3.91, 155, urm Forum

[bobloblawlawblog]

Hello, I was hoping to receive input on the best schools to apply to for someone with my stats.
I am Mexican, female, 155 lsat, 3.91 lsdas gpa, 4.16 from my degree-granting institution, getting degree in Political Science and Philosophy from a large state school.
My "softs" don't make me stand out, but here we go: I am a research assistant for a tenured professor at my university. I am also doing a fellowship (really just helping teach a class I've already taken) at my university. I volunteer at my old high school to coach debate. I play in a symphony guild. I have interned at a politician's office as well as a local law firm.

Do I have a chance at any of the t-14 schools? If so, which ones are worth pursuing? Thanks for all the helpful advice in advance.

[sophia.olive]

chicos locas

[bk1]

You have a chance but you should definitely retake.

[bobloblawlawblog]

I'm worried about retaking because I don't want to score the same. Do you think enrolling in a prep course would be worth it? Also, if I don't score higher, then when I apply in January, won't my chances be lower than if I had applied now?

[bk1]

Take an honest assessment of how well you studied this time and what the most effective study method is for you whether that's a prep class, tutor, or self study. A 160 later would be way better than a 155 now. And if you require more study time than December allows you should consider taking it next year and waiting a cycle.

[sophia.olive]

How did you study for this one..... be specific....

[bobloblawlawblog]

I read the PowerScore Bibles. I am rock solid on the games, and reading comprehension could use a little improvement. The logical reasoning kills me.
I think a tutor would be the best for me. I only have $2,500 in my savings so I would need to make sure to pick the right tutor.

[Remnantofisrael]

Philosophy major with LR problems? I'd bet the methods are all there for you, you just haven't made the connections.

What do you mean LG is solid, by the way? Meaning you rarely miss? Or you only miss 5 each time.

Either way, I'm a big fan of the courses, because they force a relatively rigid study process. But money is an issue so its a tough choice. I'm not huge on the whole "tutor" thing unless you are close but having trouble on a few concepts and need question/answer time.

The beauty of the classes like Kaplan is that you will be able to really break down why types of questions you are missing and start to find trends. THAT SAID you can do this on your own if you are willing to compile your own data.

Scoring the same twice won't hurt you. Scoring much lower might, but I doubt that will happen after more studying.

[MrKappus]

Even w/ a URM bump, 155 is too low for T14. Last cycle the lowest admit to G-town was 159.* You need to take Testmasters (or some other prep course) and retake. Good luck.

*Edit: on LSN.

[bk1]

Even w/ a URM bump, 155 is too low for T14. Last cycle the lowest admit to G-town was 159.* You need to take Testmasters (or some other prep course) and retake. Good luck.

*Edit: on LSN.

155/URM already got UVa ED this cycle.

[MrKappus]

Even w/ a URM bump, 155 is too low for T14. Last cycle the lowest admit to G-town was 159.* You need to take Testmasters (or some other prep course) and retake. Good luck.

*Edit: on LSN.

155/URM already got UVa ED this cycle.

Super. My statement was made in reference to OP, who made no mention of ED. Also, your example's highly anecdotal. Also, my statement, as a generalization, is far more descriptive/predictive than a single ED UVA applicant's experience. Edit: but I'm happy for him/her. He/She must've been an incredible applicant otherwise.

[bk1]

Super. My statement was made in reference to OP, who made no mention of ED. Also, your example's highly anecdotal. Also, my statement, as a generalization, is far more descriptive/predictive than a single ED UVA applicant's experience. Edit: but I'm happy for him/her. He/She must've been an incredible applicant otherwise.

UVa is fairly formulaic. I would bet a decent amount that OP would get in if she ED'ed to UVa right now.

Granted that is the only T14 chance without a retake. That being said, it's dumb not to bring up ED considering how important it is for people who are trying to maximize their chances at the T14.

Still, OP should retake.

[MrKappus]

Super. My statement was made in reference to OP, who made no mention of ED. Also, your example's highly anecdotal. Also, my statement, as a generalization, is far more descriptive/predictive than a single ED UVA applicant's experience. Edit: but I'm happy for him/her. He/She must've been an incredible applicant otherwise.

UVa is fairly formulaic. I would bet a decent amount that OP would get in if she ED'ed to UVa right now.

Granted that is the only T14 chance without a retake. That being said, it's dumb not to bring up ED considering how important it is for people who are trying to maximize their chances at the T14.

Still, OP should retake.

All true statements. I was stating what I thought was a rule, but you pointed out a legit exception to it. Still, seems terrible to waste a 3.91 by applying w/ a 155. Even by just breaking 160 OP could be looking at some nice T14 $$$. I concur in the retake strategy.