Chance a USC undergrad (URM) please... Forum

[grey_syntactics]

Only proper that my first post is a distressed "chance-me" thread, right? Anyway, I would appreciate any feedback greatly. I'll try and provide as much background as possible, so apologies if some of the following is irrelevant. I am by no means trying for a sob story.

Quick break-down:
Undergrad: USC
GPA: 3.6
LSAT Diag: hovering around 169-171
URM status: Mexican-American
Applying: T20

My story:
I am a 1st-generation Mexican-American male from east Los Angeles. Grew up in a single-mother household, economically disadvantaged, yadda yadda. No criminal record.

Flunked out of HS, took my GED at a local Continuation HS in 2006. Worked full-time for a year and then switched to PT (~32hrs+/wk.) and enrolled at my local CC. Transferred out of the CC with a 3.65 and no extra-curriculars, but with lots of work experience. Started at USC August 2009 and just finished my first year. In total, took a 3.6 my first year at SC (3.7 1st sem, became more involved this past semester and took a 3.5).

This summer I am at a small law firm that is mostly involved in antitrust and securities litigation. I know that this won't significantly impact my application, but I'm learning lots and have solidified my desire to attend law school. The practice of law is definitely a good fit for me. I'll be here through next summer, when I graduate.

Experiencing law practice this summer has really inspired me to earn that 4.0 when I head back in August, which I am perfectly capable of. My grades suffered entirely because of careless time management (missed a couple of assignment deadlines - took almost all A's in my exams). Unfortunately, my LSAC GPA won't go much higher than what it already is since I have an F on my transcript from my very first semester of community college.

I'll be finishing at SC May 2011, but am in the process of figuring out if I'll be able to go abroad August-Dec 2011 to finish my minor in Philosophy. Then I'll be returning to work from then until June 2012, when I'll officially be taking the LSAT. I'm holding off on the LSAT for so long because I'm assuming that I'll be better apt for beginning the couple months of hard prep after I finish my Philosophy coursework.

Honestly, my dream school is SLS, but after reading through this forum and seeing the caliber of students in their applicant pool, I've been humbled and won't hold my breath.

So I hope I've painted a thorough picture. Again, any feedback/advice would be appreciated.

[vespertiliovir]

Get a real LSAT score.

If you can test decently, you'll have a great shot at SLS. Being URM helps a lot.

[grey_syntactics]

Absolutely. I know that I can't adequately assess my chances without a real score, but if this helps, test-taking is my one proven ability. Despite my terrible time in high school, I managed a 2240/2400 SAT. I am planning on extensive prep for the LSAT, and can definitely say that it won't drop below 169, which is my lowest diagnostic (have taken 4 thus far). Thanks for your input.

[marladine]

i'd say you have a great shot at the t14. I am also an urm with similar stats (3.65 gpa from uchicago, 167 lsat) and got into 5 t14 schools, and waitlisted at Harvard. Going to Columbia in the fall. Get a solid Lsat and you'll be in a great position.

*i apparently left out random letters in my original post. my bad. sometimes my brain is a bit faster than my typing? :) *