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I'm really sorry for another generic scores/LSAT question thread, but I have limited $, so I have to figure out where I'm applying soon, and need to make use of every resource I can. (I have enough for about five or six schools...) Thanks in advance to everyone for reading, really appreciate taking the time out for me!

My key extracurricular is my campus newspaper, and I went to a top 10 school. Graduated '10. White male. Grades dropped senior year, from 3.9 -> 3.77, (mostly due to said paper), though transcript is flawless through 2009. WE is in journalism, not particularly impressive.

Taking the LSAT in October, and I have good reason to think my LSAT will be in the 175-178 range, given that I haven't varied from that on practices, and standardized tests have been my friend in the past. Sorry to not have the exact score, but have to make my ED and app decisions before receiving it so I can get these apps out in November the moment I get the score back.

I'm thinking about ED to Chicago. Given the grade plummet and the lack of impressive softs, is this too ambitious? And should I even bother applying to somewhere in the top 3? On pure numbers, seems like the answers are "no" and "yes," but I worry a lot about the senior year dip.

Again, thanks to anyone who can reply! And for all your help with me and other prospective law students.

Get. Your. Score. First. Then. We'll. Talk.

Can we make a sticky or an auto-response with this?

I think HYS is definitely worth the app fee if you score in the high 170's. I wouldn't bother with ED'ing unless you score in the low low 170's.

If you hit the high 170's you are probably safe with the T6 plus a couple of BMVP as safeties.

If your resources are that low ask for fee waivers or sell your spare clothes or something. If you're in the high 170's this is less of an issue, but if you hit the low 170's the T6 become less of a lock.

sundance95 wrote:Get. Your. Score. First. Then. We'll. Talk.

Can we make a sticky or an auto-response with this?

I'm aware this is annoying of me. But as I explained, I can't wait to get the score back before I start applying - not worth it to delay the app that long. Just want to confirm that it isn't a lost test sheet and then I'll hit "submit" on completed applications.

sundance95 wrote:Get. Your. Score. First. Then. We'll. Talk.

Can we make a sticky or an auto-response with this?

Or just don't say anything at all if you don't want to respond. Then, you won't be bothered. Forums allow people to ask whatever they want. So let him ask it, and let someone respond. Sound good?

171: ED to Chicago, RD to CN
172-174: RD to CCN (probably in at all 3)
175+: in at CCN, shot at HYS

175-178 just RD - you will get in, I think, esp if you get your apps in as soon as the score is in (you'll still be on the early side).
With that score and GPA, as the above posters mentioned, you would want to throw apps at HYS as well.

Very belated, but thanks to everyone who replied - invaluable guidance for me. Really appreciate it!

im_blue wrote:171: ED to Chicago, RD to CN
172-174: RD to CCN (probably in at all 3)
175+: in at CCN, shot at HYS

I agree.

While there are nicer and ruder ways to put it OP, going into test day expecting a 175+ is a lot of weight on your shoulders and in no way guaranteed. I hope you get the score you need though.