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Half Inuit(native american),half black

GPA 3.6

LSAT 158

chances at UVA and Duke?

Law school predictor says not good. That said, you're going to be a unique applicant. If you do a good job on your application, especially your diversity statement, who knows?

Also, retake if there's any possibility you can get that score up.

shane0515 wrote:Half Inuit(native american),half black

GPA 3.6

LSAT 158

chances at UVA and Duke?

What the hell, I'll chime in.

A 158 is going to be tough. Not impossible, as it has been done by a very few, but I don't think likely. I'd say you'll need a 160 plus to have a more realistic shot.

Crack the books, take test in October, and PROFIT!!

what score should I aim for? Mid 160's?

As high as you can get lol.

Seriously tho:

Play around with this site: http://www.lawschoolpredictor.com/wp-co ... ograms.htm

A 164 gets you a "Consider" from both those and that's not even close to a sure thing.

What do you think you are capable of?

You should aim for a 180! Shit.

I honestly dont know. I've been studying the bibles since October 2009. I did my first practice exam today and am averaging 5-7 wrong each section and some sections i can't finish. Im getting really discourgaed by the LSAT. How can I improve?

Everybody can't get a 180. Do your best. Keep taking PT's. Figure out why you got the problems wrong. Correct the problem.

shane0515 wrote:I honestly dont know. I've been studying the bibles since October 2009. I did my first practice exam today and am averaging 5-7 wrong each section and some sections i can't finish. Im getting really discourgaed by the LSAT. How can I improve?

You just did your first one today? I think you have room for improvement then. It didn't start to click for me until around 5-10 PTs. In your case, I would not take the test until you've done at least 20-30 PTs. Seriously. Those LSAT points are worth like $10K per point.

Yea. Should I start doing practice tests timed or untimed?

shane0515 wrote:Yea. Should I start doing practice tests timed or untimed?

Depends on you. Timed is best for preparation, but some people start untimed because they'll go all Debbie Downer on themselves if they go over. I personally prefer to time and then just mark on my answer sheet how far I got within the time.

But seriously, dude, practice practice practice. Nothing is going to make you improve more than taking lots of PTs and carefully reviewing your misses.

Are you a Canadian Native American? If so I'm not sure you'll get the URM boost.

edit: whoops, didn't see that you're half black. Never mind!

A URM (AA) got into UVA this cycle with a 162/3.24 according to LSN. Obviously just because one person did it doesn't mean its a sure bet by any means, but its something to encourage you. Even with an LSAT in the low 160's, you might have a decent shot because being a NA is supposedly one of those golden URM statuses that get an actual boost.

Also, don't be discouraged either if you see URMs on LSN getting rejected with higher stats because a lot of people on there seem to identify themselves as URM when they don't really get that boost (ie: all hispanics aren't URMs; only Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans seem to actually get a boost).

Focus on doing your best on the LSAT. Then make sure you apply early and apply broadly because as a URM, your cycle will be more unpredicatable than LSP will indicate. Good luck!

* Also, consider EDing to a school you'd love to attend. The URM I referenced above EDed and when I went back and checked, all of the URMs that got in with low 160s and very low GPAs all EDed to UVA.

beesknees wrote:* Also, consider EDing to a school you'd love to attend. The URM I referenced above EDed and when I went back and checked, all of the URMs that got in with low 160s and very low GPAs all EDed to UVA.

This is great advice.

Foolproof 2 step plan to getting in to schools you normally wouldn't:
1. Apply early
2. Apply ED

Seriously, just do it.

Just to let you know, OP, lawschoolpredictor is close to trash for accurately gauging a URM's chances at schools. Different URMs receive different boosts and I know plenty of people who are IN at T14 schools, who shouldn't be according to LSP. You have both NA and AA blood...expect a much better outcome than what LSP gives you. Basically, cast a wide net, including all of the T14, and hope for the best.

Good luck, though. And study hard for that LSAT!!

<3

shane0515 wrote:Half Inuit(native american),half black

GPA 3.6

LSAT 158

chances at UVA and Duke?

are you in-state? How early do you intend to apply. I know someone that got in with a better LSAT (barely) and a similar GPA. But he was in state. PM for deets.

I plan on applying the first day that you are allowed to apply. I'm an out of state student for UVA as well.

If you're dead set on not retaking, have you thought about Wisconsin? They strongly consider Native American/First Nation applicants. Just a thought.

I'm planning on staying closer home to my grandparents in the VA,NC area. Good recommendation though.