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I have a 17x and an LSAC GPA of 3.7x at a non-HYP Ivy. I have decent softs, a strong personal statement, and probably average recommendations. I'm interested in PI/Gov work and as such, NYU is my first choice.

My GPA is above their median but my LSAT is below. What are my chances if I apply ED?

Also, assuming UChicago's median LSAT remains at 171, would I actually have a better shot there? Apparently they like candidates from more prestigious undergraduate programs?

If you apply early enough you might be accepted, but I don't like what you say about the rest of your application profile. Decent softs and average recommendations don't exactly give me a lot of confidence. Is there a way to improve those LOR?

You need a higher LSAT, at least a few points higher.

UofC would be a easier shot for ED, I think.

dissonance1848 wrote:UofC would be a easier shot for ED, I think.

Because of the undergrad rep thing or the (potentially) lower LSAT median? I would prefer NYU, given both its location and PI reputation. Obviously Chicago is an amazing school, but I'd have to be fairly confident that it would provide an easier route to admission before deciding to ED there instead.

Steven Perry wrote:If you apply early enough you might be accepted, but I don't like what you say about the rest of your application profile. Decent softs and average recommendations don't exactly give me a lot of confidence. Is there a way to improve those LOR?

I'm being conservative about my softs and recommendations. I have fairly close relationships with my recommenders but since I'm not reading their letters, it is safe to say that they are "probably average."

I have very typical work experience and community service work (lots of tutoring, worked on campaigns, worked for a Congressman, taught low-income students in a Teach for America-esque summer program, etc.). Perhaps my best card to play is that I am a cancer survivor and my personal statement revolves around that experience, which was three years ago. So, you tell me: is that enough for NYU?

Just going off of what I recall from LSN, I don't think any non-URMS were admitted to Chicago ED who didn't have at least one stat at the median. I don't believe that this was the case at NYU, but I may be wrong.

FWIW, I ED'd at Chicago with a 3.6x/170, and was WL'd. Turned out for the best, since I got some decent money from other T14s, and I realized that I don't have a huge desire to work in NYC,

thechee wrote:Just going off of what I recall from LSN, I don't think any non-URMS were admitted to Chicago ED who didn't have at least one stat at the median. I don't believe that this was the case at NYU, but I may be wrong.

FWIW, I ED'd at Chicago with a 3.6x/170, and was WL'd. Turned out for the best, since I got some decent money from other T14s, and I realized that I don't have a huge desire to work in NYC,

Last cycle, a 171/3.7, a 169/3.81, and a 169/3.73 were accepted ED at NYU on LSN, though a 170/3.95 (applied right at the deadline) was denied.

The year before, 170/3.81 and 170/3.7 in, though one 170/3.69 was waitlisted.

Perhaps reason for optimism?

Yeah, I'd say so. Go for it then, ED NYU. Can't hurt. Besides, you can play the UVA gambit if they don't take you as ED.

dissonance1848 wrote:Yeah, I'd say so. Go for it then, ED NYU. Can't hurt. Besides, you can play the UVA gambit if they don't take you as ED.

I'd prefer Michigan. I think I am fine there RD, given that I'm above both medians.

vicuna wrote:

dissonance1848 wrote:Yeah, I'd say so. Go for it then, ED NYU. Can't hurt. Besides, you can play the UVA gambit if they don't take you as ED.

I'd prefer Michigan. I think I am fine there RD, given that I'm above both medians.

Since you have a strong shot at Michigan, I'd ED at NYU. Your chances are borderline, but your Ivy UG should help a bit.