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Took the June ’12 LSAT in what I thought were lousy conditions – prep-tests average 174, actual score 168 – and have registered for October already. UVA is my top choice, for all sorts of reasons, and I’m a resident. Two questions: first, what are my chances without the retake? (GPA 3.76, pretty good softs, work experience, including a PhD from a top institution.) And, second, would it make any sense to go ED in September before I know the October result?

culturaln wrote:Took the June ’12 LSAT in what I thought were lousy conditions – prep-tests average 174, actual score 168 – and have registered for October already. UVA is my top choice, for all sorts of reasons, and I’m a resident. Two questions: first, what are my chances without the retake? (GPA 3.76, pretty good softs, work experience, including a PhD from a top institution.) And, second, would it make any sense to go ED in September before I know the October result?

I would not ED. You are a VA resident and thats a major plus. Use that to get $$$ once you get a 170 or higher.

Thanks- I was of the same mind about EDing, but I also wondered if my numbers, as they are now, make a higher LSAT score only a lure for money, or if it would also be needed to be admitted (in other words, if my numbers now are decent enough to be admitted, being a resident.) My guess is that it's chancy, but LSN has too few cases to make much of claim either way.

culturaln wrote:Thanks- I was of the same mind about EDing, but I also wondered if my numbers, as they are now, make a higher LSAT score only a lure for money, or if it would also be needed to be admitted (in other words, if my numbers now are decent enough to be admitted, being a resident.) My guess is that it's chancy, but LSN has too few cases to make much of claim either way.

As a resident, I think an ED would get you in, but probably w/out money.

A retake into the 170s would get you good money!

Ya I would say just retake and get a 170+ and you should be a pretty sure in.

Retake and try for 170 or above. If you do not retake, ED to UVA.

Either way, you are going to get in at UVA methinks.

Thanks everyone -- it looks like I've got a second-date with the Devil this October.

If anybody's still reading, interested in chancing: what are the prospects for Michigan RD? ED?

http://www.lawschoolnumbers.com

At GPA median and below LSAT median is a pretty bad place to be.

Another option to consider:

ED to Virginia even though you're retaking the LSAT in October. If your retake is 169 or lower, then the ED application increased your chances significantly; if 171 or higher & not accepted ED, you're in great shape for the lower T-14 law schools; if 171 or higher & accepted ED, then ask for money or consider sitting out a year & reapplying.

P.S. I haven't read Virginia's ED contract, but my understanding is that if accepted ED you have the option of not attending law school that cycle & reapplying to any law schools the next cycle.

I don't get where all this optimism is coming from, you aren't getting in without a 170. At 170 you stand a good chance at money however.

2014 wrote:I don't get where all this optimism is coming from, you aren't getting in without a 170. At 170 you stand a good chance at money however.

VA residents seem to have it a little easier. I think with an ED OP stands a decent chance

Thanks for all of the advice. It looks like I may have to rethink UVA, for reasons I just learned in the last day or so, unrelated to prospects of admissions (basically, may need to return to the Midwest, where I grew up). But the same advice seems like it carries over to Michigan as well, so thanks!