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3.62 Dual Major in Humanities and Social Science fields from state school.
Nothing that special for softs: Honors Thesis and some leadership in volunteer organizations.
One excellent and one presumably good LOR from professors.

My PT average was around 176, and I only dipped below 175 once in the last 15 timed practice tests I did before test day. I missed 4 LG questions this time around and think I would have a good shot at hitting 175+ in December if I put the time in. I am fine with waiting a year to go to law school.

Mostly I am wondering how likely I am to get H or Berkeley or a sizable scholarship at CLS/NYU if I retake and raise my LSAT 2+ points. I understand that a 3.6/177 was an underdog for Harvard in the past but am wondering about what people expect for the current cycle and/or next one.

I would retake.

You're already above median at CLS/NYU with that LSAT, so I don't know how much retaking will benefit you there re: $. I think if you want a realistic shot at H you probably need 175+, and B is sort of a crap shoot either way because they're so "holistic."

So in my mind it's a question of how much you want Harvard.

3 or 4+ more points would give you a fighting chance at H. You're out right now

Have you graduated yet? If not, you have the kind of GPA that could really benefit from a small boost.

Yes, I am three years out of college. When people say a fighting chance at Harvard, does that mean 20% or more like 50% this year. I don't think I care enough to retake if it will still only give me a 20% shot at Harvard, but if a 176+ would give me a coin flip or better shot given declining applications etc. then that would probably be worthwhile.

duallys21 wrote:Yes, I am three years out of college. When people say a fighting chance at Harvard, does that mean 20% or more like 50% this year. I don't think I care enough to retake if it will still only give me a 20% shot at Harvard, but if a 176+ would give me a coin flip or better shot given declining applications etc. then that would probably be worthwhile.

With a 3.62, you'll never have a great chance at Harvard.

Going over their 75th for LSAT gives you an outside chance at most.

You have a 0% chance at Harvard right now. 175+ would give you a 50/50 shot. That means that your softs have to be in the top half of applicants with your numbers. The difference between 173 and 175+ means nothing in terms of money from NYU/CLS.

duallys21 wrote:Yes, I am three years out of college. When people say a fighting chance at Harvard, does that mean 20% or more like 50% this year. I don't think I care enough to retake if it will still only give me a 20% shot at Harvard, but if a 176+ would give me a coin flip or better shot given declining applications etc. then that would probably be worthwhile.

176+ should give you at least a coin flip chance.