Top Law Schools

Anonymous because I've was accepted somewhere last cycle and granted a deferral, and I don't want them to be offended by my thinking on this topic. Posting in this forum because it deals with employment. That being said:

I'm a URM, and I'm already in with cash at a T25. I was waitlisted at a T14 and a school ranked 15-18. I have $70k in educational debt already, and am sucking wind at the thought of $160k total in debt after graduating from a non-T14 school. I am considering declining my deferral, and retaking the LSAT in the hopes of applying to T14 schools such as Northwestern, Virginia, Cornell, and Georgetown.

Here's the rub. For sure I want to practice law; no conflict about that. However, I'm already in my mid-30s, and am wondering how reticient top law firms and government agencies are about hiring new associates who will be in their late 30s upon graduation, even if they have a T14 degree. I am hoping to get some input on this from attorneys who work for biglaw firms or the federal government, before deciding whether to retake or not.

I've added a poll. If you vote, please share your rationale with me.

I'm older. I had no problem getting a summer job - both government and biglaw opportunities. Currently at T14.

Thanks @olderapplicant. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Know four 2Ls over 35 at my T-14. 3 have Biglaw SAs next summer, the other is interested in PI. Of the 3, 1 has IP background, 1 has business background, 1 has education background. From my experience, I think it was a little tougher for me to land my SA than it would have been were I similarly situated but younger.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I have decided to retake. Going big or going home.