Top Law Schools

So, I'm new to the board and have hesitated posting here because it seems like people are really hard on folks with sub-Yale numbers but I pulled the trigger finally because I feel like I need some second opinions.

I graduated from MSU in '08 and have since worked in DC. I worked on the Hill for a while and now I'm with a non-profit health association and did a couple interesting internships. I'd like to go back to law school in Fall of 2012. I'd like to stay in the DC area post JD. Just based on numbers I'm sure Georgetown is off the table. However, I don't think GW is entirely gone. Does it make sense to try a "hail mary" of sorts with GW and go for the Early Decision? I'll have absolutely solid LOR's and I'm a decent writer so I think I can craft a solid personal statement as well.

The other schools I'm interested in and plan on applying to (just for reference/comments and suggestions) are: Boston College, University of Iowa (From Iowa originally and have retained my resident status so it would probably be the least expensive option), William and Mary, American, George Mason and probably Notre Dame.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Being an Iowa resident will bump your chances at Iowa but getting back to DC from there will be extremely difficult unless you have made some good connections. I'm guessing a lot of people are going to tell you to retake and I am inclined to agree if you want to get into one of the higher ranked schools or minimize your debt at one of the lower ranked schools.

you are going to have trouble getting into these schools with your numbers. The only one that you have a serious shot at is American, and that might still be just a waitlist (and sticker price there is atrocious). Your only halfway decent option here is Iowa (with instate). You probably will get a waitlist from them, and you'll have to hope that they pick you off of it. Just be prepared to work in a secondary midwest market.

Your best option is to retake the LSAT in October for a high 160's and get large scholarships at your target schools.

I'll give you my honest opinions based on the data you provided. (im assuming you're caucasian)

Georgetown- Out
GW - Out
GW ED- Out
BC- Out/ WL/Out
Iowa- In
George Mason- In
American- In
W&M- out/ WL/out
Notre Dame- Out

You will get this from other posters but is retaking the lsat not an option. If you can get up to a 165-167 you stand a chance at GW and possibly even GT part time if you have a job lined up.

I took the LSAT in Oct '08. A 3rd score would probably look pretty bad, right?


Sorry should have mentioned that in my OP.

JMCSpartan08 wrote:I took the LSAT in Oct '08. A 3rd score would probably look pretty bad, right?


Sorry should have mentioned that in my OP.

No it will not look bad; especially with that much separation in time. Take the LSAT as many times as you can until you hit your target score. You still have a few months until October...a 170+ can get you some $$ at GT or GWU, which would be a major improvement of what you can get now.

FYI, American pretty much has a floor of 163, take a look at lawschoolnumbers.com ... the scatter plots for all of the schools will give you a good idea of what you need. RETAKE imo, with your WE and GPA, you can get into some good schools if you nail a 168+. Good luck

I think you're out at all of these places except maybe Iowa because you're a resident.

I had a slightly lower GPA but a higher LSAT.

GW - out
BC - out
Iowa - didn't apply
W&M - WL
American, ND, and GM - didn't apply

IMO: Retake in October. Use the LSAT prep threads and powerscore bibles.