AA Male 4.0 165 (What are my chances?) Forum

[Wolverine Den]

I have a 4.0 LSAC GPA from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Economics and Finance (BBA).
I believe my softs to be quite adequate, but not great (I am a phi-beta kappa and I have worked as an Investment Banker at one of the largest hedge fund in NYC for the past year).

I was supposed to take the February 6th LSAT, but given that my geographic region experienced significant inclement weather, I did not get a chance to take the exam until March 6th (My exam was actually postponed twice). This extremely threw me off, as I had to readjust my mindset each time the exam was postponed. My Preptest average was a 174 going into the exam, consequently you can understand my huge disappointment as I was only able to score a 165. Even with adjusting for a drop in scores that normally opccurs after taking the actual exam, I consider such a discrepancy in scores to be a precipitous decline.

I am ONLY applying to HYS. Even though I am an AA male, I really am not comfortable with such a low score and I am seriously considering retaking. What do you guys think my chances are with my score as it currently stands? In addition, do you guys think I should consider retaking? (I am quite positive that I would be able to score closer to my average the next time around, but then again not all LSATS are created equal). Thanks in advance. I welcome all responses.

[phoenix323]

I have a 4.0 LSAC GPA from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Economics and Finance (BBA).
I believe my softs to be quite adequate, but not great (I am a phi-beta kappa and I have worked as an Investment Banker at one of the largest hedge fund in NYC for the past year).

I was supposed to take the February 6th LSAT, but given that my geographic region experienced significant inclement weather, I did not get a chance to take the exam until March 6th (My exam was actually postponed twice). This extremely threw me off, as I had to readjust my mindset each time the exam was postponed. My Preptest average was a 174 going into the exam, consequently you can understand my huge disappointment as I was only able to score a 165. Even with adjusting for a drop in scores that normally opccurs after taking the actual exam, I consider such a discrepancy in scores to be a precipitous decline.

I am ONLY applying to HYS. Even though I am an AA male, I really am not comfortable with such a low score and I am seriously considering retaking. What do you guys think my chances are with my score as it currently stands? In addition, do you guys think I should consider retaking? (I am quite positive that I would be able to score closer to my average the next time around, but then again not all LSATS are created equal). Thanks in advance. I welcome all responses.

Every law school in existence will be fighting for you.

/thread.

[kalvano]

I am ONLY applying to HYS. Even though I am an AA male, I really am not comfortable with such a low score and I am seriously considering retaking. What do you guys think my chances are with my score as it currently stands? In addition, do you guys think I should consider retaking? (I am quite positive that I would be able to score closer to my average the next time around, but then again not all LSATS are created equal). Thanks in advance. I welcome all responses.

I'd let it ride and see what happens. I think you will have no trouble landing one of the T3 schools, but you might also consider branching out to the T6 and see what kind of scholarships are available.

I believe Columbia has one that is a full ride, though I am not sure what it takes to get it. Someone more knowledgeable than me will have to chime in. But Columbia at full ride is a nice option to have.

[vexion]

Retake. I don't think it can hurt you ITE to wait one more year, especially if you're confident you can break 170. If you're only applying to HYS, then the difference isn't so much getting in as getting money.

[Thirteen]

Congrats on the great GPA and LSAT score. You should definitely re-post everying you wrote in this thread for URM (under-represented minority) 2009-2010 Application Cycle thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 14&t=86311. I'm sure someone there can give you advice.

[joeshmo39]

Unless the registration deadline passed, taking the June can't hurt you. September is kind of late, but won't kill you either. I mean, even if you score sub-165, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[OneKnight]

Retake. I don't think it can hurt you ITE to wait one more year, especially if you're confident you can break 170. If you're only applying to HYS, then the difference isn't so much getting in as getting money.

This is incorrect. HYS do NOT give out merit scholarships. All that matters is getting in.

That said, honestly, you'll probably get one of the holy trinity. If you really care which one, then retake because if you break 170 you'll probably pull a trifecta.

[APimpNamedSlickback]

.

[quickquestionthanks]

Retake. I don't think it can hurt you ITE to wait one more year, especially if you're confident you can break 170. If you're only applying to HYS, then the difference isn't so much getting in as getting money.

This is incorrect. HYS do NOT give out merit scholarships. All that matters is getting in.

That said, honestly, you'll probably get one of the holy trinity. If you really care which one, then retake because if you break 170 you'll probably pull a trifecta.

Stanford does. My friend had a full ride to Boalt and used it to get leverage on Stanford. Think she got $50k knocked off tuition.

[OneKnight]

Retake. I don't think it can hurt you ITE to wait one more year, especially if you're confident you can break 170. If you're only applying to HYS, then the difference isn't so much getting in as getting money.

This is incorrect. HYS do NOT give out merit scholarships. All that matters is getting in.

That said, honestly, you'll probably get one of the holy trinity. If you really care which one, then retake because if you break 170 you'll probably pull a trifecta.

Stanford does. My friend had a full ride to Boalt and used it to get leverage on Stanford. Think she got $50k knocked off tuition.

Wrong. (ish)

I direct you to this: http://www.law.stanford.edu/school/offi ... ncial_aid/
& this for the H-bomb: --LinkRemoved--
& here for Yalus Maximus: http://www.law.yale.edu/admissions/Cost ... ialAid.htm

She may have been granted 50K, but it was at least nominally a grant and not merit based aid.
Congrats to your friend, btw, I would kill to be in that position

[ChildPlease]

no one at a hedge fund would call themselves an "investment banker." i smell smoke.

that said, assuming this is a genuine post, i concur with the advice you've received. while you're all but assured every school other than yale as matters stand, i would suggest retaking and solidifying your prospects. in any case, you are in a profoundly enviable position, both w/r/t admissions and also oci.

TCR

[Wolverine Den]

[quote="APimpNamedSlickback"]no one at a hedge fund would call themselves an "investment banker." i smell smoke.


I want to thank everyone for their responses thus far, I greatly appreciate it. You are definitely correct in ascertaining that most individuals who work at a hedge fund certainly would not describe themselves as "Investment Bankers." However, describing my actual position, "micro cap equity portfolio strategist," would have been absolutely esoteric and unnecessary given that this is simply an LSAT forum. "Investment Banker" is simply an easier term to digest. I assure you that this post is not a flame and is absolutely genuine. Again, I want to thank all the posters for providing their opinions thus far.

[Nom Sawyer]

no one at a hedge fund would call themselves an "investment banker." i smell smoke.


I want to thank everyone for their responses thus far, I greatly appreciate it. You are definitely correct in ascertaining that most individuals who work at a hedge fund certainly would not describe themselves as "Investment Bankers." However, describing my actual position, "micro cap equity portfolio strategist," would have been absolutely esoteric and unnecessary given that this is simply an LSAT forum. "Investment Banker" is simply an easier term to digest. I assure you that this post is not a flame and is absolutely genuine. Again, I want to thank all the posters for providing their opinions thus far.

While I'd say your chances are very good at HYS, I'd retake just to make them guaranteed. Basically you have nothing to lose and plenty of time.. so retake and get your chances for the 3 to go from 70% to 90%.

[Wolverine Den]

UMich Ann Arbor doesn't offer Latin honors. Nobody who graduated from there would say they did so 'summa cum laude.'

Again, this is indeed correct. They offer distinctions- (High distinction= magna and Highest distinction= summa, etc). The terminology is equivalent and is not meant to be deceptive in any way shape or form. I employed the "summa cum laude" because this is a more common form. I greatly appreciate the posts, I am a first time poster and I had no idea that crafting a post merely to gauge where I stand would be scrutinized as if it were the constitution. I certainly appreciate all of the responses, but it appears that some of you guys definitely out-think yourselves sometimes.

[Danteshek]

Um, I had no idea hedge funds (buy side) employed investment bankers (sell side). This is either a flame or OP doesn't know what he is talking about.

Edit: Just read OP's explanation... Kinda dumb.

[Danteshek]

UMich Ann Arbor doesn't offer Latin honors. Nobody who graduated from there would say they did so 'summa cum laude.'

Again, this is indeed correct. They offer distinctions- (High distinction= magna and Highest distinction= summa, etc). The terminology is equivalent and is not meant to be deceptive in any way shape or form. I employed the "summa cum laude" because this is a more common form. I greatly appreciate the posts, I am a first time poster and I had no idea that crafting a post merely to gauge where I stand would be scrutinized as if it were the constitution. I certainly appreciate all of the responses, but it appears that some of you guys definitely out-think yourselves sometimes.

No. It's a matter of honesty. You misrepresented your credentials. Try HBS instead of law school. You'll find the ethic there just right.

[quickquestionthanks]

UMich Ann Arbor doesn't offer Latin honors. Nobody who graduated from there would say they did so 'summa cum laude.'

Again, this is indeed correct. They offer distinctions- (High distinction= magna and Highest distinction= summa, etc). The terminology is equivalent and is not meant to be deceptive in any way shape or form. I employed the "summa cum laude" because this is a more common form. I greatly appreciate the posts, I am a first time poster and I had no idea that crafting a post merely to gauge where I stand would be scrutinized as if it were the constitution. I certainly appreciate all of the responses, but it appears that some of you guys definitely out-think yourselves sometimes.

the constitution?

Where there's smoke there's fire.

[creatinganalt]

Retake. I don't think it can hurt you ITE to wait one more year, especially if you're confident you can break 170. If you're only applying to HYS, then the difference isn't so much getting in as getting money.

This is incorrect. HYS do NOT give out merit scholarships. All that matters is getting in.

That said, honestly, you'll probably get one of the holy trinity. If you really care which one, then retake because if you break 170 you'll probably pull a trifecta.

Stanford does. My friend had a full ride to Boalt and used it to get leverage on Stanford. Think she got $50k knocked off tuition.

Wrong. (ish)

I direct you to this: http://www.law.stanford.edu/school/offi ... ncial_aid/
& this for the H-bomb: --LinkRemoved--
& here for Yalus Maximus: http://www.law.yale.edu/admissions/Cost ... ialAid.htm

She may have been granted 50K, but it was at least nominally a grant and not merit based aid.
Congrats to your friend, btw, I would kill to be in that position

You're also wrong(ish). You can negotiate need based. But you need leverage (I don't have any!)

[lt0826]

I would retake and I would consider adding schools like Columbia to the mix and I would apply EARLY. You have an amazing chance of landing a T10 free ride if you are willing to consider schools other than H/Y/S, especially if you break 170. But regardless, I would retake for insurance. Sounds unlikely, given your PTs, that your score would go down.

[james18]

Um, I had no idea hedge funds (buy side) employed investment bankers (sell side). This is either a flame or OP doesn't know what he is talking about.

Edit: Just read OP's explanation... Kinda dumb.

Does it bother anybody else that whenever a URM with high numbers starts asking about chances he is almost immediately accused of being a flame?

I posted about a year ago under a friend's account asking about scholarships in the T14 and got maybe 3 helpful responses and about 30 accusations of making up my numbers. Now I do understand if people just don't know what kind of chances URM applicants with high GPAs or LSATS have because of the small sample size and lack of data, but just say so then...No need to start accusing people of making things up.

OP, if you were consistently practice testing that high, my suggestion is to retake.

[quickquestionthanks]

Um, I had no idea hedge funds (buy side) employed investment bankers (sell side). This is either a flame or OP doesn't know what he is talking about.

Edit: Just read OP's explanation... Kinda dumb.

Does it bother anybody else that whenever a URM with high numbers starts asking about chances he is almost immediately accused of being a flame?

Who gets a 4.0 in college and doesn't capitalize Constitution?

[APimpNamedSlickback]

x

[20160810]

OP, your chances of getting into a top flight law school are fantastic, unlike, say, your chances of locating the proper subforum on top-law-schools.com for posting this question. A hint: It's the one called "What Are My Chances?"

[badfish]

Retake. If you were indeed averaging a 174, that's enough of a jump to justify retaking, especially if you're only applying to YHS.

[dlac]

That is a sick GPA from UMich. I think you're a lock, son.

Ironically, if you retake it could possibly leave you with more of a dilemma as T6 schools will be throwing money at you left and right.