Cornell, Duke, Vandy Forum

[Mr.Manager]

While none are my top choice (top for me is still UVA early), does anyone know what the chances of a 3.94/166 out of a top 20 private undergrad (I realize this doesn't really matter) might be next year at these three?

[Nelson]

While none are my top choice (top for me is still UVA early), does anyone know what the chances of a 3.94/166 out of a top 20 private undergrad (I realize this doesn't really matter) might be next year at these three?

Retake, retake, retake. You have a decent shot at Cornell (Michigan too probably) but it will be at close to sticker. I doubt you'll get Duke right out, probably WL. I don't know about Vandy. But with that GPA you shouldn't apply until you hit 170+.

[Mr.Manager]

thanks, Nelson, unfortunately I can't retake again. Wish I could..

[CanadianWolf]

Well above average chances due to your spectacular GPA, solid LSAT & expected reduction in number of law school applicants next cycle.

[Nelson]

expected reduction in number of law school applicants next cycle.

This means nothing for his chances. There hasn't been any sign of top schools changing their criteria at all. There is still a glut of candidates even at the top end of the LSAT spectrum. A 166 isn't that hard to come by.

thanks, Nelson, unfortunately I can't retake again. Wish I could..

Depending on your goals, you may want to consider a full ride at a regional in the area you want to work in. I think Michigan might be your best T14 bet. They sent some money to some below median LSAT, high GPA folks this cycle. I think Cornell would probably be sticker, which is really expensive.

[CanadianWolf]

Wait until next cycle & we'll see. Some law schools reduced class sizes this year to accommodate the decline in apps this cycle. Many law schools expanded class sizes to profit from the past application surges. If top law schools refuse to reduce incoming classes due to budget committments, then quality (admissions standards) are likely to decline due to increased competition for students.

[Nelson]

Wait until next cycle & we'll see. Some law schools reduced class sizes this year to accommodate the decline in apps this cycle.

Source?

[CanadianWolf]

Check LSDAS & individual law schools. Several reduced class sizes, but reporting is haphazard & often anecdotal.

According to LSDAS:

2012 law school applicant declines by LSAT score:

160-164 8,817 down by 18.4%
165-169 5,673 down by 18.5%
170-174 2,571 down by 20.7%
175-180 659 down by 13.6%

LSAT sittings are down by over 16% this year according to LSDAS.

check: http://www.lsac.org/LSACResources/Data...stered.asp

[beta]

obviously this is anecdotal, but i got into both vandy (with money) and uva (regular decision) this cycle with an lsat less than yours and an above 3.9 gpa. i was rejected at cornell and didnt apply to duke. however, i'm a few years out of school and have done some interesting things since. i worked very hard on my personal statement and had stellar recs. i also wrote why X statements for all the schools i really wanted to get into, and i think i've had a great cycle despite my low lsat.

[HeavenWood]

Hay #s twin. I was actually deferred from Cornell EA (although looking at LSN, you probably would have gotten in this cycle). I didn't apply to Vandy, but you'd have a shot with a well-written app. I did snag Penn ED though. You'd definitely be competitive there, along with UVA, Michigan, and Duke ED.

To really play the odds, I'd ED UVA first, then, failing that, ED either Penn or Michigan. If that doesn't work, there's always Duke for ED II.

[Mr.Manager]

obviously this is anecdotal, but i got into both vandy (with money) and uva (regular decision) this cycle with an lsat less than yours and an above 3.9 gpa. i was rejected at cornell and didnt apply to duke. however, i'm a few years out of school and have done some interesting things since. i worked very hard on my personal statement and had stellar recs. i also wrote why X statements for all the schools i really wanted to get into, and i think i've had a great cycle despite my low lsat.

Are you from Virginia? I'd love to get into UVA- it's my top choice

[woeisme]

Love the username.

All three are reasonable and realistic reaches. Vandy is probably your most likely, but all three are feasible.

[beta]

obviously this is anecdotal, but i got into both vandy (with money) and uva (regular decision) this cycle with an lsat less than yours and an above 3.9 gpa. i was rejected at cornell and didnt apply to duke. however, i'm a few years out of school and have done some interesting things since. i worked very hard on my personal statement and had stellar recs. i also wrote why X statements for all the schools i really wanted to get into, and i think i've had a great cycle despite my low lsat.

Are you from Virginia? I'd love to get into UVA- it's my top choice

nope...i'm out of state!