE is renowned in New England), your work experience (previously lacking), and assuming compelling essays & GREAT LOR's (including two from academia and one* optional* from work experience), along with a 172+ LSAT should be IMO auto-admit to one of HYS.

4) What 'weight' implies one can measure or grasp the extent to which adcomms will favourably determine your credentials...no such task is undertaken unfortunately. You are based as a whole candidate. Get your 172+ and you'll be fine. To be on the safe side don't take the test unless you're PT'ing 175+ consistently.

Good luck.

[kingpin101]

Due to reasons I would prefer not to go into here, I am only seriously considering attending HYS

There are very few legit reasons in the world (perhaps none) that would cause you to only consider HYS.

[grades??]

I disagree that you will be an auto-admit to HYS with a 175+. I know 12 oxbridge people who applied to HYS with an above average. 1 got in. He had a 175 but he also had a PHD from an ivy league.

Now, do I think you have a chance of getting in if you get a 175+? Yes. Do I think you have better than a 50% chance? No. Also, even with a 175 or higher, you will not get into Yale, and I doubt Stanford. It is unfortunate that you barely missed getting a first, but I have not known a single above average get into Yale (the guy mentioned above didn't get into Y or S, only H).

I wish you the best, but you should not have your heart set on HYS. It will be extremely unlikely you get in. Sorry.

[appind]

Hi all,

Would like to consult the TLS oracle for some input on my situation as I've reached a crossroads.

I applied for law school back in 2012 during my final year of UG (Oxbridge). At that point, I had a Superior LSAC rating and 171 LSAT and was promptly waitlisted at HYS. So I decided to wait and get some more experience until applying again. Since then, the following has happened:

1) In my UG finals, I received a 2:1 degree classification and so my LSAC evaluation was downgraded to an "Above Average." In a cruel turn of events, I obtained the highest possible 2:1 - one additional point out of the 800 available would have earned me a First - but never mind, LSAC would not budge.
2) Following my UG degree, I obtained an MSc Economics from the LSE, for which I got a Distinction.
3) Since the Masters, I have been working in consulting for two years, including the last year at MBB.

Due to reasons I would prefer not to go into here, I am only seriously considering attending HYS. I am currently looking at applying again in the fall of 2017 and am ready to embark on a 9-month rigorous study regimen to get my LSAT score to the mid-170's.

But before I do that, I am wondering what my prospects with an Above Average rating might be even assuming that I get ~175 on my retake? In the end, I would prefer not to dedicate most of my free time alongside an exhausting job to a task that will likely not get me any further than I was five years ago (at least in terms of admissions).

Also, I'm interested in the following specific questions:
- What weight (if any) would admissions place on a Superior rating for my Masters course?
- What weight weight would my WE at MBB (2 years at time of application) carry?

Thanks!

can you say what is the minimum points out of 800 that could get you first?
if your point total is high numerically then it's possible that adcom may account for it even with above-average rating. also MBB consulting experience imo would carry a lot of weight.