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Hey, I'm new to the Forum, but I am desperate for some advice. I thought that this section would be the best place to post. I have a 3.7 after three years at a SLAC, and I just took the LSAT. Clearly I don't have the final score yet, but my practice tests all scored between 175 and 177 the week before the test. I test pretty well, so I expect a score in that range. If I do poorly, I will definitely keep studying and take it again.

I ran the numbers on the admissions calculators, but I don't really know how accurate those are. What are my real chances at a T-14, specifically UChicago, Columbia, HYS?

Also, the current dilemma: I have absolutely no idea what I should do this summer. One of my professors is offering me a research assistant job, which would be very interesting, but it wouldn't pay very well. Should I take the job, or is academic experience like that not very valuable? Thanks for your help.

Take classes at a community college or whatever, push for 3.8+

lawschoolnumbers.com

Take the research assistant job, impress your professor, get a fantastic LOR and maybe a publication. People with my exact numbers have gotten Hamiltons at CLS and I (and multiple people with better numbers than me) haven't even gotten a VCE. Take it from someone who is living through a historic admissions cycle: softs matter.

That said, I think you have a shot at H and an excellent shot at CLS. Chi engages in moderate YP but their Ruby arsenal will dry up by next year, opening up some spots for decent-numbered folks.

As always, Listen to Tom Petty.