Top Law Schools

Ok, so here's my story and dilemma:

In a nutshell: 3.2 undergrad, 151 LSAT aiming for 165 in December (changing from Oct. for more prep time). 1st choice: CU Boulder, 2nd choice: Denver

Expanded: I graduated from DU (Denver) with a dual degree in accounting and finance in 2006. Since then, I've been working some decent "grown up" jobs. I just graduated with my master's in legal administration from DU Law at the top of my class (3.92). I know the master's is a soft but it's a significant achievement for me.

I don't have unrealistic dreams of attending a T-14 school -- CU Boulder is my first choice since I'm in-state and it's a great school. It's currently ranked #47. DU Law is my second choice (ranked #77).

I've taken the LSATs three times before. The first score (which thank GOD will disappear this year) was an embarrassing 141. The second score from 2/2010 was 151. The third score was a panic attack-induced 147.

I'm a little red in the face posting here because, frankly, your 170's intimidate me. However, I'm determined to get my anxiety under control and get a 165 on the next test. However, I'm conflicted: I'm signed up for October but I'm not even half way through my first Powerscore Bible. Hypothetically, if I submit my application before I take the test and change my test date to December and get a 165, what do you guys think about my chances? My reasoning is that the extra two months of study time will allow me to get through all of my study guides and take more practice tests so I'm more prepared and calm on test day.

I would honestly wait until next cycle to apply.

Take all the time you need to boost that LSAT into the 160s. The problem is that if you take it this december, even if you get a 160s score it will be late in the cycle. With rolling admissions, that will make admissions all the more difficult.

Top of your class in a master's program is impressive, but on it's own it won't overcome a bad showing on the LSAT.

Also, UDenver for law school is a tough bet if you don't get a nice scholarship.

That's my two cents anyways, good luck!

By "next cycle" do you mean Fall 2013? I'm almost 28 and want to get my law career going ASAP so I'm still planning on applying for Fall 2012.

And I hate to talk myself into taking the test in December, but when I feel unprepared, my brain goes haywire and panic sets in. I feel that those two months of studying will help me tremendously. My original plan was to actually take the October test, then the December test if I didn't like my October score. However, that would equal 4 tests in two years -- An LSAC no-no If I can get an exception and am able to take the test in Oct. and Dec., I guess that's the plan. If not, December here I come

As you guys can probably tell, I have a hard time making up my mind! lol

Sidebar: How realistic is it to have the LSAC approve 4 LSATs in 2 years?

I have a friend with a 3.0/166 who got into CU off the WL so it's definitely possible, but his 166 was on the first try and some law schools really penalize you for substantially lower scores that accompany an otherwise good one.

Bildungsroman wrote:I have a friend with a 3.0/166 who got into CU off the WL so it's definitely possible, but his 166 was on the first try and some law schools really penalize you for substantially lower scores that accompany an otherwise good one.

Good news and a good point! If I could turn back time, I would have stayed in bed rather than taking those last two tests. I'm really embarrassed by those two February scores. I met with the Assistant Dean of Admissions at DU last winter and he said that DU really only looks at the higher score. I don't know about CU, though. I think (hope) most admissions committee members understand that we're human and we have off-days.

minnbills wrote:
Also, UDenver for law school is a tough bet if you don't get a nice scholarship.

That's my two cents anyways, good luck!

And I know about the cost of DU alllllll too well! I spent the better part of 5 1/2 years there. Luckily, if I go there 10 of my master's credits will count towards a JD. Plus, my student loans are already so huge, what's another $200k?

Nancy_Botwin wrote: And I know about the cost of DU alllllll too well! I spent the better part of 5 1/2 years there. Luckily, if I go there 10 of my master's credits will count towards a JD. Plus, my student loans are already so huge, what's another $200k?

I hope you're kidding.

minnbills wrote:

Nancy_Botwin wrote: And I know about the cost of DU alllllll too well! I spent the better part of 5 1/2 years there. Luckily, if I go there 10 of my master's credits will count towards a JD. Plus, my student loans are already so huge, what's another $200k?

I hope you're kidding.

$200k was an exaggeration -- Probably more like $100k but for what I owe in undergrad/grad loans, I could buy a decent house here in Denver. But I have a plan! I'm going to win the lotto so I'll be fine!

But seriously, maybe by the time we all graduate from law school the economy will have recovered -- But I may have a better chance of winning the lottery. With or without law school, I'm financially screwed so why not be royally screwed with a JD!