174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs Forum

[cardstrong5]

I've lurked for awhile but this is my first post. Here's the deal: my numbers are obviously good (174/4.1), but the problem is that I don't have any close relationships with any professors so I expect my letters of recommendation to be very poor. I also don't have interesting or impressive softs (I'm a tutor at my university but that's about it).

Is HYS likely or at least possible? Can I get money at CCN?

Thanks for the input!

[Doorkeeper]

HYS is still definitely possible. Use the fall semester to get closer with your professors. Extracurriculars aren't necessary, especially if you do any research or work during school. Just focus on your personal statement and get closer to 1-2 professors in the fall and you have a great shot at HYS.

Edit- You will get $60-90k at CCN.

[dingbat]

Columbia and NYU seem to be all about numbers, so as long as your LORs don't throw up warning flags (generic isn't bad), you should get decent money
Harvard is reputed to be numbers based, so you should have a decent chance.

Yale and Stanford are unpredictable, so good luck there

[Kronk]

I had a 173 / 3.9 and got $75k at Chicago but nothing at Columbia or NYU; I'd expect you get a lot of money at all three.

[Yukos]

In at CCN with mucho dinero. In at H. Possible at Y/S, definitely worth an app (Stanford's LSAT 75th is 172, I don't think they care about numbers all that much). YP at MVP.

Don't worry about your softs, what you have is much more important.

http://www.mylsn.info/dispresults.php

[Lovely Ludwig Van]

With apps being down the way they are (and the trend expected to continue next year), I think you'll get $ at each of CCN and in at H. YS are less likely because there is a greater emphasis on individual achievement and diversity, as opposed to numbers.

The letters of recommendation don't have to be superb, just get someone to write something. And make sure to play up what limited softs you do have and structure them into a cohesive personal statement. If you do that I think you'll be fine.

[Elston Gunn]

Enjoy Harvard or big money at Chicago/Columbia.

[twenty]

You're basically sitting on HYS minus the softs. If I were you, I'd apply exclusively to HYSCCN+whatever lower T14 safety you want. If you get anything less than 75k at CCN, take a year off, and spend all your time making money + building softs.

[Ozymandias]

I would take time off and work then apply in a year or two. Work experience is a nice for the resume and can be extremely helpful for getting jobs.

If you don't decide to do that, I don't think your lack of softs will really hurt you that much. Your combination of LSAT/GPA is stellar enough that schools will want you and give you money.

[Kronk]

Harvard is almost definitely an in even without softs.

[CardinalLaw]

With a decline in applications expected for the fall, it might be the case that schools become more numbers-obsessed in order to maintain their medians. If that's the case, then you're good.