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I got WL and ultimately rejected at 2 schools (out of many) I applied to last cycle. I want to re-apply to those 2 schools and attend either. I think part of my rejection was applying 20 mins before the deadline on Jan 31. I also believe that in terms of GPA & LSAT I am a marginal applicant at both schools.

My resume has improved marginally but not much. I got a cool high-responsibility regulatory-compliance-related job (not in a law firm), but I dont think that counts for much in the T14.

If I apply and get rejected for the second year in a row will that kill my chances at ever getting in - ie, if I apply a 3rd time?

Basically Im considering applying for this cycle OR waiting a year for more cool CV things to develop and apply next cycle, and looking for advice.

If you were a marginal applicant last year, have you tried retaking the LSAT?

cinephile wrote:If you were a marginal applicant last year, have you tried retaking the LSAT?

+1.

As a former reapplicant I understand the gut feeling that a former rejection is going to hurt future apps, but I doubt it. I applied two cycles in a row and I substantially raised my LSAT the second time. At MVP my results were:

Didn't Apply 1st Time => Rejected 2nd Time
Didn't Apply 1st Time => Rejected 2nd Time
Rejected 1st Time => Waitlisted 2nd Time

Anecdotally it seems like the fact that I had improved myself and reapplied may have been a factor (of course it could have easily been mere coincidence). Even ignoring that, it is very clear schools care about numbers. If your numbers improve then a former rejection isn't going to hurt you (there's also the caveat at schools that have an almost mandatory work experience requirement, e.g. NU, that getting a year of work experience can help you even if your numbers stay the same - assuming your numbers put you in play before).

Thanks for the replies. Let me raise a followup question before I respond to the retake suggestions.

If I get rejected a 2nd time, if I apply a 3rd time will I be viewed negatively by the Adcoms as a perennial applicant who doesnt know how to take a hint? My key worry is that if I get rejected a 2nd time, it will be a sort of definitive no, never, give up - no matter how much my CV improves. (I expect my CV to improve with law-related publication acceptances soon, but not in time for application).

I don't want to retake the LSAT because: 1) I'm a bad test taker because of anxiety. I took it once (+5 years ago) and scored in the mid 150s and since then cancelled twice and finally retook and got the score I got on avg during PTs. 2) I self studied and feel like I plateaued at roughly where I scored on test day (though it coulda been 2 points higher) so I dont want to risk it. 3) I dont think I can go much higher without serious tutoring, and maybe not even then.

Your CV is the least important thing in your application. Try to improve your LSAT score. That's all you can change at this point. People with no work experience ever and better LSAT scores will lap you in admissions.

Edit: nevermind. You should just go to the best school you can get into then.

I don't know what schools you're talking about, but it seems unlikely that you chances of getting into the same schools would improve just because of increased work experience.
But if you feel more comfortable waiting a year, then go for it.

marcellus wrote:Thanks for the replies. Let me raise a followup question before I respond to the retake suggestions.

If I get rejected a 2nd time, if I apply a 3rd time will I be viewed negatively by the Adcoms as a perennial applicant who doesnt know how to take a hint? My key worry is that if I get rejected a 2nd time, it will be a sort of definitive no, never, give up - no matter how much my CV improves. (I expect my CV to improve with law-related publication acceptances soon, but not in time for application).

I don't want to retake the LSAT because: 1) I'm a bad test taker because of anxiety. I took it once (+5 years ago) and scored in the mid 150s and since then cancelled twice and finally retook and got the score I got on avg during PTs. 2) I self studied and feel like I plateaued at roughly where I scored on test day (though it coulda been 2 points higher) so I dont want to risk it. 3) I dont think I can go much higher without serious tutoring, and maybe not even then.

If you're not willing to overcome your LSAT woes and retake, reapplying is tantamount to banging your head against a wall.

I was in the same boat. Don't send the same app it!!

If you didn't, write a diversity/why x statement.

Get another LOR

Consider a retake

And, yes, earlier IS dramatically better

I'm in the same boat. I applied last year in the middle of January with a 3.61/160 & 155. The only school I got into was ASU.

Since then I worked as a legal clerk, retook the LSAT and got a 170, wrote a new PS, got another LOR, filled out LSAT addendums, and submitted everything just before Halloween. Though I haven't heard back from any schools yet, I think retaking the LSAT and showing that there's been a significant progress/development/maturation from where I was last year and where I am now will be more than plenty to get me into a handful of T-14 schools.

Good luck with the rest of the process!

Many thanks all for the responses.

But I am stll wondering: If I apply again and get WL/rejected again, will I be labelled a perennial applicant and be viewed negatively if I apply again in a 3rd cycle (either next or later)?

I'm afraid of that risk. Anyone ever hear of people applying 3x?

marcellus wrote:Many thanks all for the responses.

But I am stll wondering: If I apply again and get WL/rejected again, will I be labelled a perennial applicant and be viewed negatively if I apply again in a 3rd cycle (either next or later)?

I'm afraid of that risk. Anyone ever hear of people applying 3x?

Use the risk as motivation, but don't let it become a ball and chain. Just do what you have to do in order to improve. The rest will take care of itself.