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White male, former active duty Marine infantryman from age 18-22. I graduated SUNY Albany in two years afterwards (should reflect nicely, no?) with a 3.6, poly sci major. Took the LSAT once cold and got a 158. Retook it after minimal studying for Dec (didn't have time, unfortunately) and got a 162. I'm in the NYC area, and was dreaming of Columbia/NYU. Probably out of the question now. Is Fordham realistic? I have a half brother who went there. I'm willing to leave the area, though. What's the best I can do?

The fact that you jumped four points with minimal studying is a great sign. I strongly suggest sitting out a cycle, studying for a long while and retaking again

Definitely, man. Only studied for the games because it was the only thing I felt confused on. Learned a lot, but I still suffer a bit in LR. RC is great, though. Never had an issue with that. I just really don't have the time or $ to retake the test and buy materials :/ Suppose I could wait until next year to apply and save money, but would be fearful of my score actually going down

natevines wrote:Definitely, man. Only studied for the games because it was the only thing I felt confused on. Learned a lot, but I still suffer a bit in LR. RC is great, though. Never had an issue with that. I just really don't have the time or $ to retake the test and buy materials :/ Suppose I could wait until next year to apply and save money, but would be fearful of my score actually going down

It can be done, man. I studied for the LSAT on active duty. The thing is, you have to give yourself more than two weeks lead time. More like six months lead time. Being a veteran already helps in admissions, and adding some points will be the difference for you between going to Fordham and getting saddled with a bunch of debt for meh job prospects, or going to Columbia/NYU. Sit out a year. It's nothing compared to the rest of your adult life.

Also, your score going down wouldn't really matter. 99% of the time when the school says they average, it's BS. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

natevines wrote:White male, former active duty Marine infantryman from age 18-22. I graduated SUNY Albany in two years afterwards (should reflect nicely, no?) with a 3.6, poly sci major. Took the LSAT once cold and got a 158. Retook it after minimal studying for Dec (didn't have time, unfortunately) and got a 162. I'm in the NYC area, and was dreaming of Columbia/NYU. Probably out of the question now. Is Fordham realistic? I have a half brother who went there. I'm willing to leave the area, though. What's the best I can do?

158 cold? Wow. Definitely get on a structured study routine and do not be surprised if you pass 170.

A 170+ is the only thing keeping you from NYU. 100% of 3.6 / 170+ applicants were admitted, although most of them had a 171+.