Welp - This is what we're dealing with Forum

[AlterLegal]

Horrendous undergraduate record at a top 25 university: GPA of 2.8

However, after several months of study I nailed the June LSAT on my first take with a 179.

There isn't really much exceptional about my case. I am a good writer and should have a fine handle on the essay; there are at least a few professors who will write me some very nice recs; and I have some good work experience with finance internships.

My question of course is where I should apply/where I can hope to get in. I don't think the calculators and predictors are very good for someone with my numbers, so real knowledge would be appreciated!

[EricHosmer]

I got four letters for you: ED NU.

[WokeUpInACar]

I got four letters for you: ED NU.

Meh. He isn't going to get the scholarship so ED won't do too much. NU is your most likely destination though, as it is by far most sub 3.0 friendly of all the t14. Apply to WUSTL and Vandy for negotiation purposes.

[Ti Malice]

I got four letters for you: ED NU.

I don't know why people keep saying this for people with numbers similar to OP's. NU is not bending over backward to give full rides to people with bad GPAs. I mean, it won't hurt to apply ED, since NU will just roll his app over to RD, but let's not talk like he/she has any real shot at the scholarship.

OP, does your work experience go beyond internships? NU favors applicants with WE, and internships don't count. If you have a couple of years of WE, I'd be very surprised if NU didn't accept you. But you'll be looking at sticker, or around $290K of high-interest debt at the start of repayment, which is pretty terrifying. You should also consider applying to the decent regional schools that pay huge amounts (up to full rides) for high LSAT scores, though you'll need to understand and be okay with the limitations of a JD from such a school.

[03152016]

anecdotal, but recently a poster here applied with 2.4/177 and got NU and $150k from WUSTL
apply broadly, but if i were in your shoes i'd shooting for $$$ from strong regionals

[Chrstgtr]

I got four letters for you: ED NU.

Meh. He isn't going to get the scholarship so ED won't do too much. NU is your most likely destination though, as it is by far most sub 3.0 friendly of all the t14. Apply to WUSTL and Vandy for negotiation purposes.

NU won't consider money from anyone outside the T14 with the exception of UT and UCLA (I think). Above poster is correct that you have no chance at ED at NU. Apply to the lower T14 and hope NU gives you some money.

[star fox]

Horrendous undergraduate record at a top 25 university: GPA of 2.8

However, after several months of study I nailed the June LSAT on my first take with a 179.

There isn't really much exceptional about my case. I am a good writer and should have a fine handle on the essay; there are at least a few professors who will write me some very nice recs; and I have some good work experience with finance internships.

My question of course is where I should apply/where I can hope to get in. I don't think the calculators and predictors are very good for someone with my numbers, so real knowledge would be appreciated!

Blanket the T14 and any strong regionals you'd consider attending. Splitters gotta just ride it out. Applicants are dropping like flies, so I wouldn't be shocked if you got some bites with some $$ with that LSAT.

[CardozoLaw09]

Horrendous undergraduate record at a top 25 university: GPA of 2.8

However, after several months of study I nailed the June LSAT on my first take with a 179.

There isn't really much exceptional about my case. I am a good writer and should have a fine handle on the essay; there are at least a few professors who will write me some very nice recs; and I have some good work experience with finance internships.

My question of course is where I should apply/where I can hope to get in. I don't think the calculators and predictors are very good for someone with my numbers, so real knowledge would be appreciated!

Blanket the T14 and any strong regionals you'd consider attending. Splitters gotta just ride it out. Applicants are dropping like flies, so I wouldn't be shocked if you got some bites with some $$ with that LSAT.

+1

[JamMasterJ]

He won't get NU ED but EDing may be a factor in their decision to roll/admit him. Not saying definitively that this was the reason but a friend with very similar stats employed this strategy successfully