Dual degree? Forum

[sprezz87]

Essentially, the above. Somewhat of a non-traditional applicant, given my field choice, wondering if I should have re-taken. Top 15 school, two years work experience.

[law4vus]

Are you URM? Otherwise, Duke is going to be very tough. Most likely a WL at best as you're below both medians.

[sprezz87]

I am Hispanic/White but not Mexican-American - so I'm assuming they will not count it.

[law4vus]

I am Hispanic/White but not Mexican-American - so I'm assuming they will not count it. I'm regretting not re-taking. I consistently tested 165-170 on practice tests but with a 40+ hour work week at a job I love but find strenuous at times I was concerned something would come up and I'd get a lower score.

It depends. It may provide a small boost but that's really up to the school. Is taking another year off and shooting for a 170 an option?

Also, a lower score wouldn't have hurt you anyway, as most schools take the higher score (regardless of what they say).

[MachineLemon]

...with a 40+ hour work week at a job I love but find strenuous at times.

Be careful here, you may be signing up for a 60+ hr/week job that you consistently find strenuous...that is, if you get a job.

[sprezz87]

Possibly. I had not planned on it, however. My ultimate goal is to work as a federal or state prosecutor in a district that sees a fair share of art crime cases (i.e. New York), serve as legal counsel to a museum, or earn a spot on the FBI's Art Crimes Team - thus my desire to get my MA in Art History as well. I addressed that in a strong personal statement, but I am concerned that my numbers will preclude the possibility of it being reviewed. At the least, I could always backpack through Europe and study the LSAT again while I'm at it

[sprezz87]

...with a 40+ hour work week at a job I love but find strenuous at times.

Be careful here, you may be signing up for a 60+ hr/week job that you consistently find strenuous...that is, if you get a job.

I'm aware of that and I look forward to the challenge. I would have to argue that my current job, without completely blowing my identity, is a bit more demanding than many straight-out-of-college positions. I was trying to be politically correct/explain why I didn't retake. This may be different for others, but I've found that studying for the LSAT was more difficult with a work schedule than a college schedule.

[Samara]

Possibly. I had not planned on it, however. My ultimate goal is to work as a federal or state prosecutor in a district that sees a fair share of art crime cases (i.e. New York), serve as legal counsel to a museum, or earn a spot on the FBI's Art Crimes Team - thus my desire to get my MA in Art History as well. I addressed that in a strong personal statement, but I am concerned that my numbers will preclude the possibility of it being reviewed. At the least, I could always backpack through Europe and study the LSAT again while I'm at it

I was wondering why someone would do JD/Art History. That actually sounds like a cool line of work.