Chances at a T7-14? Forum

[2014]

I'm curious what I'm going to need on the LSAT within reason that will give me a good chance at the bottom half of the T14 schools. I know about lawschoolpredictor and all of the others and I know what they say, but I'm interested in opinions as well.

LSDAS GPA: 3.3-3.4
LSAT Cold Diagnostic: 169
Decent work experience during school, decent ECs but nothing life changing, study abroad experience if that matters, strong PS, an addendum explaining why my GPA sucked early, and good LORs
Not a URM
I'm not EDing anywhere. I can apply early, but I don't have a clear first choice, I'd rather apply at a bunch and see if anyone lower comes through with aid.

I know that PTs mean nothing until you take the real thing, but I'm reasonably optimistic about the LSAT. I was 99th percentile on both ACT and SAT and 92nd for the GRE and GMAT so I believe that I am capable of getting somewhere above 170 and don't get test anxiety to speak of.

So a couple of questions:
What score will I need to be all but guaranteed to be in at one of the T14?

Would it be to my advantage to apply after first semester grades are in to raise my GPA, or would the extra 6 weeks between me and the early applicants be more detrimental than it's worth?

What schools are going to look most favorably upon a <25% GPA with a good LSAT?

Are there any schools out of the T14 that I could potentially get substantial merit aid at with those numbers and also have good job prospects coming out? (I'm not tied to any region after I graduate, I can work anywhere)

Thanks!

[FuManChusco]

I mean, basically apply everywhere from 7-14, but I'd say your only realistic shot is Cornell or GTTTTown. In all honesty, you should definitely ED somewhere if you want T14. I'm just a speculating 0L though. Also, unless you're improving your gpa to like a 3.5, I'd say apply as early as possible. Going from a 3.3 to a 3.4 will leave you below 25% at most schools anyway I believe.

[merichard87]

Your GPA is <25% at all T14s. There is no LSAT that will make you a lock at the T14. You should apply early AND ED.

[rayiner]

LSDAS GPA: 3.3-3.4 (U.Va UG with upward trend)
LSAT Cold Diagnostic: 169

If you don't end up with 175+ you fucked up. And with 3.4/175+, you're a lock to get money at MVP, and you have a shot (though slim) at CCN.

[Holly Golightly]

LSDAS GPA: 3.3-3.4 (U.Va UG with upward trend)
LSAT Cold Diagnostic: 169

If you don't end up with 175+ you fucked up. And with 3.4/175+, you're a lock to get money at MVP, and you have a shot (though slim) at CCN.

I agree with this.

[daesonesb]

LSAT Cold Diagnostic: 169


Thanks!

Ur smart. Why go Lawl school?

[vespertiliovir]

If you don't end up with 175+ you fucked up.

+1. obviously, hys are out of the question; so is berkeley i think, since they love gpas. other than that, you have at least an outside shot most places. but it's better to be a high-lsat splitter, you're not as screwed as you (or others) may think.

[FuManChusco]

LSDAS GPA: 3.3-3.4 (U.Va UG with upward trend)
LSAT Cold Diagnostic: 169

If you don't end up with 175+ you fucked up. And with 3.4/175+, you're a lock to get money at MVP, and you have a shot (though slim) at CCN.

+1. although that 175+ number depends on how you did on the LG section of your diagnostic. I read the OP as already having a 169.

[daesonesb]

LSDAS GPA: 3.3-3.4 (U.Va UG with upward trend)
LSAT Cold Diagnostic: 169

If you don't end up with 175+ you fucked up. And with 3.4/175+, you're a lock to get money at MVP, and you have a shot (though slim) at CCN.

+1. although that 175+ number depends on how you did on the LG section of your diagnostic. I read the OP as already having a 169.

good point.

If you missed em all in Reading Comp, you are not in such good shape.

[2014]

Appreciate the help so far. LG was my strongest section whereas RC was my worst, missed 6.