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[ab616]

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[law4vus]

I am applying to law school this fall, hoping for at least a 160 on the October LSAT given my practice scores. Low gpa is a result of a combination of lack of focus, depression/stress throughout undergrad. Is there any point in trying to explain a low gpa? Here's the scenario:

I am the first in my family to achieve a bachelors degree
I attended a private (but not religious) university undergrad
My father was a police officer and murdered when I was 13-/resulted in major long term depression, and stressful financial situations at home which became a burden at school. All of those things are stable now and 2 years after graduating I feel very ready to begin law school. I am also a queer multiracial student, both characteristics bringig their own struggle at times having been raised in a very religious cOnservative household.

Please excuse any spelling errors, typing this from my phone. I'd appreciate any comments or advice on where/how many schools to apply to, what to include Ina personal statement and whether a diversity statement or addendum to explain gPa would be useful

You'll have a great PS to write, but that only gives a very small boost and it really comes down to your numbers. What races are you? That's going to play a huge role if one of those is black, mexican, NA, or puerto rican.

I'd see if you can postpone the test and get into the mid-160s to 170s. Also, I'm really sorry about what happened to your father.

[ab616]

I am applying to law school this fall, hoping for at least a 160 on the October LSAT given my practice scores. Low gpa is a result of a combination of lack of focus, depression/stress throughout undergrad. Is there any point in trying to explain a low gpa? Here's the scenario:

I am the first in my family to achieve a bachelors degree
I attended a private (but not religious) university undergrad
My father was a police officer and murdered when I was 13-/resulted in major long term depression, and stressful financial situations at home which became a burden at school. All of those things are stable now and 2 years after graduating I feel very ready to begin law school. I am also a queer multiracial student, both characteristics bringig their own struggle at times having been raised in a very religious cOnservative household.

Please excuse any spelling errors, typing this from my phone. I'd appreciate any comments or advice on where/how many schools to apply to, what to include Ina personal statement and whether a diversity statement or addendum to explain gPa would be useful

You'll have a great PS to write, but that only gives a very small boost and it really comes down to your numbers. What races are you? That's going to play a huge role if one of those is black, mexican, NA, or puerto rican.

I'd see if you can postpone the test and get into the mid-160s to 170s. Also, I'm really sorry about what happened to your father.

I'm half Black & half Colombian. I missed my last test because I got really sick, so I feel like I should definitely take this one. None of my practice test scores have been below 160, does that help? thanks for the comment

[law4vus]

I am applying to law school this fall, hoping for at least a 160 on the October LSAT given my practice scores. Low gpa is a result of a combination of lack of focus, depression/stress throughout undergrad. Is there any point in trying to explain a low gpa? Here's the scenario:

I am the first in my family to achieve a bachelors degree
I attended a private (but not religious) university undergrad
My father was a police officer and murdered when I was 13-/resulted in major long term depression, and stressful financial situations at home which became a burden at school. All of those things are stable now and 2 years after graduating I feel very ready to begin law school. I am also a queer multiracial student, both characteristics bringig their own struggle at times having been raised in a very religious cOnservative household.

Please excuse any spelling errors, typing this from my phone. I'd appreciate any comments or advice on where/how many schools to apply to, what to include Ina personal statement and whether a diversity statement or addendum to explain gPa would be useful

You'll have a great PS to write, but that only gives a very small boost and it really comes down to your numbers. What races are you? That's going to play a huge role if one of those is black, mexican, NA, or puerto rican.

I'd see if you can postpone the test and get into the mid-160s to 170s. Also, I'm really sorry about what happened to your father.

I'm half Black & half Colombian. I missed my last test because I got really sick, so I feel like I should definitely take this one. None of my practice test scores have been below 160, does that help? thanks for the comment

URM status is going to help you immensely, but even so, you should take advantage of it. If you managed the mid to high 160s, you could be going to a place in the T14.

Also, remember that crazy things happen on test day. I was practicing between 171 and 176 leading up to my test and I had a panic attack during the first section and bombed it (didn't even get to the last reading passage). I still managed a 167 but you can't bank on the fact that your practice tests will reflect your actual score. Not saying something bad will happen to you, but stats show that people tend to score lower on the real thing than on practices. I'd see if you can take an extra month or two and get a higher score, just to secure yourself some money at the very least.

[ab616]

I am applying to law school this fall, hoping for at least a 160 on the October LSAT given my practice scores. Low gpa is a result of a combination of lack of focus, depression/stress throughout undergrad. Is there any point in trying to explain a low gpa? Here's the scenario:

I am the first in my family to achieve a bachelors degree
I attended a private (but not religious) university undergrad
My father was a police officer and murdered when I was 13-/resulted in major long term depression, and stressful financial situations at home which became a burden at school. All of those things are stable now and 2 years after graduating I feel very ready to begin law school. I am also a queer multiracial student, both characteristics bringig their own struggle at times having been raised in a very religious cOnservative household.

Please excuse any spelling errors, typing this from my phone. I'd appreciate any comments or advice on where/how many schools to apply to, what to include Ina personal statement and whether a diversity statement or addendum to explain gPa would be useful

You'll have a great PS to write, but that only gives a very small boost and it really comes down to your numbers. What races are you? That's going to play a huge role if one of those is black, mexican, NA, or puerto rican.

I'd see if you can postpone the test and get into the mid-160s to 170s. Also, I'm really sorry about what happened to your father.

I'm half Black & half Colombian. I missed my last test because I got really sick, so I feel like I should definitely take this one. None of my practice test scores have been below 160, does that help? thanks for the comment

URM status is going to help you immensely, but even so, you should take advantage of it. If you managed the mid to high 160s, you could be going to a place in the T14.

Also, remember that crazy things happen on test day. I was practicing between 171 and 176 leading up to my test and I had a panic attack during the first section and bombed it (didn't even get to the last reading passage). I still managed a 167 but you can't bank on the fact that your practice tests will reflect your actual score. Not saying something bad will happen to you, but stats show that people tend to score lower on the real thing than on practices. I'd see if you can take an extra month or two and get a higher score, just to secure yourself some money at the very least.

Thank you for the response & advice. What is a T14? I will consider taking the extra time, I definitely would need some financial aid.

[law4vus]

You'll have a great PS to write, but that only gives a very small boost and it really comes down to your numbers. What races are you? That's going to play a huge role if one of those is black, mexican, NA, or puerto rican.

I'd see if you can postpone the test and get into the mid-160s to 170s. Also, I'm really sorry about what happened to your father.

I'm half Black & half Colombian. I missed my last test because I got really sick, so I feel like I should definitely take this one. None of my practice test scores have been below 160, does that help? thanks for the comment

URM status is going to help you immensely, but even so, you should take advantage of it. If you managed the mid to high 160s, you could be going to a place in the T14.

Also, remember that crazy things happen on test day. I was practicing between 171 and 176 leading up to my test and I had a panic attack during the first section and bombed it (didn't even get to the last reading passage). I still managed a 167 but you can't bank on the fact that your practice tests will reflect your actual score. Not saying something bad will happen to you, but stats show that people tend to score lower on the real thing than on practices. I'd see if you can take an extra month or two and get a higher score, just to secure yourself some money at the very least.

Thank you for the response & advice. What is a T14? I will consider taking the extra time, I definitely would need some financial aid.

T14 are the top 14 schools: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, Chicago, NYU, Michigan, UVA, UPenn, Duke, Berkeley, Northwestern, Cornell, Georgetown (might have minced the ranking order but you get the idea). The special thing about these schools is that for the last however many years that law schools were ranked, none of these schools has fallen out of the top 14. They just shift amongst themselves.

They're considered to be the "elite" branch of law schools and are what most people on this site are shooting for. You have a great story and URM status, so don't sell yourself short. The LSAT is extremely learnable for ANYONE, and you have the ability to go to an amazing law school if you get a top score. All that matters is how much effort you're willing to put in from now until December.

If financial aid is a consideration, then retaking is the way to go. As your numbers stand right now, you'll probably get into a decent school but will have to pay full price. Conventional wisdom will tell you that only the T14 are really worth paying full price, and you'll get some people that feel only the top 10 are, only the top 6 are, etc etc. If you can nab a 167+ on the LSAT, you're probably looking at Georgetown or Cornell and scholarship money at places like GW and Notre Dame. With a 170, you have a shot at some of the top 10 schools.

The economy stinks and you have a great opportunity to get into a very good school with money. If it takes an extra two months (or even an extra YEAR) of busting your ass to do it, it's 100% worth it.

[minnbills]

+1 to Romo ( I know it pisses you off)

Go study hard and enjoy the T14

[ab616]

Awesome that's good to know. Would it hurt to take the October and December LSAT? I already paid for this one and have put in a lot of time but I know schools don't always take the highest score

[minnbills]

Awesome that's good to know. Would it hurt to take the October and December LSAT? I already paid for this one and have put in a lot of time but I know schools don't always take the highest score

Most schools (save Harvard, Yale, and Stanford) will take your highest.

I would plan on getting your apps in immediately after getting the Oct. score back. But you may want to sign up for December as well just in case.

[law4vus]

+1 to Romo ( I know it pisses you off)

[ab616]

Most schools (save Harvard, Yale, and Stanford) will take your highest.

I would plan on getting your apps in immediately after getting the Oct. score back. But you may want to sign up for December as well just in case.

ok, that sounds like a decent plan. thanks to both of you!

[law4vus]

Most schools (save Harvard, Yale, and Stanford) will take your highest.

I would plan on getting your apps in immediately after getting the Oct. score back. But you may want to sign up for December as well just in case.

ok, that sounds like a decent plan. thanks to both of you!

Feel free to PM if you have anything else to ask. Also, leave this thread open and see if anyone else can add anything. There are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site, so you came to the right place.

I wish you the best of luck!

[jamesbond]

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR CYCLE!!! Shoot for T14. I think you can do it. I'm kind of in a similar boat. AA Male, low GPA (2.4 much lower than you, I know lol) But I want the best school possible, so I've been studying my ass off for the LSAT (Dec. 2011). But if I'm not ready, I'll postpone because I want a very high score.

Once again, good luck!

[ab616]

*update*
got a 159 -__- I hoped to do better but I don't think it'll be worth it to retake in December

[ab616]

here's where i've applied so far, i think it may be my final list.

Columbia
NYU
UPenn
Cornell Law
Georgetown U.
Vanderbilt U.
Washington U.
George Washington U.
William & Mary
American U.
Cardozo
Temple U.
Seton Hall U.
U. of Richmond - - accepted
Hofstra U. - - accepted
Rutgers U. - Camden
Syracuse U.
Pace
CUNY
NYLS

*updated 1/12/2012*

[richalvarez]

here's where i've applied so far, i think it may be my final list.

Columbia
NYU
UPenn
Cornell Law
Georgetown U.
Vanderbilt U.
Washington U.
George Washington U.
William & Mary
American U.
Cardozo
Temple U.
Seton Hall U.
U. of Richmond - - accepted
Hofstra U.
Rutgers U. - Camden
Syracuse U.
Pace
CUNY
NYLS

I'm interested in finding out how your cycle goes. I have similar numbers, 159/2.96, and I'm also a URM (Mexican). I'm gonna apply to San Diego and look into retaking as well. Good luck with your cycle.

[ab616]

here's where i've applied so far, i think it may be my final list.

Columbia
NYU
UPenn
Cornell Law
Georgetown U. ...

I'm interested in finding out how your cycle goes. I have similar numbers, 159/2.96, and I'm also a URM (Mexican). I'm gonna apply to San Diego and look into retaking as well. Good luck with your cycle.

Good luck! It may be worth retaking and from the information I got here and from advisors, writing a strong/relevant GPA addendum can go a long way.

[richalvarez]

here's where i've applied so far, i think it may be my final list.

Columbia
NYU
UPenn
Cornell Law
Georgetown U. ...

I'm interested in finding out how your cycle goes. I have similar numbers, 159/2.96, and I'm also a URM (Mexican). I'm gonna apply to San Diego and look into retaking as well. Good luck with your cycle.

Good luck! It may be worth retaking and from the information I got here and from advisors, writing a strong/relevant GPA addendum can go a long way.

I am going to write an addendum as well. I graduated with a 3.5 from my degree granting university (major gpa of 3.31), but 2 years I did at a junior college brought me down to a 2.96. Sadly, I had no interest in college in 2002, but it was school or work and I picked the former.

[ab616]

here's where i've applied so far, i think it may be my final list.

Columbia
NYU
UPenn
Cornell Law
Georgetown U. ...

I'm interested in finding out how your cycle goes. I have similar numbers, 159/2.96, and I'm also a URM (Mexican). I'm gonna apply to San Diego and look into retaking as well. Good luck with your cycle.

Good luck! It may be worth retaking and from the information I got here and from advisors, writing a strong/relevant GPA addendum can go a long way.

I am going to write an addendum as well. I graduated with a 3.5 from my degree granting university (major gpa of 3.31), but 2 years I did at a junior college brought me down to a 2.96. Sadly, I had no interest in college in 2002, but it was school or work and I picked the former.

update-


IN: Temple, Syracuse, Richmond, CUNY, Hofstra ($), American, NYLS ($),
DENIED: George Washington
PENDING: Pace, UPenn, William & Mary, Georgetown, NYU, Cardozo, Columbia, Vanderbilt, WUSTL, Fordham, Seton Hall, Rutgers-Camden

[Doorkeeper]

update-

IN: Temple, Syracuse, Richmond, CUNY, Hofstra ($), American, NYLS ($),
DENIED: George Washington
PENDING: Pace, UPenn, William & Mary, Georgetown, NYU, Cardozo, Columbia, Vanderbilt, WUSTL, Fordham, Seton Hall, Rutgers-Camden

I would not attend any of the schools you have been accepted to unless they give you significant scholarships.

Also, I'm sorry about the 159. If you don't get into the schools you want to go to, remember that you can always get a job and retake the LSAT to apply next year. If you can improve your score into the mid- to high- 160s, you have a great shot at going to a wonderful school. Good luck.

[ab616]

update-

IN: Temple, Syracuse, Richmond, CUNY, Hofstra ($), American, NYLS ($),
DENIED: George Washington
PENDING: Pace, UPenn, William & Mary, Georgetown, NYU, Cardozo, Columbia, Vanderbilt, WUSTL, Fordham, Seton Hall, Rutgers-Camden

I would not attend any of the schools you have been accepted to unless they give you significant scholarships.

Also, I'm sorry about the 159. If you don't get into the schools you want to go to, remember that you can always get a job and retake the LSAT to apply next year. If you can improve your score into the mid- to high- 160s, you have a great shot at going to a wonderful school. Good luck.

uh thanks? i'm actually pretty happy with temple & american and hopefully will get into a few more