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174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:46 pm
by 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!

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:51 pm
by 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.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:56 pm
by 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

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:58 am
by 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.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:30 pm
by 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

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:42 pm
by 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.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:50 pm
by Elston Gunn
Enjoy Harvard or big money at Chicago/Columbia.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:59 pm
by 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.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:59 pm
by 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.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:07 pm
by Kronk
Harvard is almost definitely an in even without softs.

Re: 174/4.1 with terrible LORs/Softs

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:24 pm
by 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.