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Hey there,

I've lurked on this board for quite some time, but never felt the need to post until now. Here is a quick run-down of my situation, and I would welcome any advice and guidance.

I have a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia College and I earned my two-year through a local community college. My major has been in criminal justice with a minor in political science; my GPA is a 4.0.

I took the June 2010 LSAT and scored a 146, with a percentile rank of 30%...pretty bad, in my opinion. I've been registered for the October 2010 LSAT, but through a summer-long session of pre-testing and practice, I'm showing very little improvement; maybe hitting a 150 if I'm lucky, which is sporadic. So, I'm considering not retaking the test, as some schools still average scores.

For my school choices, I have no desire to leave NYS and I think my choices are somewhat realistic. Albany, NY Law School, Syracuse, CUNY Law School and Buffalo.

According to LSAC, those credentials give me a less-than-half shot at admissions to most of those schools. Basically, I'm wondering if I can supplement a low LSAT score with the 4.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and such. I have several strong references who can vouch for my academic achievements and diligence; I just can't seem to score in the target zone of this test.

Again, any advice would be appreciated.

Wow thats a really tough situation, have you taken a prep class?

Honestly, it may not be worth your time unless you LOVE the law and only want to be a lawyer.

A 4.0 from Columbia would open alot of doors.

I dont mean dont go to LS, i feel for you, some people struggle with standardized tests, and no matter what this form says (everyone will tell you to retake) some people cant get to the 80-90 percentile.

I suggest only applying to where you would for sure go, if you dont get in anywhere take an LSAT class, and find an awsome job with your columbia degree

Figure out what is hurting your LSAT and fix it. If you're capable of a 4.0 at Columbia then you should be able to get a 160+ on the LSAT. If this takes more time and requires you to delay applying till next year, do it.

Almost no schools average outside of maybe the T6 and even then it is questionable, so don't worry about that.

Guys Columbia College =/= Ivy league Columbia. It could, but Ivy League Columbia does not have criminal justice.

"columbia college" "criminal justice"? flame-y

Patriot1208 wrote:Guys Columbia College =/= Ivy league Columbia. It could, but Ivy League Columbia does not have criminal justice.

O.... whats collumbia college then? lol

Patriot1208 wrote:Guys Columbia College =/= Ivy league Columbia. It could, but Ivy League Columbia does not have criminal justice.

Nice, I didn't catch that. Even so, I stand by my earlier comment except maybe about my expectations of OP.

Patriot1208 wrote:Guys Columbia College =/= Ivy league Columbia. It could, but Ivy League Columbia does not have criminal justice.

Agreed. This cannot be Columbia University. This post is likely a poorly executed flame. I don't think the other "Columbia Colleges" are in NYS.

Which Columbia College ?

Criminal Justice/Criminology majors consistently perform poorly on the LSAT. Of approximately 30 majors studied regarding relationship of undergraduate major to average LSAT score, criminology is dead last with an average LSAT score of 145.8.

Lame, lets wait to hear an explanation from OP before assuming flame

wet0529 wrote: Again, any advice would be appreciated.

I'm guessing by Columbia College, you do not mean you got your degree from Columbia University's undergrad program. Correct?

Regardless, a 4.0 is a 4.0 w/r/t LS admissions. But do NOT apply with a 146. No schools average anymore - you've been misinformed. Take 40 timed prep tests, get your average over a 160, and you'll be fine. But if you can't get your score over a 160 with extensive studying, do not bother applying to law school.

jt1341 wrote:

Patriot1208 wrote:Guys Columbia College =/= Ivy league Columbia. It could, but Ivy League Columbia does not have criminal justice.

O.... whats collumbia college then? lol

Either a flame, or one of these

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_College

Did a search, there are tons of Columbia colleges. They are the "anyone can come" colleges. Seems to be alot of adult, non-trad students....

Still not 100% though

lawschoollll wrote:

wet0529 wrote: Again, any advice would be appreciated.

I'm guessing by Columbia College, you do not mean you got your degree from Columbia University's undergrad program. Correct?

Regardless, a 4.0 is a 4.0 w/r/t LS admissions. But do NOT apply with a 146. No schools average anymore - you've been misinformed. Take 40 timed prep tests, get your average over a 160, and you'll be fine. But if you can't get your score over a 160 with extensive studying, do not bother applying to law school.

Nope, "Columbia College" is a diploma mill not gonna be seen the same as a legit school.

Kswizzie wrote:

lawschoollll wrote:

wet0529 wrote: Again, any advice would be appreciated.

I'm guessing by Columbia College, you do not mean you got your degree from Columbia University's undergrad program. Correct?

Regardless, a 4.0 is a 4.0 w/r/t LS admissions. But do NOT apply with a 146. No schools average anymore - you've been misinformed. Take 40 timed prep tests, get your average over a 160, and you'll be fine. But if you can't get your score over a 160 with extensive studying, do not bother applying to law school.

Nope, "Columbia College" is a diploma mill not gonna be seen the same as a legit school.

+1

Ah, apologies for the Columbia mix-up. I should have clarified especially with all of the NY talk. It's definitely not the ivy-league Columbia University and it and caters to the military community. Regardless, my GPA wasn't simply "bought".

My posting was 100% genuine; not flaming anybody. Thanks for some insight on the averaging of scores; so the general consensus is to retake in October?

wet0529 wrote:Ah, apologies for the Columbia mix-up. I should have clarified especially with all of the NY talk. It's definitely not the ivy-league Columbia University and it and caters to the military community. Regardless, my GPA wasn't simply "bought".

My posting was 100% genuine; not flaming anybody. Thanks for some insight on the averaging of scores; so the general consensus is to retake in October?

October is to close with your current PT range.... retake in December

There's a Columbia College in Chicago. Anyways, great GPA, but your LSAT needs a lot of work. Of course, a 4.0 will work in your favor and supplement your LSAT score. Sadly, I doubt it will have a significant enough impact to really help you. But there are some additional factors to consider (urm? for instance). Regardless, you will do yourself a great service to score in the mid 150's. Then it is likely that your stellar GPA will provide the boost you deserve.

There is no question about it, retake the LSAT and most likely take it in December so you have adequate time to prepare for it. You can certainly improve a 146 although it will require work. I'm assuming you served in the military, that is definitely a decent soft. Also, are you a URM? If you are, you'll get get a boost and your chances of getting accepted to a law school increase significantly.

im no expert, but in my professional opinion you need to do significantly better on the lsat.

Bust your ass studying for December, focusing on taking as many practice tests as you can. With the schools you are targeting and your GPA, you won't take a noticeable hit by applying the first week of January in my opinion. Plus you are/were military and that is a good soft.