3.9/161 Forum

[coffeeonthepatio]

Hello all! Long time lurker here. I have a couple questions, and if anyone has the time/desire to answer, it would be much appreciated.

First off, although I did not get to study much for the LSAT, (Went through lsac's superprep and took a few PTS, like 3), I did better on it then I expected. I know I could do much better, but I was planning on still having 3 semesters left before I graduated. Since I had already paid for the exam, I decided to go ahead and sit for it this June, and retake next June, and apply for 2012.

I'm not really interested in BigLaw, and my hope was to get into Ohio State (Ohio resident, I want to practice in Ohio/Columbus). According to calculators/predictors, i'm around an 80-90% chance of being admitted now, but I do not know how accurate those are.

So, now that i've done well enough to get in, I've talked it over with my advisor we found it very possible for me to graduate next may, which would put me in the 2011 cycle. So,my question is, should I apply ED? I'm fairly certain that is where I'd like to attend, (although i've always had lust like feelings for William & Marry & GWU), to secure my chances?

I'm not certain because I've read on here that ED ruins chances of Fin Aid, but if I need to to get in, then I will. Especially if, with my lsat which is basically at median, I have no chances for any anyways?

I'm really sorry this is so long and/or a rambling mess. If someone could help, I will love you forever + ever.

Thanks!

PS: Not URM & Softs= VP of history club, volunteer for BB/BS, full time work for entire UG, if relevant.

[bankruptedcasino]

I'm not sure how ED affects FinAid b/c I didn't apply ED anywhere but that being said, even without ED, enjoy watching the Buckeyes at the Shoe when you're not studying torts and impressing clients your whole career by telling them you studied law at "THE Ohio State University" because you're going.

This, of course, assumes you won't choke out an OSU admissions officer at a law school forum or write your personal statement in crayon.

[coffeeonthepatio]

Thanks for the quick reply! I sure hope you are right, do you/did you go to OSU?

I should add I meant scholarships, not fin aid, sorry!

[daesonesb]

So you're retaking?

Really, I think you ought to if you have the time to put in.

[coffeeonthepatio]

I haven't totally decided. I work 40 hours per week, and will have 17 hours this semester, but I could do it. I'm not averse to studying for it at all, just didn't really know if it was worth it.
What score do you think I would need to be able to get any $ from OSU?

[bankruptedcasino]

Normally, I would say that a retake might be a good idea but don't underestimate the power of a 3.90. That's the median at Yale, and crushes the 75% GPA at most top schools. With an LSAT only one point below the median, I'm sure the committee will bite. If this is the OP's dream school, unless practice exams are in the 170s you wouldn't want to risk the decrease in performance.

ED does impact scholarships, btw. BUT, you might not be getting anyway with a 161. If you're CONFIDENT you can score a 165+ you'll be looking at a full boat.

I didn't go to OSU, but I've heard great things.

[daesonesb]

I haven't totally decided. I work 40 hours per week, and will have 17 hours this semester, but I could do it. I'm not averse to studying for it at all, just didn't really know if it was worth it.
What score do you think I would need to be able to get any $ from OSU?

165-ish for a good shot. You'd be above 75th percentile in both categories.

It's achievable with a good study routine.

EDIT: Only do this if you're PTing in the mid to high 160's.

[coffeeonthepatio]

Okay, I basically posted the same thing you both said in question form, so I deleted it.

But to be sure, I should plan on probably retaking, as long as I feel I can fully commit & feel confident on my ability to get above my score on record?

I think that is a good solution, and I really do appreciate you both taking the time to respond.

[bankruptedcasino]

But to be sure, I should plan on probably retaking, as long as I feel I can fully commit & feel confident on my ability to get above my score on record?

You are aware that top schools will average your LSAT scores when deciding to admit you while still reporting your highest LSAT to USNWR, right?

Retake ONLY if you are willing to bet your admission to OSU on getting a higher score. A 161/150 means your average is a 155 and, thus, no Shoe for You.

[coffeeonthepatio]

You're right, and that is a very important consideration, thanks for pointing it out.

Maybe it would be best to bet happy for what I have and hope for the best. I'm just not sure I'd be willing to be admissions at all on trying to study.

Edit: sorry about editing every post but I'm on my phone, and keep mis-typing!

[daesonesb]

But to be sure, I should plan on probably retaking, as long as I feel I can fully commit & feel confident on my ability to get above my score on record?

You are aware that top schools will average your LSAT scores when deciding to admit you while still reporting your highest LSAT to USNWR, right?

Retake ONLY if you are willing to bet your admission to OSU on getting a higher score. A 161/150 means your average is a 155 and, thus, no Shoe for You.

Which? I've heard mostly the contrary on here, and in all the adcomm interviews I've read. Averaging actually seems fairly uncommon.

[Veyron]

Step 1: Study for LSAT
Step 2: Retake LSAT
Step 3: Get higher skor
Step 4: Apply to S and B
Step 5: Profittt!

[coffeeonthepatio]

Step 1: Study for LSAT
Step 2: Retake LSAT
Step 3: Get higher skor
Step 4: Apply to S and B
Step 5: Profittt!

Not trying to be a sillynanny, but S & B? I'm not sure I know what you mean (probably osu?) lol

[Veyron]

Step 1: Study for LSAT
Step 2: Retake LSAT
Step 3: Get higher skor
Step 4: Apply to S and B
Step 5: Profittt!

Not trying to be a sillynanny, but S & B? I'm not sure I know what you mean (probably osu?) lol

The T-14 are represented by their letters. S = Stanford, B = Berk. Both are considered to value gpa more highly than LSAT (although you would still need a score in the mid 160's for berk and high 160's, low 170's for s given your gpa).

[coffeeonthepatio]

Which? I've heard mostly the contrary on here, and in all the adcomm interviews I've read. Averaging actually seems fairly uncommon.

Yea, because if they -don't- average, then no harm in retaking, right?

btw, thanks so much for all the responses!

[coffeeonthepatio]

The T-14 are represented by their letters. S = Stanford, B = Berk

Oh, okay, thanks for clearing it up!

Edited to answer your edit:

Thanks for that too, and it's something else to think about, although i'm fairly certain I don't want to live in CA.

[Veyron]

NPBM. Something to think about if you are serious about becoming a lawyer (many who take the LSAT are not) is that both of these schools place extremely well nationaly and you are probably better off going to either over a non-T14 where you want to practice in terms of getting the job of your dreams (or any job at all).

[coffeeonthepatio]

NPBM. Something to think about if you are serious about becoming a lawyer (many who take the LSAT are not) is that both of these schools place extremely well nationaly and you are probably better off going to either over a non-T14 where you want to practice in terms of getting the job of your dreams (or any job at all).

This is also a good point.

I'm really glad I decided to quit lurking and post, because you have all brought up some very important things to consider that I'm not sure I had thought enough into. Obviously, it would be an honor to go to either one of those schools, and i'm sure your points are valid.

Not sure what i'm going to do yet, but all of the perspectives has sure given me a starting point on making a plan of action. Thanks guys!

Edit: & yes, I really do want to be a lawyer. I've always wanted to be apart of the legal field.