180/3.27 - Should I wait a couple years before applying? Forum

[breadhamcheesebread]

I recently graduated from T30 UG, and am currently deciding whether or not to apply in the next cycle or work for 2 years before applying to law school. What are my chances now as opposed to 2 years from now given my low GPA?

I should mention that my grade curve is pretty erratic due to not caring at all. Very low freshman, soph years with plenty of C's and a couple D's. Then 3.85 junior year first semester, but 3.0 second semester. Senior year I have a 4.0 throughout.

Can I get into T14's if I apply in the next cycle? Are my chances THAT much better if I wait and work for a while? My dream school is either NYU or Columbia.

[Nova]

You could surely crack the T14 this year. There would also be no harm in applying this year. If you dont like how your cycle turns out, wait.

[breadhamcheesebread]

The only issue I have is that I plan to do some paralegal work at a firm that requires a 2 year commitment and I'd rather not defer working for the entire summer. If my chances of acceptance into T14 (minus HYS) improve significantly if I wait 2 years, then I'll just start working ASAP.

[jkpolk]

The only issue I have is that I plan to do some paralegal work at a firm that requires a 2 year commitment and I'd rather not defer working for the entire summer. If my chances of acceptance into T14 (minus HYS) improve significantly if I wait 2 years, then I'll just start working ASAP.

I think you probably win with an ED to NYU, defer start until after your gig- several buddies who did that

[lukertin]

If anything your chances will probably decrease because the applicant pool gets more competitive.

Just apply, defer, and make some money

[breadhamcheesebread]

If anything your chances will probably decrease because the applicant pool gets more competitive.

Just apply, defer, and make some money

In what way does the applicant pool get more competitive? Will I be judged against people that have a similar number of years of remove from UG or is this about the economy and expected application numbers?

And I appreciate all the help. BTW I went to NYU for UG, will that help at all for NYU Law? I've gotten mixed responses for this question, so much appreciated if anyone has any insight.

[lukertin]

Applicant pools always get more competitive dude. It's just a fact of life. 2yrs out of undergrad is normal. You will be judged like everyone else, including those applying straight out of college.

[catwomangirl]

Applicant pool will be less competitive though because LSAT-takers are declining, and I would guess (? please correct me if this is totally off) will continue to do so.

[.375 H&H Mag.]

What is the firm range that you'll be a paralegal at? I think the connections and experience are frequently underestimated, if you approach it right, and might even justify waiting two years.

[Nova]

Applicant pool will be less competitive though because LSAT-takers are declining, and I would guess (? please correct me if this is totally off) will continue to do so.

I think once people realize apps are down and the economy gets better, apps will skyrocket again. Its a cycle of peaks and valleys. Its best to apply during a valley, of course.

[Samara]

Applicant pools always get more competitive dude. It's just a fact of life. 2yrs out of undergrad is normal. You will be judged like everyone else, including those applying straight out of college.

wut? If applications keep decreasing, it will become less competitive. And solid WE can provide a great boost.

Regardless of app boost, I think you should get some work experience. It is great for personal growth and you can make sure law school is what you want/figure out what you want to get out of law school.

[jkpolk]

In what way does the applicant pool get more competitive? Will I be judged against people that have a similar number of years of remove from UG or is this about the economy and expected application numbers?

And I appreciate all the help. BTW I went to NYU for UG, will that help at all for NYU Law? I've gotten mixed responses for this question, so much appreciated if anyone has any insight.

If you wait, youll probably be a slightly more attractive candidate. i dont think there is any harm in firing off apps, and if you get a good offer defer admission. I feel very, very confident you have NYU with an ED

[S-IV]

Applicant pools always get more competitive dude. It's just a fact of life. 2yrs out of undergrad is normal. You will be judged like everyone else, including those applying straight out of college.

You surely must know by now that a "fact of life" is not enough logical connection to fly with TLS users.. come on. lol

[lukertin]

wut? If applications keep decreasing, it will become less competitive.

I didn't know this, so mea culpa.

And solid WE can provide a great boost.

Sorry but paralegaling is not "solid WE" it just makes you like 90% of every other person who has applied to law school 2yrs out of UG.

[Nova]

Applicant pools always get more competitive dude. It's just a fact of life. 2yrs out of undergrad is normal. You will be judged like everyone else, including those applying straight out of college.

You surely must know by now that a "fact of life" is not enough logical connection to fly with TLS users.. come on. lol

I think he is referring to evolution. Like how 170 used to be the 99th percentile, but is now the 97th percentile.

And solid WE can provide a great boost.

Sorry but paralegaling is not "solid WE" it just makes you like 90% of every other person who has applied to law school 2yrs out of UG.

Earning an honest living and being a productive member of society sounds solid.

[splitsplat]

And solid WE can provide a great boost.

Sorry but paralegaling is not "solid WE" it just makes you like 90% of every other person who has applied to law school 2yrs out of UG.

Solid disagree. Legitimate experience in a law firm as a paralegal will be helpful, especially during OCI.

[bartleby]

It has been said on TLS before but: wait a couple of years if you actually want work experience and to make some money before going back into the furnace. But don't wait for the sake of getting into a better law school. That is retarded. There's middle ground though-- why don't you just fire off applications early and if you don't get into a school you really want to get into, go work for awhile and retry.

[PDaddy]

I recently graduated from T30 UG, and am currently deciding whether or not to apply in the next cycle or work for 2 years before applying to law school. What are my chances now as opposed to 2 years from now given my low GPA?

I should mention that my grade curve is pretty erratic due to not caring at all. Very low freshman, soph years with plenty of C's and a couple D's. Then 3.85 junior year first semester, but 3.0 second semester. Senior year I have a 4.0 throughout.

Can I get into T14's if I apply in the next cycle? Are my chances THAT much better if I wait and work for a while? My dream school is either NYU or Columbia.

The longer you have been away from school, the less weight adcoms will give to your grades - especially the first two years of UG - and the more weight they will give to your work experience and other softs. Your GPA is solid but not stellar, and you have an upward grade trend, which will be given considerable weight (4.0 as a senior!). That LSAT score is your ticket.

If you decide to wait, take some demanding post-bac courses or get a masters, and continue getting those good grades. Do well at that job and make good enough connections that you get some strong LOR's. Try to win some awards and make perfect attendance at the job. That all can help.

Also, consider doing Teach for America.

[2014]

You will break into the T14 for sure and probably into several if you are willing to wait on some WLs. NYU or UChi are very much in play but they will require an ED or WL patience.

E- Also do you have a 180 or did you just take the June test?

[Elston Gunn]

The longer you have been away from school, the less weight adcoms will give to your grades - especially the first two years of UG - and the more weight they will give to your work experience and other softs. Your GPA is solid but not stellar, and you have an upward grade trend, which will be given considerable weight (4.0 as a senior!). That LSAT score is your ticket.

What admissions officers say on Kaplan TV or whatever =/= reality.

Upward grade trend is at best a small soft. They still have to report your GPA even if you're 40.

The only thing taking time off and working as a paralegal will do in terms of admissions is maybe get you some money at Northwestern. Though that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.

[dr123]

I recently graduated from T30 UG, and am currently deciding whether or not to apply in the next cycle or work for 2 years before applying to law school. What are my chances now as opposed to 2 years from now given my low GPA?

I should mention that my grade curve is pretty erratic due to not caring at all. Very low freshman, soph years with plenty of C's and a couple D's. Then 3.85 junior year first semester, but 3.0 second semester. Senior year I have a 4.0 throughout.

Can I get into T14's if I apply in the next cycle? Are my chances THAT much better if I wait and work for a while? My dream school is either NYU or Columbia.

The longer you have been away from school, the less weight adcoms will give to your grades - especially the first two years of UG - and the more weight they will give to your work experience and other softs. Your GPA is solid but not stellar, and you have an upward grade trend, which will be given considerable weight (4.0 as a senior!). That LSAT score is your ticket.

If you decide to wait, take some demanding post-bac courses or get a masters, and continue getting those good grades. Do well at that job and make good enough connections that you get some strong LOR's. Try to win some awards and make perfect attendance at the job. That all can help.

Also, consider doing Teach for America.

Dude, getting a masters degree to increase your chances of getting into a better LS is a retarded idea and a waste of money

[jkpolk]

Sorry but paralegaling is not "solid WE" it just makes you like 90% of every other person who has applied to law school 2yrs out of UG.

that's a clown post bro

[Nova]

Sorry but paralegaling is not "solid WE" it just makes you like 90% of every other person who has applied to law school 2yrs out of UG.

that's a clown post bro

Well executed.

175

[breadhamcheesebread]

I'm going to apply to NYU ED next cycle and defer admission. Sounds like I have nothing to lose. Thanks everyone!

[Indebted]

Good call