3.0/180. its a long story Forum

[Mikey]

I think you should retake.. Nah but seriously OP, blanket the T14 like everyone else has said and see what happens. Get as many fee waivers as possible and just pay for the ones that don't give you one.

[Lexaholik]

1. Apply widely. Nobody will be able to predict your cycle, although you'll probably get into Northwestern at the very least.

2. Put your explanations of weaknesses (why you had bad grades, etc.) in addenda. Not in the personal statement. Make your PS positive.

3. Be prepared to sit on waitlists for a long time. You'll probably get into a couple of T14s straight up, but will be WLed in a lot of places. If you have the patience to wait, you could get into a few more.

[izha]

Rather than attempting to explain your grades, perhaps write a diversity statement about how you overcame your disability. Bring up the grades in passing and highlight how you overcame your issues. I think that might be worthwhile for adcoms. Good luck!

Don't even mention bipolar disorder.

[Clearly]

I didn't see your post pre-edit, but my general rule of thumb is don't disclose anything that you don't have to by law. I know you want them to keep your GPA in perspective, but imho you're just giving them an additional negative thing to think/worry about. Either they can stomach the GPA or they can't, I'd rather be a 180 3.0 guy than a 180 3.0 with emotional difficulties guy. Is it right? nope, but the stigma is still a thing. Also PMd you with more detail

[foxes]

I'd be extremely surprised if you didn't get into a good bunch of t14s. This is anecdotal (but everything at this level of splitter is) but I know a few ppl who are at t14s now with similar stats. If you can't get a fee waiver at Berkeley id skip it if you can't rustle up the $$$. Again, anecdotally, I had a similar lsat and a higher gpa and got dinged (only outright ding from a t14 not named yale). I thought the preferring gpas thing was a flame but now I kinda think it's true.

[bellepepper]

Good Luck hope you get into all your schools! Save up for fee waivers and also apply for the one LSAC has, its a lengthy process so don't wait too long.

[jbagelboy]

I'll never understand the top 5 distinction (Sure, it's a nice round number, but I mean are you really hard yes on Columbia, hard no on NYU?), none the less I would expand my search to top 15 (as to keep with your preference for numbers divisible by 5) and apply away.

I would definitely consider borrowing money to hire a counselor like Spivey to help you put your best foot forward in your applications, and remember to apply as early as you possibly can (once your application is buttoned up).

T5 = distinction perpetuated by CLS kids butt hurt about not going to HYS

^no cls kids use this term, ever

You could say the same thing about HYS and T3 as butthurt for not going to yale. There's always a ladder

[seagan823]

I'll never understand the top 5 distinction (Sure, it's a nice round number, but I mean are you really hard yes on Columbia, hard no on NYU?), none the less I would expand my search to top 15 (as to keep with your preference for numbers divisible by 5) and apply away.

I would definitely consider borrowing money to hire a counselor like Spivey to help you put your best foot forward in your applications, and remember to apply as early as you possibly can (once your application is buttoned up).

T5 = distinction perpetuated by CLS kids butt hurt about not going to HYS

^no cls kids use this term, ever

You could say the same thing about HYS and T3 as butthurt for not going to yale. There's always a ladder

Yeah man I didn't think they did. I'm going to NYU next year so I was feigning outrage at the T-5 distinction. I'm not a very good troll though since I'm telling you this.