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Graduated from a top 5 UG college, grades trending way up (not that it matters). Three years of interesting WE in the political/government sphere. Took the LSAT once for a 173. My practice tests ranged from a 171 to 176 (w/ the occasional 169 or 179) but considering the risks and the time it would take, I'm not sure bringing my lsat up a few points will really help me. Does that seem like a fair assessment?

I know Columbia and NYU are long shots, even with ED. Should I write them off entirely? What about my chances at NW, Penn, GULC, UChi?

I have a strong personal preference for staying in NYC and would potentially consider going to Cardoza or Fordham for $$$ -- any chance of that?

Thanks everyone!

Enjoy NU!

For top 5 UG are we talking HYP? also what was your major?

I think your wall might be MVP. Berkeley will ding you because of the GPA. NYU would be tough with that GPA, as would UChi. I think your WE would get you into Northwestern. You're probably good at GULC, Cornell, UVA, Michigan. Not sure about how Penn focuses on GPA, but an app wouldn't hurt. I'm sure you'd get into Fordham and Cardozo with $$$, just make sure to write Why X essays to avoid YP.

You've got a good chance at NU and Mich, and don't rule out any school from CCN on down.

Flips88 wrote:For top 5 UG are we talking HYP? also what was your major?

I think your wall might be MVP. Berkeley will ding you because of the GPA. NYU would be tough with that GPA, as would UChi. I think your WE would get you into Northwestern. You're probably good at GULC, Cornell, UVA, Michigan. Not sure about how Penn focuses on GPA, but an app wouldn't hurt. I'm sure you'd get into Fordham and Cardozo with $$$, just make sure to write Why X essays to avoid YP.

Sorry, should've been clear. Top 5 liberal arts college, not university. I was - like so many law school applicants - a polisci major.

I appreciate the advice given so far. I guess the underlying question I have is, if it's my top priority to be either in NYC or very close, is there anywhere where it really makes sense to ED or would it be better to just apply lots of places and hope the right schools bite?

ED NYU or Penn if you feel the need (much better chance at the latter)

if you don't ED, apply early

Yeah I don't see you getting into CCN even with ED. ED to MVP or go to NU

Meerkat Manor wrote:ED NYU or Penn if you feel the need (much better chance at the latter)

if you don't ED, apply early

I think that GPA is a bit iffy for penn. NYU is a whore for high LSAT scores, but again, the GPA.

I agree. I am not sure Penn will bite with that GPA. ED UVA.

bmore wrote:I agree. I am not sure Penn will bite with that GPA. ED UVA.

Veyron wrote:

Meerkat Manor wrote:ED NYU or Penn if you feel the need (much better chance at the latter)

if you don't ED, apply early

I think that GPA is a bit iffy for penn. NYU is a whore for high LSAT scores, but again, the GPA.

I was responding to the OP's preference to be at/near NYC and that was my main basis for proffering these two schools. i didn't say either would be a good shot

Meerkat Manor wrote:

bmore wrote:I agree. I am not sure Penn will bite with that GPA. ED UVA.

Veyron wrote:

Meerkat Manor wrote:ED NYU or Penn if you feel the need (much better chance at the latter)

if you don't ED, apply early

I think that GPA is a bit iffy for penn. NYU is a whore for high LSAT scores, but again, the GPA.

I was responding to the OP's preference to be at/near NYC and that was my main basis for proffering these two schools. i didn't say either would be a good shot

Much better chance implies it. With their larger class size and heavier LSAT focus, NYU would actually be the "better shot" but both are similarly slim. Run this shit thru LSP.

LSP gives me a consider at Penn, Deny at NYU, but from what I've seen with other people, I think it can be a little shaky with splitters.

Annalaw8 wrote:LSP gives me a consider at Penn, Deny at NYU, but from what I've seen with other people, I think it can be a little shaky with splitters.

Sorry, not LSP. Meant the one that the LSAC puts out.

Veyron wrote:
Much better chance implies it.

Not necessarily. Much better chance than 2% is 20% but neither is a "good chance"

I agree that Northwestern is your best shot, especially if you play up your gov WE. A targetted essay at UVA might get you in. Gtown might take you for your LSAT. I really don't see CCN happening though as the only people I've seen getting into those schools with <3.5 were URMs or 175+ with a significant soft

Meerkat Manor wrote:

Veyron wrote:
Much better chance implies it.

Not necessarily. Much better chance than 2% is 20% but neither is a "good chance"

Maybe on the LSAT.

Veyron wrote:

Meerkat Manor wrote:

Veyron wrote:
Much better chance implies it.

Not necessarily. Much better chance than 2% is 20% but neither is a "good chance"

Maybe on the LSAT.

Okay, I wasn't being reasonable like the way lawyers are supposed to be, I submit. GOD DAMMIT

The one the LSAC releases doesn't include Penn (or Yale, Stanford, Chicago, or several other top schools): https://officialguide.lsac.org/Release/ ... ALSAT.aspx
But you have a pretty good shot at MVP, and I'd be surprised if you didn't get one of them. Also, I don't know how sharp of an upward trend you have, but don't underestimate it - it can be a big plus sometimes (I know it was for me). Good luck!

dooood wrote:The one the LSAC releases doesn't include Penn (or Yale, Stanford, Chicago, or several other top schools): https://officialguide.lsac.org/Release/ ... ALSAT.aspx
But you have a pretty good shot at MVP, and I'd be surprised if you didn't get one of them. Also, I don't know how sharp of an upward trend you have, but don't underestimate it - it can be a big plus sometimes (I know it was for me). Good luck!

Strange, it did my year.

Yeah mine too. There used to be a lot more schools on there

dooood wrote:Yeah mine too. There used to be a lot more schools on there

Schools can opt out of having their numbers posted on that calculator. Something to do with increasing the # of applicants I suppose?

Duke seems really GPA-oriented, so I'm not sure your chances with them are great. Maybe NU with serious WE.

Cornell might be a realistic possibility. I'd definitely do that before taking money at one of the non-CN NYC schools.

Your best shot at CCN is ED to Chicago. NYU doesn't like dropping below 3.4. If you really want to stay in NYC though, then might as well give ED to NYU a shot. Penn seems to be a long shot. You should be competitive at NU and GULC.

Veyron wrote:

Annalaw8 wrote:LSP gives me a consider at Penn, Deny at NYU, but from what I've seen with other people, I think it can be a little shaky with splitters.

Sorry, not LSP. Meant the one that the LSAC puts out.

Both LSP and LSAC can be inaccurate with splitters. Using LSN and hourumd (though the latter is growing less and less useful since it hasn't been updated) are the best ways to gauge chances.

Richie Tenenbaum wrote:Your best shot at CCN is ED to Chicago. NYU doesn't like dropping below 3.4. If you really want to stay in NYC though, then might as well give ED to NYU a shot. Penn seems to be a long shot. You should be competitive at NU and GULC.

Veyron wrote:

Annalaw8 wrote:LSP gives me a consider at Penn, Deny at NYU, but from what I've seen with other people, I think it can be a little shaky with splitters.

Sorry, not LSP. Meant the one that the LSAC puts out.

Both LSP and LSAC can be inaccurate with splitters. Using LSN and hourumd (though the latter is growing less and less useful since it hasn't been updated) are the best ways to gauge chances.

She doesn't have a good shot at Chicago. This year a 3.4X 174 EDer got WL. OP if you want to ED UVA is probably your best bet...plus you could still ED NU after finding out from UVA.