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Hey TLS,

I am a 2.6 (and rising), 157 URM (Native American, Cherokee specifically) with a significant GPA addendum (medical issues, homeless, etc.) and decent softs (three years of full-time work, in addition to coaching lacrosse at a local high school for four years). Unfortunately, retesting is not an option as if I'm going to go now and have it paid for, I have to start in Fall '13.

I am applying to the University of South Carolina, Charleston, and possibly Denver. Just wanted to get your opinions on the chances of getting in at any of these three schools, and also, if I should recalibrate my aim. Aim higher? Lower? Stay? Scholarship money is helpful, but not really mandated.

I would guess you have a good shot at USC. May be fine to go there if cheap and you have signif. ties. How high can you raise the gpa?

Looks like I'll finish in May with a 2.7-2.95

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Since you are a URM you might have a shot at Vanderbilt.

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Regulus wrote:Someone please correct me if I'm wrong (I am not a URM so I haven't done a ton of research on the matter), but aren't there "levels" even within URMs of how much one's race will help them? I think that Native American is one of the most rare - and therefore one of the more "sought-after" - types of URM. For example, I think that African Americans get a bigger boost than Hispanics, for example, simply because of the number of them applying to law school. So, if what I said above is indeed true, you should get an even bigger boost than black people, for example.

Its based on how represented the URM class is compared to the US population. PR/NAs are like less than 1% of the pop... so a school really only needs 1 or 2 for them to be represented. AAs are like 13% of the pop but only make up like 6% of law students.

Posters are greatly over estimating the URM bump ITT. 157 URM with a poor GPA is not gonna get into a T20. Lower T1 is more realistic. T2s in the 50s and 60s are honestly the target range. Denver, South Carolina and Charleston are all probable. However you are better off retaking in June. Attending law school with a 157 on one attempt is really short sighted. Atleast retake in June to get off waitlists for '13 if you must go this year.

Nova wrote:However you are better off retaking in June.

+1

gtfoose550 wrote:Unfortunately, retesting is not an option as if I'm going to go now and have it paid for, I have to start in Fall '13.

Retesting should always be an option, especially if you want your three-year time commitment (as well as your money) to law school to be worth it. You're in an ideal position being URM so why not get four or five points higher on your LSAT and have vastly more options?

Do not even think about going to Charleston (complete hellhole scam...the school, not the city) and don't go to Denver as it'd be way too expensive outside a full ride with no stipulations. I would only go to USC jr. if you had a full ride with no stips (and assuming you are from SC).

URM NA with a 157 is pretty good despite your GPA. Still, retake if possible.

UPDATE:

Accepted into the University of Denver, and Charleston Law

Still waiting on the University of South Carolina

Also threw in an application to Michigan State, and a prayer to UVA.

If it makes a difference, my career ambitions after law school consist of JAG or staying in South Carolina, or the southeast. Wouldn't mind going to Denver/CO either.

So this is paid for? Even if so, I wouldn't go unless you get into SC.