Where to apply/ED - 2.99/164 Forum

[battletoad]

Hello, generic white guy here (no URM). My numbers are 164/ 2.99. I am really confused on where to apply. I have a few schools I am applying to no matter what. But, at this point, I don't know where to ED.

I am considering Minnesota and Illinois for ED. Good idea? Bad idea?

My top priority is going to a school where I can get a good job. What ED would maximize my chance of succeeding with this?

Any advice is appreciated.

[minnbills]

MN will be really tough as you're below both medians. Illinois is... hard to say since their new median is 163 but they will probably gun to get back up to 167/8.

I would say Illinois is the better choice but even then with a sub 25th percentile GPA it will be tough. A retake to 167+ is probably your best option

[battletoad]

The LSAT situation is really frustrating. I had been PT'ing in the upper 160s/170s, but didn't quite live up on test day. I agree it's really tough choosing the ED in each situation since my numbers blow.

[minnbills]

The LSAT situation is really frustrating. I had been PT'ing in the upper 160s/170s, but didn't quite live up on test day. I agree it's really tough choosing the ED in each situation since my numbers blow.

If you were PTing that much higher you should really retake. Even if you could just get to 167 you'd have a great shot at UMN:

http://minnesota.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats/1011/

[Grizz]

Why do you want to ED so bad. With your numbers, it's a great way to accrue lots of debt at a mediocre school.

[battletoad]

Grizz,

Could you explain more? What do you mean by mediocre?

Also, what would you recommend?

[Grizz]

Grizz,

Could you explain more? What do you mean by mediocre?

Also, what would you recommend?

With those numbers, you're not gonna get into a school worth paying sticker at. And if you ED, you'll probably end up paying sticker or close to it. Retake bro, seriously.

[Jah'rakal]

that is ridiculous, with those #'s, u can easily get into T1 schools, and these T1 schools are only "mediocre" to elitist like grizz, heck, u can argue that T3 is mediocre and T4 sucks, T2's are above mediocre and good

[Tiago Splitter]

that is ridiculous, with those #'s, u can easily get into T1 schools, and these T1 schools are only "mediocre" to elitist like grizz, heck, u can argue that T3 is mediocre and T4 sucks, T2's are above mediocre and good

You're comfortable with $200,000 in debt from any Tier 1 school?

No one is telling OP not to go at all, just that (s)he should avoid the kind of debt that comes along with just sneaking in.

[Jah'rakal]

yes for a T1/T2 the debt definitely worth it, unless you already have a comfortable job and income

[crumpetsandtea]

Battletoad: you KNOW you can do better, why settle for a score that doesn't represent your abilities?

Think of it this way--if you get a 167-ish on your retake, you're looking at MN/WUSTL/IUB/UIUC admits, possibly even with some scholly money. With a low-170s you're looking at EVEN MORE money (maybe full scholarships) and a chance at some T14 schools (ie, NU, GULC PT). Even if you have to put it off for a year, I think it's worth it.

As for paying sticker, I'd highly recommend NOT paying sticker: even with a good job after LS, 150K in debt will take 10-20 years (or more) to pay off. Do you really want to be saddled with debt until you're 40? Especially when all you have to do to get a better shot at less debt is pay 100-some bucks and study for a retake?

[battletoad]

Thanks for the input so far!

To explain further, I took the LSAT back in February. I haven't touched any LSAT material since then, so I don't think I still have my LSAT 'chops', so to speak. I don't think I could hit a 160 right now...

Plus, my current job has me studying for the Series 7 exam, so I have very little in spare brain cells.

Would it be a bad idea to shoot out some applications, see where the cards fall, then evaluation the debt/retake for next cycle situation? I have about a G saved up to drop on apps, so I consider it a sunk cost.

[Jah'rakal]

Thanks for the input so far!

To explain further, I took the LSAT back in February. I haven't touched any LSAT material since then, so I don't think I still have my LSAT 'chops', so to speak. I don't think I could hit a 160 right now...

Plus, my current job has me studying for the Series 7 exam, so I have very little in spare brain cells.

Would it be a bad idea to shoot out some applications, see where the cards fall, then evaluation the debt/retake for next cycle situation? I have about a G saved up to drop on apps, so I consider it a sunk cost.

you will get in some Tier 1's with that score, or even significant money from tier 2's, so tier 1 or tier 2 with money will be your choice, already know that, so no need to see where the cards fall

[Tiago Splitter]

Plus, my current job has me studying for the Series 7 exam, so I have very little in spare brain cells.

I've done well on two tests in my life: the Series 7 and the LSAT. PM if you have questions on either.

Would it be a bad idea to shoot out some applications, see where the cards fall, then evaluation the debt/retake for next cycle situation? I have about a G saved up to drop on apps, so I consider it a sunk cost.

I don't think it's much of a mystery. If you want to apply see if you can get fee waivers and save some cash. Throw the thousand into a Roth IRA, or, better yet, make it rain. Under no circumstances should you be spending anywhere near $1,000 on apps.