I want to go to Michigan, but... Forum

[UMichattic]

LSAT: 167
GPA: 3.3

I took the LSAT in June 2011 and got the score stated. I have done my undergraduate at the Univ. of Michigan all 3.5yrs in Political Science with a minor in the environment. I want to go the umich law school. I have considered taking a year off and retaking the LSAT (I, maybe mistakenly, decided not to retake in Oct.) to get 172+ and increase my odds substantially, but am curious if there is anything else I could potentially do.

Softs.. Congressional page, US House intern, environmental research, SCOTUS 18th/19th case research. LoR from. Rep, Prof, and contempleting my third. I've volunteered in local campaigns at home (U.P.) and beginning to for Obama for America.

[EDIT: I've always been a Michigan resident]

Now what TLS, now what?

[Helmholtz]

If you want to go to Michigan, retake the LSAT. The only things that will potentially make up for your numbers are going to be a hell of a lot more difficult to accomplish than a higher LSAT score (hint: those things are substantially more impressive than your existing softs).

[zozin]

How much did you study for the June LSAT? Helm is right about retaking, you need to break 170 to have a shot with your GPA.

[bdubs]

Stay in MI after you graduate. U of MI definitely has a lower bar for residents.

[UMichattic]

I took a Kaplan course from March-May, which more or less just offers familiarization with the test, basic questions answered, and advice on what to study and when. It was decently useful, but not that necessary. I spent all of May dedicated to studying and working part-time ~25hrs a week.

I'm graduating December. I would have January-June to re-study for it, so time really would not be an issue.

What this question is really coming down to is... I really want to go the University of Michigan law school, but realize this is nearly impossible at this point. I'm not opposed to other schools (like GW or W&M), but would really like to know if waiting a year and possibly attending UMich is a better option than attending one of these schools (probably at sticker?)

Thanks for the advice guys.

[decaf735]

take a year off if you can afford it and retake LSAT next June. check out the "preparing for LSAT" threads for study tips. needless to stay spending only a month studying "hard" while working 25 hrs/ week might not have been the best. I would argue you need 170 MINIMUM, but possibly 172 to overcome your gpa.

at 167 though I'm sure it's possible, and you shouldn't revert to going to GWU or WM

[Helmholtz]

I'm not opposed to other schools (like GW or W&M), but would really like to know if waiting a year and possibly attending UMich is a better option than attending one of these schools (probably at sticker?)

Oh god, yes. A million times yes.

[bdubs]

You need to retake because you won't get GW and are questionable at W&M with those numbers.

[BiglawOrBust]

You need to retake because you won't get GW and are questionable at W&M with those numbers.

At first I thought this sumbitch was high as a kite, but I checked LSN and damn was he right!

[law4vus]

You need to retake because you won't get GW and are questionable at W&M with those numbers.

At first I thought this sumbitch was high as a kite, but I checked LSN and damn was he right!

Check my profile. It can happen.

[Helmholtz]

You need to retake because you won't get GW and are questionable at W&M with those numbers.

At first I thought this sumbitch was high as a kite, but I checked LSN and damn was he right!

Check my profile. It can happen.

you inspire hope in us all

[mattviphky]

that's actually perfect, graduate in December and study at a nice pace for June. I think you're capable of 170+, you just gotta put in the time. If u want Michigan that bad then use it for motivation and you'll succeed. good luck!

[UMichattic]

First off, thanks for all the advice. I'm seriously considering taking a year off, but am still looking to avoid this down time and thus still exploring options.

What are your thoughts on applying this fall, graduating in December, and retaking in February. I'll have from graduation in mid-Dec to the Feb LSAT to study and could always cancel if PTs are testing where they should.

How would this affect Fall 2012 applications?
(i.e. waitlists? assuming my best case scenario Is WL at UM)

Just feeling out my options, as always, an advice is appreciated.

[Kabuo]

First off, thanks for all the advice. I'm seriously considering taking a year off, but am still looking to avoid this down time and thus still exploring options.

What are your thoughts on applying this fall, graduating in December, and retaking in February. I'll have from graduation in mid-Dec to the Feb LSAT to study and could always cancel if PTs are testing where they should.

How would this affect Fall 2012 applications?
(i.e. waitlists? assuming my best case scenario Is WL at UM)

Just feeling out my options, as always, an advice is appreciated.

Feb test taking is terrible for that cycle. http://lawschoolnumbers.com/kabuo

[CanadianWolf]

GWU & Wm. & Mary will accept or waitlist you with a 167/3.3. Michigan is a much better option. Retake the LSAT & apply to Michigan if you receive a higher score.

[JamMasterJ]

retake in December or June (I personally hate February). A 170 or 171 could get you in, possibly with some money