3.86/167 - What are my chances for Berkeley? Forum

[jtemp320]

3.86, 167

good softs - 2 years WE, undergrad honors program at T20 school

non-URM



I am retaking in Oct (lately have been getting 165-170 bc I am downright awful at LG got the 167 in June with 10 wrong on LG)
but Boalt is my dream school and I couldn't resist checking where people think I'm at...

[asoularisen]

Have you read the Powerscore Logic Games Bible?

If not, do so ASAP.

[jtemp320]

I did and its great - best thing out there - I actually did the whole thing twice. I get games I just melt under the time pressure - that said 10 wrong was an especially bad LG section for me.

[lawyerwannabe]

You are asking about one of the three schools where admissions appears to go beyond the numbers (see: Yale, Stanford, Boalt). Thus, most of the posts of people telling you the chances you have are pure speculation.

[DoubleChecks]

tho imo having higher LSAT would def help lol -- your practice range is still a bit low, but you've got time. 165-170 range pretty much equals a 167 retake score (or at least that wouldnt be surprising).

since LG is the prob, i think you can do it

[jtemp320]

tho imo having higher LSAT would def help lol -- your practice range is still a bit low, but you've got time. 165-170 range pretty much equals a 167 retake score (or at least that wouldnt be surprising).

since LG is the prob, i think you can do it

Thanks - this is the main thing I'm worried about - since Berkeley averages I am a bit afraid to retake since I am sometimes scoring better and sometimes worse then my 167.

With the new #s they released I am on Berkeley's median and around 75% for GPA - but somehow I still feel like as non-URM without a higher LSAT it is a reach (maybe because it is ranked #7 and the schools around that are def reaches for me).

Created this threads to get some opinions on that...

[jtemp320]

You are asking about one of the three schools where admissions appears to go beyond the numbers (see: Yale, Stanford, Boalt). Thus, most of the posts of people telling you the chances you have are pure speculation.

If this is true - and its not the first time I'm hearing it - are 1-3 points better on a retake (that will be averaged) going to help me? Worth the risk?

My top schools at this point are Berkeley and UCLA

[kurla88]

Berkeley favors high GPAs and seems to be a little more forgiving of lower LSATs, so you're in luck. But still, it's a crapshoot and their admissions are very mysterious.

[lawyerwannabe]

Your 1-3 points improvement on a retake would average out to be, respectfully, 167.5, 168, and 168.5.

While none of this may help you get into Boalt, your numbers are borderline for UCLA currently (LSN search for 167 LSAT and GPA between 3.8 and 3.9 reveals many WLs). Thus, if you think you can improve your score, I am pretty sure that UCLA will simply take the higher one. This will make your chances at acceptance most definitely greater at UCLA and may even give you a chance at $$$.

[D-ROCCA]

What are your other softs besides the 2 years of WE and the honors thesis? Because those two alone are probably considered average or below-average.

[KG_CalGuy]

Your chances are absolutely uncertain. I applied last year with a 173/3.88 with so-called "good softs" and didn't get in. Berkeley seems to be looking for a very particular type of individual (exactly what I could not tell you). If you look at LSN for last year you'll see that there is no rhyme or reason.

[jtemp320]

What are your other softs besides the 2 years of WE and the honors thesis? Because those two alone are probably considered average or below-average.

I think my softs are good but I'm aware they are not necessarily exceptional

Without going into too much detail -

I worked throughout college, went to a top 20 school without financial support from my parents because of illness in my family. I was in a departmental honors program - I think my post college WE is fairly impressive and should make a good PS. I was student body president before I transferred schools - and had a leadership role in multiple orgs in college ect.

I think I am likely to have some pretty enthusiastic and detailed LORs from credible people who know me well...

[jtemp320]

Your chances are absolutely uncertain. I applied last year with a 173/3.88 with so-called "good softs" and didn't get in. Berkeley seems to be looking for a very particular type of individual (exactly what I could not tell you). If you look at LSN for last year you'll see that there is no rhyme or reason.

This is what I am getting at - can anyone tell me what they are looking for? All I can say is I hope its me.

[jtemp320]

Your 1-3 points improvement on a retake would average out to be, respectfully, 167.5, 168, and 168.5.

While none of this may help you get into Boalt, your numbers are borderline for UCLA currently (LSN search for 167 LSAT and GPA between 3.8 and 3.9 reveals many WLs). Thus, if you think you can improve your score, I am pretty sure that UCLA will simply take the higher one. This will make your chances at acceptance most definitely greater at UCLA and may even give you a chance at $$$.

Good point - thanks. This was my thinking and I am studying to retake at this point.

[thecilent]

Why is Boalt your dream school? I like it too, but it is sooo expensive...

[jtemp320]

Almost went to Berkeley undergrad (actually put down a deposit before I ended up going elsewhere). I love the Bay area and want to practice there. I also just really like all the material I've read about their approach to legal education and the culture of Boalt.

That said yes - it is getting crazy expensive