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I am currently a junior at Notre Dame in South Bend,IN.

I have a 3.88 gpa.

My LSAT scores have been: 168 and 171.
I plan on doing everything I can to get this over 174.

I have interned for two different US congressmen's campaigns, studied abroad, been active in my church, gone on foreign missionary trips, worked a few odd jobs, participated in debate, plus several memberships in clubs on campus but without any leadership roles.

I am very white and come from rural Iowa, but I grew up poor on the country and am a first-generation college student.

What are my chances for Harvard and Yale, if my LSAT stays the same or if it rises over 174, and if I can get my gpa over 3.9 or if it doesn't get any higher?

Also, should I apply during my senior year or boost my credentials and take a year off after I get my degree next year?

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Harvard would average all 3 of your LSAT scores.

Not exactly. Maybe you should hold off on giving advice in this forum until you actually have an LSAT score or have learned more about the application process.

Given the schools you're targeting, getting that GPA up over 3.9 could be huge. As it stands now you'd have a solid shot at CCN, and likely end up with big money in the middle and lower T-14.

If you are cool with waiting a year, look for some decent work experience so that you have that on your resume when you apply. This will also give you the opportunity to get as many A's as possible during your senior year to get the GPA up.