Top Law Schools

Alright, so I was just accepted at Cornell (sticker) and am on the WL at UVa (ED).

I want to work in the South (Atlanta), and I know Cornell gets shit on all the time re: ATL. But play me straight.

Obviously, if UVa comes through, then that is the clear winner.

Also, a lot of people say how applications will be further down next year.

So, should I go to Cornell, apply next year, retake and reapply, etc.?

Thanks.

If you think you can improve, retaking and reapplying is TCR.

Based on LSN, a 169/170 could net you a $75,000 schollarship at Cornell. You would also have a much better shot at UVA and Duke.

when did you apply ED to UVA? Was it right at the beginning of the cycle? (I ask because I'm a little surprised you didn't get in).

jumping from 165 to 170 is no joke. depends on what you practice at. if you got a few 170's here and there, i probably wouldn't take a year off. if you were consistently scoring in the mid 170's and just bombed test day, i would absolutely take a year off.

is 3.85/165 a lock for cornell these days?

ahnhub wrote:when did you apply ED to UVA? Was it right at the beginning of the cycle? (I ask because I'm a little surprised you didn't get in).

I applied ED November 1st, but retook the December LSAT (same score), so the decision wasn't rendered until January.

bartleby wrote:jumping from 165 to 170 is no joke. depends on what you practice at. if you got a few 170's here and there, i probably wouldn't take a year off. if you were consistently scoring in the mid 170's and just bombed test day, i would absolutely take a year off.

is 3.85/165 a lock for cornell these days?

I don't think it's a lock, as I was put on reserve for about a month.

I agree that the retake thing is largely contingent on how you measured your performance on your two previous tests. If you think you have a decent shot at improving (it doesn't necessarily even mean improving a whole lot--2 points could bring a few more schools and $$ into play, although you probably won't get any more T-14 love outside of Cornell/GULC) you should retake.

For the south your main goals are probably UVA, Duke, or Vandy right? A 168/69 puts Duke into play and a 170 locks it up. 170 also gives you as much of a chance RD at UVA as anyone. I don't know how UVA would view a higher LSAT and the same GPA for ED next cycle--if they are as median-obsessed as they seem, they might not care about your LSAT at all unless it hits median.

ahnhub wrote:I agree that the retake thing is largely contingent on how you measured your performance on your two previous tests. If you think you have a decent shot at improving (it doesn't necessarily even mean improving a whole lot--2 points could bring a few more schools and $$ into play, although you probably won't get any more T-14 love outside of Cornell/GULC) you should retake.

For the south your main goals are probably UVA, Duke, or Vandy right? A 168/69 puts Duke into play and a 170 locks it up. 170 also gives you as much of a chance RD at UVA as anyone. I don't know how UVA would view a higher LSAT and the same GPA for ED next cycle--if they are as median-obsessed as they seem, they might not care about your LSAT at all unless it hits median.

You mentioned what I neglected: Vandy.

I know Vandy vs. Cornell is a great source of dispute on TLS.

Edit: also, an additional caveat, I told UVa that I would be ok with a deferral offer. I asked this on another post, but I'll ask again: does anyone think that may be beneficial?

Two LSAT attempts resulting in the same score suggests that if you retake & reapply, you will need to change your method of preparation.

Have you ruled out Vanderbilt due to your Cornell aceptance ? If not, have you asked Vanderbilt for scholarship consideration in light of your Cornell offer of admission ?

Applications are expected to decline next year, but a 165/3.85 does not guarantee admission to either Cornell or Virginia. Even though application numbers fall, they could rise at specific law schools such as the T-14 in a flight to quality or bust mentality. A primary benefit from fewer applications to law schools is that non-Top 14 law schools are likely to offer more as well as more generous scholarships.