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Hey guys,

I am applying for the 2014 cycle with a 2.5 GPA from UBC in Canada (I know, I dun goofed), coupled with a 169 LSAT. The caveat here is that I have 2 very strong reference letters attesting to my academic potential, which I know doesn't overcome the numbers, but hopefully makes somebody look twice at my application. I am a URM (African American), although from what I've heard, it doesn't matter because I'm not an American citizen. I'm lucky enough that money isn't really a giant factor in my decision, either in the number of schools I apply to, or in making a decision on where to attend. My location preference isn't that huge, and I'm more concerned with the quality of school I can get into. Basically, as a splitter, I'd like some idea of where I stand, and what a logical next step would be in terms of deciding whether to ED, RD, or drop law school and pursue a barista job. Thanks for any responses, I figured you guys would be a good place to go for advice.

Guess I could add that I got fee waivers from Texas and Wake Forest, although I have no idea how much I should read into this in terms of acceptance at either. Would be ecstatic with Texas.

yzermaniac19 wrote:Guess I could add that I got fee waivers from Texas and Wake Forest, although I have no idea how much I should read into this in terms of acceptance at either. Would be ecstatic with Texas.

Fee waivers not really indicative of acceptances in any way. You are going to have an interesting cycle. Could I convince you retake the LSAT? The 2.5 is really abysmal, but I'd bet at least one decent school would look the other way for 172+.

I appreciate the advice, and I figured that would be the response. Could I ask you to define what you mean by decent school? I obviously would prefer not to retake, but if this cycle goes poorly I know what I gotta do. In terms of ED/RD, any guidance for me to maximize my chances? Thanks again.

yzermaniac19 wrote: I am a URM (African American), although from what I've heard, it doesn't matter because I'm not an American citizen.

False

Don't ED. Keep your options open. Solicit fee waivers. If you tell schools you are AA + 169 and most will probably hook you up. Retake in Dec/Feb to hit CCNP medians.

Thanks for the advice Nova. I remember you commenting in another thread about somebody with similar stats, and you mentioned that you would have to be ~5 above the school's 75th percentile LSAT score to cover the atrocious GPA. Is that about right? Also, and I realize this is probably in the wrong subforum, but is there any difference between Americans and Canadians applying as a URM? Was always under the influence that it was only possible for Americans, as it was a US Government program.

The URM boost its not a US government program. Schools have complete discretion regarding who they accept.

yzermaniac19 wrote:Thanks for the advice Nova. I remember you commenting in another thread about somebody with similar stats, and you mentioned that you would have to be ~5 above the school's 75th percentile LSAT score to cover the atrocious GPA.

Naa. Schools like GULC will strongly consider you because of how few above median LSAT AA applications they get.

Honestly, I would be pretty jacked up about anything in the top 25-30, so that's kinda cool to hear. Are there any schools in that range that tend to be more splitter friendly (other than Northwestern which I assume I'm out at) where I would have a decent shot at? Once again, thanks guys.

UVA in the T14

You'll probably get a nice scholarship offer from GW/WUSTL/UMN

I would sell 3' off my dick in order to pay sticker at any of those, so that's good news. Any idea what Texas is like for somebody in my situation? Have a real affinity for Austin.

UT is not splitter friendly (neither are USC/UCLA) and they have an instate quota that makes it more difficult to get in out of state.

SMU would probably give you a fat scholarship though

I know you mentioned to not ED earlier, but given the massive boost for ED'ers at UVA, is that something to consider? Thanks

yzermaniac19 wrote:I would sell 3' off my dick in order to pay sticker at any of those, so that's good news.

Dont do this. These schools (GW, UMN, WUSTL) may have been worth major investment in 2005, but now, I wouldn't attend any for over $100K total CoA.

Fortunately, as a 169 AA, you'll snag at least 2 T14's, or substantial scholarships at other T1 schools. best of luck

Thanks for the advice bagelboy. One question, and it might not be in the right forum, but how do I make sure schools know that I am part AA? I can't register as a URM because I'm from Canada, so do they just look at the ethnicity I entered when I first signed up for LSAC?

There is no formal registration

Check the box on the apps and write a diversity statement