What are my chances/Where to apply? Forum

[schand]

Ok, so going to law school has been one of my goals. Here's the skinny. I didn't do so hot on my lsats (I studied adequately, but just couldn't cut it), and a decent gpa from a state school (155/3.6). I want to go to a tier 1 law school... at least one that is in the NJ/NY/CT/PA area. I have what some would say amazing softs. I worked for my Governor straight out of college (as a matter of fact, began working before I graduated), played a huge role on his campaign, helped grow a nonprofit organization targeted towards South Asian/Middle eastern women, among other things. I know I have great recommendations. I'm extremely proactive, but want to use law to make greater impacts. What schools are most receptive of these characteristics? What schools do you think are a good fit and may accept me? I am absolutely bent on going to law school, so if it means going to a tier 3/4, so be it! I'm going to change the world, dammit.

Thank you in advance for your responses

[schand]

Oh, I'm also starting an Americorps program in NYC this fall

[beachbum]

If you're serious about going to law school and having the opportunity to change the world, then retake the LSAT. You have a decent GPA, good softs/work experience, and a terrible LSAT score. Taking the time now to study and retake will pay off for the rest of your life.

[bk1]

If a retake is possible, I highly recommend it as it can drastically alter the types of schools you could get into.

Also, tier 1 doesn't really mean much. It's not like the employment prospects of schools 41-50 are much different than schools ranked 51-60.

[schand]

I have studied an incredible amount for this damn exam, and just can't do it anymore. At this point if I took it again, I don't think it will help. Do you think I could get into Rutgers Law?

[beachbum]

I have studied an incredible amount for this damn exam, and just can't do it anymore. At this point if I took it again, I don't think it will help. Do you think I could get into Rutgers Law?

What did your study routine consist of? How many months did you prep? A 155 is not gonna cut it at most (any?) top schools, and your job opportunities at a T3/4 will be very poor, if not nonexistent. If you can't (or won't) retake, you're probably better off sticking with your political/nonprofit/etc jobs.

[Grizz]

Retake or don't bother.

Also, it's probably way easier to change the world doing what you're doing than by going to law school.

[schand]

I have studied an incredible amount for this damn exam, and just can't do it anymore. At this point if I took it again, I don't think it will help. Do you think I could get into Rutgers Law?

What did your study routine consist of? How many months did you prep? A 155 is not gonna cut it at most (any?) top schools, and your job opportunities at a T3/4 will be very poor, if not nonexistent. If you can't (or won't) retake, you're probably better off sticking with your political/nonprofit/etc jobs.

I find these sorts of responses quite interesting actually. I'm not exactly looking to work in a top law firm in New York or elsewhere and make loads of money. I believe that law school will endow me with the critical thinking and knowledge of the law to be able to advocate for people on a larger scale. You go to school to seek knowledge and grow your mental capacity. So if I don't make it into a t14, why settle and not go to law school? Isn't learning power? JD is a powerful degree.

[Patriot1208]

I have studied an incredible amount for this damn exam, and just can't do it anymore. At this point if I took it again, I don't think it will help. Do you think I could get into Rutgers Law?

What did your study routine consist of? How many months did you prep? A 155 is not gonna cut it at most (any?) top schools, and your job opportunities at a T3/4 will be very poor, if not nonexistent. If you can't (or won't) retake, you're probably better off sticking with your political/nonprofit/etc jobs.

I find these sorts of responses quite interesting actually. I'm not exactly looking to work in a top law firm in New York or elsewhere and make loads of money. I believe that law school will endow me with the critical thinking and knowledge of the law to be able to advocate for people on a larger scale. You go to school to seek knowledge and grow your mental capacity. So if I don't make it into a t14, why settle and not go to law school? Isn't learning power? JD is a powerful degree.

Explain to me how you are going to use your law degree to advocate for people on a large scale and make a difference.

Really, you currently sound like a disillusioned child destined to end up deeply in debt and living at home with your parents.

[beachbum]

I have studied an incredible amount for this damn exam, and just can't do it anymore. At this point if I took it again, I don't think it will help. Do you think I could get into Rutgers Law?

What did your study routine consist of? How many months did you prep? A 155 is not gonna cut it at most (any?) top schools, and your job opportunities at a T3/4 will be very poor, if not nonexistent. If you can't (or won't) retake, you're probably better off sticking with your political/nonprofit/etc jobs.

I find these sorts of responses quite interesting actually. I'm not exactly looking to work in a top law firm in New York or elsewhere and make loads of money. I believe that law school will endow me with the critical thinking and knowledge of the law to be able to advocate for people on a larger scale. You go to school to seek knowledge and grow your mental capacity. So if I don't make it into a t14, why settle and not go to law school? Isn't learning power? JD is a powerful degree.

Explain to me how you are going to use your law degree to advocate for people on a large scale and make a difference.

Really, you currently sound like a disillusioned child destined to end up deeply in debt and living at home with your parents.

Yup. A JD is not the ticket you think it is. I'll grant you that in terms of quality of education, there's going to be a far shorter divide between a top school and a TTT than their rank would indicate. However, the difference in job prospects is highly, highly pronounced.

So you can accomplish your first goal (growing your knowledge/mental capacity) at most (if not all) accredited schools. Your second goal (changing the world/helping people) is far, far less manageable at a TTT than it is at a top school (and I'm not even talking T14; strong regional schools will certainly suffice). Top schools will allow you meaningful employment opportunities in government and public interest; the schools you'd be looking at will allow you employment opportunities fixing traffic tickets or doing doc review.

As it stands, you're approaching things with a great deal of naivete. I realize you don't want to be told what we're telling you, but it pays to be realistic when you're on the verge of such a life-altering decision. So I'll go back to my previous advice: retake or reconsider law school.

[JJDancer]

Seton Hall
St. Johns
Rutgers
Hofstra
Penn State - reach
None of which are T1 though.

[afcanoe]

Yup. A JD is not the ticket you think it is. I'll grant you that in terms of quality of education, there's going to be a far shorter divide between a top school and a TTT than their rank would indicate. However, the difference in job prospects is highly, highly pronounced.

So you can accomplish your first goal (growing your knowledge/mental capacity) at most (if not all) accredited schools. Your second goal (changing the world/helping people) is far, far less manageable at a TTT than it is at a top school (and I'm not even talking T14; strong regional schools will certainly suffice). Top schools will allow you meaningful employment opportunities in government and public interest; the schools you'd be looking at will allow you employment opportunities fixing traffic tickets or doing doc review.

As it stands, you're approaching things with a great deal of naivete. I realize you don't want to be told what we're telling you, but it pays to be realistic when you're on the verge of such a life-altering decision. So I'll go back to my previous advice: retake or reconsider law school.

+1. Good job prospects do not necessarily mean Biglaw or big $$$. Attending a top LS will help your job prospects in all areas of legal employment. Retake.

[moopness]