I Took the LSAT Three Times Forum

[Pragmatic Gun]

I took the LSAT three times. The first I got a 162; the second time a 167, and the third time a disappointing 166. Is it worthwhile to apply to law school at this point? My goal is working for a federal agency, DOJ, ADA in NYC, or big law in NYC/DC.

[jbagelboy]

This loaded question essentially depends on your possible alternatives. For example, 1) Are you currently employed in a full time capacity with upward advancement in a field that interests you? 2) if not, could your undergraduate degree help you secure such a position? You have a strong GPA. 3) or if your degree is not all that useful for gainful employment in the short term, is there a graduate degree other than a JD that might better suit your objectives, such as working in government (MPA, MPP, ect.), or since you mentioned big law, in finance (MBA)?

As far as law school is concerned, I've seen you around the forums long enough that you must know what you could get with your numbers. You could probably score a decent scholarship at Cornell in the $60-90K range (or Georgetown??). You could also get a very strong scholarship at GW, although I have doubts about career prospects there outside of top quarter (a lot of their students do end up working with the federal gov't in some capacity). You might slip into a few other competitive schools like Michigan, but unless you have substantial financial support from your family I wouldn't recommend this route. A lot of the higher ranked schools you could get into, for example, UCLA/USC/WashU/Minnesota, are not well positioned for your goals.

[Pragmatic Gun]

This loaded question essentially depends on your possible alternatives. For example, 1) Are you currently employed in a full time capacity with upward advancement in a field that interests you? 2) if not, could your undergraduate degree help you secure such a position? You have a strong GPA. 3) or if your degree is not all that useful for gainful employment in the short term, is there a graduate degree other than a JD that might better suit your objectives, such as working in government (MPA, MPP, ect.), or since you mentioned big law, in finance (MBA)?

As far as law school is concerned, I've seen you around the forums long enough that you must know what you could get with your numbers. You could probably score a decent scholarship at Cornell in the $60-90K range (or Georgetown??). You could also get a very strong scholarship at GW, although I have doubts about career prospects there outside of top quarter (a lot of their students do end up working with the federal gov't in some capacity). You might slip into a few other competitive schools like Michigan, but unless you have substantial financial support from your family I wouldn't recommend this route. A lot of the higher ranked schools you could get into, for example, UCLA/USC/WashU/Minnesota, are not well positioned for your goals.

Yeah, I figured I'd see a familiar face around here. I think I meant more whether the drop in score would affect my chances in getting scholly money or getting accepted to top schools.

I know at this point YSH are probs out of the question. GULC, no way, you know they're stingy with money.

I was hoping to get GW's early decision scholly, but not sure now. I was wondering if someone could provide insight into that particular one.