Why are some people w/ above median GPA & LSAT rejected/wait-listed? Forum

[Katyusha]

Hi folks.
I'm in the fall 2018 circle and now reading admission statistics online. I find that each year, there are some people with above-median/above 75% GPA and LSAT rejected or waitlisted by schools. For example, there was a guy with a 3.9 GPA and 179 LSAT rejected by Harvard last year. I'm wondering how did it happen? And how can I avoid this outcome?
Thank you so much.

[snowball2]

Possibly because there are only so many spots and the better schools draw the most applicants with top qualifications?

[LieutenantElmo]

Katyusha,

The numbers are not totally indicative of the sitatuation. Perhaps they had several C&F problems (multiple DUIs, felony charges, etc.) or perhaps they had little experience in their resume or personal statement. There is a long list of possibilities that range from botched interviews to rude emails and phone calls. Don't do these and you'll most likely be fine.

[DebtPrisoner]

or becus they cant right

[minnbills]

It's called yield protecting. One factor in a law school's ranking is how many admitted applicants matriculate to the school. The higher that percentage, the more it helps the school's ranking.

So, if you're a 4.0 with a 175, and you apply to a school like BU or BC, the adcomms at those schools will know that you are certain to get admissions offers at higher ranked law schools, and may reject you to protect their yield %.

hope that helps

[albanach]

It's called yield protecting. One factor in a law school's ranking is how many admitted applicants matriculate to the school. The higher that percentage, the more it helps the school's ranking.

So, if you're a 4.0 with a 175, and you apply to a school like BU or BC, the adcomms at those schools will know that you are certain to get admissions offers at higher ranked law schools, and may reject you to protect their yield %.

hope that helps

This is also why if you have a school you really like, a well written "Why X" essay offers value. If adcomms truly believe you're interested in the school and aren't just going to attend the highest ranked school, you're more likely to get an offer.

[Katyusha]

Thank you so much for all your replies above. They really help.
My concern is that my resume is kind of "weak." Most of my experiences are about research, teaching, and translation. I don't have law-related working experiences, nor did I ever work in a renowned company (I will graduate from college this summer and then work in Australia. My GPA is 3.90/3.91). Do you guys think this will have a negative impact on my admission? Thank you！

[albanach]

Thank you so much for all your replies above. They really help.
My concern is that my resume is kind of "weak." Most of my experiences are about research, teaching, and translation. I don't have law-related working experiences, nor did I ever work in a renowned company (I will graduate from college this summer and then work in Australia. My GPA is 3.90/3.91). Do you guys think this will have a negative impact on my admission? Thank you！

Half your class will be K-JD. No, it won't have a negative impact so long as you make yourself appear interesting. There's no need for, or expectation of, prior legal experience. Just portray yourself as someone that will contribute something to the class.

[BeeTeeZ]

Race/gender equity also plays a role. Can't have too many men, whites/asians, etc.

[Heyy_Y'all]

This literally just happened to me. #YieldPROTECTION Now I'm left trying to craft a LOCI without it sounding rude. Smh!

[Heyy_Y'all]

It's called yield protecting. One factor in a law school's ranking is how many admitted applicants matriculate to the school. The higher that percentage, the more it helps the school's ranking.

So, if you're a 4.0 with a 175, and you apply to a school like BU or BC, the adcomms at those schools will know that you are certain to get admissions offers at higher ranked law schools, and may reject you to protect their yield %.

hope that helps

THIS!!!!

[Bla Bla Bla Blah]

or becus they cant right

Haha, write on! And probably true. Some people don't know how to sell themselves very well through a well written PS and come off as douchebags. That ends up hurting their chances.

[Yulifus]

Several factors, such as questionable C & F, diversity, poorly written personal statement, less than impressive resume, no extracurricular activities.