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[HeavenWood]

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[HeavenWood]

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[justhockey31]

Apply to all the schools you have listed...A splitter (whether high GPA/low LSAT or low GPA/High LSAT) will be a bit unpredictable. A good PS and maybe an addenda about the low LSAT (did you struggle on your SAT or ACT?) will help. Looking at your list, you should get in to a few of those schools but of course it all depends on your actual LSAT. A 163 should be ok but anything lower and things might get dicey. Good luck.

[NU_Jet55]

Prepare for a WUSTL v. Whoever gives you the biggest scholarship decision.

Good luck!

[mfeller2]

Might be worth it to throw an app at UT, USC, or UCLA. . . if you can get a fee waiver and atleast a 163 on the actual LSAT.

[HeavenWood]

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[NU_Jet55]

Thanks for everyone's help so far.

A couple questions:

I plan on working on the East Coast, with a preference for the Philadelphia area. I don't mind paying the application fees for UT, USC, or UCLA (assuming I have a chance), but would these degrees translate well to the Mid-Atlantic?

I'm also thinking of ED'ing to Penn. I know my chances are slim, but my Dad's an alumnus, and my family has some connections to the law school--probably to the point that my application would be treated like a URM's. Any thoughts?

Per TLS custom, you are allowed 1 question with a hypothetical LSAT per cycle. Your score on it determines everything; if you're scoring 163 that means a 167 is just a few lucky guesses away, and a 157 is a misread rule on a Logic Game away. There is a HUGE difference between these two scores. I'm not trying to be mean, but until you have an actual LSAT score, this type of speculation is a waste of everyone's time.

[HeavenWood]

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[NU_Jet55]

Fair enough, but could you still tell me if UT, USC, and UCLA degrees work well in the Northeast?

Eh, your ability to find a job in the NE from those schools would depend on your personal network/grades/summer internships.

Bottom line: If you are absolutely, 100%, set on working in the northeast, I would not go to any of these 3 schools. If you somehow pull a 166 (which would put you within range for these schools), just apply to the lower T14 and take your pick of Vandy/WashU/GW/BC/BU/ND/Fordham(only for NY).

[whymeohgodno]

Retake...I really think you are doing yourself great harm by not putting more effort into the LSAT.

You may not be able to improve much on RC but on LG you should be able to improve just by continuous practice.

Just a month or two of intense preparation might bring you above 165 which would improve your chances dramatically. I find it hard to believe that someone who could get a 3.9+ gpa can't at least bring up their LSAT score to a 160+.

[Patriot1208]

my family has some connections to the law school--probably to the point that my application would be treated like a URM's. Any thoughts?

Can I point out that this is very likely extremely overly optimistic

[whymeohgodno]

my family has some connections to the law school--probably to the point that my application would be treated like a URM's. Any thoughts?

Can I point out that this is very likely extremely overly optimistic

Ah...who doesn't love nepotism?

[HeavenWood]

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[Blindmelon]

Pennsylvania Govenor Ed Rendell is going to talk to Dean Fitz (a close friend of his) on my behalf. I would think that helps.

I think I just vomited a little.

[whymeohgodno]

Pennsylvania Govenor Ed Rendell is going to talk to Dean Fitz (a close friend of his) on my behalf. I would think that helps.

You should probably get in then. If the Governor is personally recommending you, I don't think your LSAT even matters that much.

[NU_Jet55]

Pennsylvania Govenor Ed Rendell is going to talk to Dean Fitz (a close friend of his) on my behalf. I would think that helps.

I think I just vomited a little.

[HeavenWood]

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[pattymac]

Man keep givin'r. Five more points on the LSAT gives you some pretty damn good options. And you're clearly not an idiot with that GPA nor that LSAT score...don't let that GPA go to waste! I'd kill for it, lol.

[whymeohgodno]

And why did you just vomit a little? So long as it isn't illegal, is there shame in taking whatever advantage you can?

We know it's not illegal, but it just seems a little detestable. It's probably the self-righteousness talking, since I'm sure many people in your position would do the same.

But people generally frown upon people who get in not because of their work/ability but because they knew someone who was important.

[HeavenWood]

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[Patriot1208]

And why did you just vomit a little? So long as it isn't illegal, is there shame in taking whatever advantage you can?

We know it's not illegal, but it just seems a little detestable. It's probably the self-righteousness talking, since I'm sure many people in your position would do the same.

But people generally frown upon people who get in not because of their work/ability but because they knew someone who was important.

No doubt, i would do it too. But I wouldn't advertise "Hey, everyone, you are all smarter then me, but my dad is smarter, and more well connected than your dad's, so that's why i'm here."

[HeavenWood]

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[Grizz]

It's not something I advertise to the general public, but when it comes to gauging my chances at acceptance, I feel it's an important factor. I mention it to get an idea where I stand, not to brag.

That's why I think my chances are analogous to a URM's. My acceptance is not guaranteed, but I do have a leg up.

Probably not going to be an important factor unless your LSAT is already in range.

[whymeohgodno]

I'm still jonesing for a 165+, pattymac. I'm dissecting PT 46 as we speak. -4 on RC, -10 on LR, and -5 on LG. Right now, I'm trying to focus on eliminating careless errors (I made three o_o).

@whymeohgodno: Detestable? Really? As you said, when someone has an advantage, there is no shame in using it. I'd wager >99% of the people on this board would use a similar connection if they had it. That being said, I'm not trolling, and I'm also not trying to start a flame war. So maybe we should let that particular matter drop. PM me if you'd like to discuss the matter further.

Just because I would do it doesn't mean I wouldn't be ashamed about it.

[Blindmelon]

It's not something I advertise to the general public, but when it comes to gauging my chances at acceptance, I feel it's an important factor. I mention it to get an idea where I stand, not to brag.

That's why I think my chances are analogous to a URM's. My acceptance is not guaranteed, but I do have a leg up.

Probably not going to be an important factor unless your LSAT is already in range.

+1 - unless your Governor is Blago, it won't really do anything. I could almost see it hurting you.