163 (first time)/ 3.96 Minority but not URM - advice? Forum

[hshee2010]

So I'm taking a year off from undergrad. I'm going to retake the test, but what does everyone think? Thanks again! I can PM you my ECs etc.

[HJO]

ED UVA on the first day possible of next cycle.

[bighead715]

well, as someone with a 164/3.98 non URM minority that broke into the T14, i think id be of some use...

have a boat load of significant softs - being a member of a student group at ur undergrad isn't what they care about

draft a quality PS that incorporates every aspect of your application and forms a clear and coherent story

make sure your recommenders are selected so that they write an in-depth and glowing recommendation of you that matches the persona you are trying to get across in your application as a whole (they care more about a professor that knows your abilities well than a politician that has some small tie to your dad)

make yourself standout ... in a positive way, make them WANT to overlook the 163

your ED is vital - use it strategically

do not be intimidated by everyone talking about their 170+ scores and so on so forth or by people saying you dont have a chance at such and such school - apply to where you want to go, even if your lsat is 5 points below median (your gpa will be above median)

oh, and retake...life will be easier with a shiny, new, and higher score

[hshee2010]

ED UVA on the first day possible of next cycle.

well, as someone with a 164/3.98 non URM minority that broke into the T14, i think id be of some use...

have a boat load of significant softs - being a member of a student group at ur undergrad isn't what they care about

draft a quality PS that incorporates every aspect of your application and forms a clear and coherent story

make sure your recommenders are selected so that they write an in-depth and glowing recommendation of you that matches the persona you are trying to get across in your application as a whole (they care more about a professor that knows your abilities well than a politician that has some small tie to your dad)

make yourself standout ... in a positive way, make them WANT to overlook the 163

your ED is vital - use it strategically

do not be intimidated by everyone talking about their 170+ scores and so on so forth or by people saying you dont have a chance at such and such school - apply to where you want to go, even if your lsat is 5 points below median (your gpa will be above median)

oh, and retake...life will be easier with a shiny, new, and higher score

Thank you HJO & Bighead! I think I have good recommendations (2 academic, the third is my boss who supervised my research, and the fourth is from a law professor who knows me as a student). I think you're right about the score - no.s make all the difference.

If you guys have the time, I'd like to send you a draft of my PS just for your take on it.