What are my chances? Forum

[friendlybrah251]

My goal is to get into a top 10 school, with the potential of getting into HSY...

Undergrad: Smaller Ivy Columbia/Brown/Dartmouth
GPA: 3.64
Graduated: 2011
Work Experience: Worked 3 years in the financial services industry, recommendations would be coming from there, passed CFA Level 1 exam (don't know if that's worthwhile)
I'm looking to go to law school now...

Right now, I'm getting around a 166-170 (I've studied for 3.5 weeks, and will be starting a course shortly, timing seems to be the biggest issue) on the LSAT. What would be a good score for me to get into one of the top 10 law schools, and what would I need to get into one of the top 3 schools. I'm not an URM but an Asian.

[CincinnatusND]

1) It's hard to give you any meaningful predictions without a real LSAT score. As far as what score to aim for, just maximize your potential. It won't do you any good aiming for a 170 or a 174, just study as much as you need to in order to get the best score you can. If you really are set on a goal score, 174 is just over 99th percentile, so try and at least hit that. You can play around with mylsn.info to see how different applicants have done.

2) HYS is a tough ask with a 3.64. YS are pretty much out for sure. H is possible but you'll really need to break 175 to have any kind of real chance.

3) Academic recommendations are highly preferred, unless they are completely impossible for you to get.

4) Are you sure you really, really want to go to law school? I'd think long and hard before throwing away a successful career to go to law school. And then I'd think a little more.

ETA: From what I've heard from others, most LSAT courses are aimed at people scoring a bit lower than where you are now. You might get more use out of developing a personal study plan and self-studying. There are a lot of resources on this site to use and a lot of recommendations as to which books and strategies are the best. From my personal experience, I decided self-study was the best route. Maybe others can provide a bit more insight, but courses are expensive and you may be able to study more effectively alone anyways.

[friendlybrah251]

Any thoughts on what I would need to get on the LSAT to be in the top 10? Only reason I'm asking is that I tend to be super "goal" oriented.

[Mullens]

go to mylsn.info and play around with different LSAT scores.

ETA: since your GPA is below median for each "T10" school you will need an LSAT score over their median to be competitive.

[CincinnatusND]

Any thoughts on what I would need to get on the LSAT to be in the top 10? Only reason I'm asking is that I tend to be super "goal" oriented.

I mean a 169 might get you into Duke or Michigan. At 170 UVA comes into play, possibly Penn or Berkeley as well. But not at a price that would make attending any of these schools a great idea.

Like I said earlier, if you need a goal score than at least shoot for 174.