3.84 GPA, 159 LSAT, URM, but late applicant Forum

[Broncos15]

OP, I would apply next year for Fall 2016 ...

Even if you did not want to retake the LSAT/ couldn't afford the prep .....A 159 gives you a solid chance as a URM for Emory coupled with that GPA.

[lavarman84]

Still as an AA woman with that GPA you can do better. Really consider taking the cycle off and retaking. Several more points and you could go to Emory for free

Georgia State is ranked higher for health law (the field I want) and has a higher number of people who graduate with job prior to passing the bar. I'll take 24 hours to think about it, but I think this is really is my best bet instead of taking a year off on the chance I could muster several extra points on the LSAT. I can't afford a course.

Specialty rankings don't matter. The options you will have will be much better from Emory.

With that said, also ask Georgia State for more money. If they really want you they might offer you more money

Hm, how would you go about asking for more money? Is there a particular method?

You can contact them and tell them that you're worried about cost of attendance, you're considering sitting out the cycle (to retake the LSAT or make more money...or whatever reason sounds good to you) and let them know that more money would make it a much easier decision for you to attend their school. Do it in a tasteful manner and you should be fine. They may not be able to offer more but if they want you bad enough, it's possible they do.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Still as an AA woman with that GPA you can do better. Really consider taking the cycle off and retaking. Several more points and you could go to Emory for free

Georgia State is ranked higher for health law (the field I want) and has a higher number of people who graduate with job prior to passing the bar. I'll take 24 hours to think about it, but I think this is really is my best bet instead of taking a year off on the chance I could muster several extra points on the LSAT. I can't afford a course.

Specialty rankings don't matter. The options you will have will be much better from Emory.

With that said, also ask Georgia State for more money. If they really want you they might offer you more money

Hm, how would you go about asking for more money? Is there a particular method?

You can contact them and tell them that you're worried about cost of attendance, you're considering sitting out the cycle (to retake the LSAT or make more money...or whatever reason sounds good to you) and let them know that more money would make it a much easier decision for you to attend their school. Do it in a tasteful manner and you should be fine. They may not be able to offer more but if they want you bad enough, it's possible they do.

Thanks a shit ton for this advice. Ended up negotiating (based on my merits and need) for a tuition waiver + stipend.

[unsweetened]

Congrats!

[lavarman84]

Thanks a shit ton for this advice. Ended up negotiating (based on my merits and need) for a tuition waiver + stipend.

Congrats! Glad it worked out for you!

[BeyonceBeytwice]

After sending my deposit and everything to GSU, I found out I was accepted to WUSTL. What do you all think? NO scholarship money, so going there would mean like, $150,000 in debt best case.

[shump92]

After sending my deposit and everything to GSU, I found out I was accepted to WUSTL. What do you all think? NO scholarship money, so going there would mean like, $150,000 in debt best case.

Stick with GSU. First, the debt makes no sense. Second, I remember you specifically wanted to stay in GA. Third, the jump in prestige isn't worth changing your plans so late. The only thing that makes any sense at this point besides sticking with GSU is getting out of your pending enrollment to retake for a score in the 160s and $$$ at schools like Emory and WUSTL if not T14.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

After sending my deposit and everything to GSU, I found out I was accepted to WUSTL. What do you all think? NO scholarship money, so going there would mean like, $150,000 in debt best case.

Stick with GSU. First, the debt makes no sense. Second, I remember you specifically wanted to stay in GA. Third, the jump in prestige isn't worth changing your plans so late. The only thing that makes any sense at this point besides sticking with GSU is getting out of your pending enrollment to retake for a score in the 160s and $$$ at schools like Emory and WUSTL if not T14.

I definitely want to stay in Georgia. I agree that leaving a decent school offering a full tuition waiver so I can abandon my family, boyfriend, and friends to embrace nearly $200,000 in debt is not ideal.

I looked up their stats. Basically would end up assuming 1000% more debt for 50% higher starting salary and a decreased chance of being employed at graduation along with the possibility of not seeing my father the last few years of his life. I just promised my family I would consider all of my options, so I figured I'd get second, third evaluations. Thanks for the solid advice as usual!