Top Law Schools

3.39, 175, this is my second year out of undergrad from a top school, not URM. I have decent WE/softs and recs but nothing special. Still working on the personal statement.

Preference is something in the T6. Planning to apply to lower T14/T20 schools in the next few weeks, re-take in December aiming for 178+ (I think I am capable because I was bone-tired on test day and sick for a few weeks before, didn't study as much in the previous month, and had scored 179's on some PT's).

Finances ARE a consideration so I'm not planning to apply ED anywhere. Would prefer somewhere in NYC/DC/Boston/Chicago areas though.

Yeah I wouldn't ED. Spread your applications and you'll definitely get money. I don't know about the wisdom of a retake, though, even given your PT record it's unlikely you'll score higher than a 175. Even if you do, it won't matter that much.

I'm not sure a re-take helps you anywhere even with a 180, especially as it will result in a late app.

You're pretty much above all 75th percentiles anyway. A 178 could help I guess, but I think the late application would hurt more than the higher LSAT would help. If schools won't accept your GPA, then they're still not going to accept your GPA with a 180.

I have pretty similar stats (3.3ish, 173) and the general consensus I got from these boards was that I have a decent shot at MVP (very good shot w/ ED) and I should get into NU, Georgetown, etc. For T6, sometimes people with our numbers sneak in, but your best shot would be to ED at either Columbia or NYU.

Interesting comments about re-taking. I assumed that 3.39/178+ would give me a better chance than 3.39/175. I am registered in case I do end up wanting to re-take.

Columbia and NYU are actually my top two choices. Tempting to ED, especially since I feel that I don't really have a chance with my numbers.

I ended up deciding between applying ED to NYU and UPenn. I think I would've had a pretty good shot at UPenn, but I have a strong personal preference for NY so I am applying early at NYU. I'm not sure I have much of a chance, but your extra two LSAT points might help.

With both Columbia and NYU, I think to get in you'll either need to apply early or be patient on the waitlist.

And either way, the best advice I received here was to apply as early as possible.