3.84 GPA, 159 LSAT, URM, but late applicant Forum

[BeyonceBeytwice]

I graduated with a 3.84 and got a 159 on the LSAT. When I first took the LSAT, I got a 153, so I asked them to hold off on their decision until I retook it in June.
Well, its July, my scores are in, what are my chances? Bummed I didn't get a 160 because then I'd feel better about my chances, but there's a much better chance than there was when I had a 153. I applied to Georgia State University.

Anyone else that applied late have a positive experience with admissions?

[PB&J.D.]

I graduated with a 3.84 and got a 159 on the LSAT. When I first took the LSAT, I got a 153, so I asked them to hold off on their decision until I retook it in June.
Well, its July, my scores are in, what are my chances? Bummed I didn't get a 160 because then I'd feel better about my chances, but there's a much better chance than there was when I had a 153. I applied to Georgia State University.

Anyone else that applied late have a positive experience with admissions?

Please don't plan to go to law school in the fall. Reapply early & retake, even if it only nets a few points--you should grab a few WLs & be able to get in with a few more points. Depending on URM status, with that GPA and some crafting negotiations, you can net good $$$ and do much better than GSU (no offense, but jobs).

[BeyonceBeytwice]

I graduated with a 3.84 and got a 159 on the LSAT. When I first took the LSAT, I got a 153, so I asked them to hold off on their decision until I retook it in June.
Well, its July, my scores are in, what are my chances? Bummed I didn't get a 160 because then I'd feel better about my chances, but there's a much better chance than there was when I had a 153. I applied to Georgia State University.

Anyone else that applied late have a positive experience with admissions?

Please don't plan to go to law school in the fall. Reapply early & retake, even if it only nets a few points--you should grab a few WLs & be able to get in with a few more points. Depending on URM status, with that GPA and some crafting negotiations, you can net good $$$ and do much better than GSU (no offense, but jobs).

I am a black woman. I'd like to stay in the state for law school because my father has health problems. Do you think I'll get into State this cycle or is there no chance? I know I'll have a better shot at getting $$ if I wait until next cycle, though.

[shump92]

Any reason you aren't looking at Emory? Still in state but better reputation which would help with job prospects later. You are well above their median GPA and not too far below median LSAT. Obviously go where you want to, but most posters are going to advise you to go to the most prestigious school possible.

[unsweetened]

Probably best to wait until next cycle for a better shot at $$$ and retaking if you still have the opportunity to do so.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Any reason you aren't looking at Emory? Still in state but better reputation which would help with job prospects later. You are well above their median GPA and not too far below median LSAT. Obviously go where you want to, but most posters are going to advise you to go to the most prestigious school possible.

Honestly, when I was originally submitting applications, I had a 153 LSAT and 3.83 GPA. I figured Emory was a long shot, and the application deadline was only a couple of days away. If I do not get into State this year, I'll definitely apply to Emory. If I apply as soon as the cycle begins with a 159, I at least have a chance and its preferable to State in every way imaginable.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Probably best to wait until next cycle for a better shot at $$$ and retaking if you still have the opportunity to do so.

I'm considering withdrawing if there isn't any scholarship offer. I'm pretty poor. Mercer offered $24,000 with my previous LSAT score (I know it's a shit school. Withdrew my application).

[shump92]

If I do not get into State this year, I'll definitely apply to Emory. If I apply as soon as the cycle begins with a 159, I at least have a chance and its preferable to State in every way imaginable.[/quote]

Based on this response I would highly recommend waiting for this upcoming year's cycle. You give yourself a shot at both schools and would also have a chance to retake to improve $$. I don't see why you should settle for your second choice if your first choice is possible next year. It's not as if State won't accept you then.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

If I do not get into State this year, I'll definitely apply to Emory. If I apply as soon as the cycle begins with a 159, I at least have a chance and its preferable to State in every way imaginable.

Based on this response I would highly recommend waiting for this upcoming year's cycle. You give yourself a shot at both schools and would also have a chance to retake to improve $$. I don't see why you should settle for your second choice if your first choice is possible next year. It's not as if State won't accept you then.[/quote]

I appreciate the advice! I'll consider it. My practice score was a 164 (I just have really bad test anxiety), so this might be the best option for $$ and job prospects. LSAT would just be out of pocket next time, sadly, but likely worth it.

[lavarman84]

I appreciate the advice! I'll consider it. My practice score was a 164 (I just have really bad test anxiety), so this might be the best option for $$ and job prospects. LSAT would just be out of pocket next time, sadly, but likely worth it.

Is this only for standardized tests? Because law school exams are pretty daunting for a lot of people. If you have bad test anxiety, I'd definitely wait and try to go to a better school (Emory if you have to stay in state and they offer you a good scholarship...which I'd expect because of your numbers and URM status) because if you have some bad grades in law school due to your test anxiety, employers will be more willing to reach deeper into your class. Plus, as a late applicant, you're less likely to get significant scholarship money.

[Mack.Hambleton]

Retake

Talk to a doctor about test anxiety. They'll probably give you benzos/beta blockers and you should be fine, also good to have for law school exams I imagine.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Retake

Talk to a doctor about test anxiety. They'll probably give you benzos/beta blockers and you should be fine, also good to have for law school exams I imagine.

I'll try that. I'll have to see what my insurance will cover. Thanks! I'll need them for the bar exam for sure.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

I appreciate the advice! I'll consider it. My practice score was a 164 (I just have really bad test anxiety), so this might be the best option for $$ and job prospects. LSAT would just be out of pocket next time, sadly, but likely worth it.

Is this only for standardized tests? Because law school exams are pretty daunting for a lot of people. If you have bad test anxiety, I'd definitely wait and try to go to a better school (Emory if you have to stay in state and they offer you a good scholarship...which I'd expect because of your numbers and URM status) because if you have some bad grades in law school due to your test anxiety, employers will be more willing to reach deeper into your class. Plus, as a late applicant, you're less likely to get significant scholarship money.

It is with all tests, but with regular exams, if I just study until my eyes bleed, that helps to reduce the anxiety a bit Probably part of the reason I had a 3.9 major GPA. I don't think it will affect my test grades in law schools, but I'll need to see someone before I take the bar for sure. My eczema flares up and I get panic attacks before exams sometimes.

If I don't get significant scholarships to GSU, I'll take a year off and apply to both GSU and Emory as soon as the application period opens.

[landshoes]

Definitely get help with the anxiety and retake. You seem smart and hard-working and I'd hate to see you underperform your abilities due to a fixable condition. I used to have terrible test anxiety, too, and dealing with it had a lot to do with my score improvement (I did it without meds but meds are good too)

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Good news! Found out this morning I was accepted with a $10,000 scholarship. I'm going to accept the offer!

[landshoes]

Please don't. That seems like a really bad deal.

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Please don't. That seems like a really bad deal.

It would make law school tuition only cost $6,000.

[landshoes]

Oh sorry, it's 10k a year? I misunderstood.

[trebekismyhero]

Still as an AA woman with that GPA you can do better. Really consider taking the cycle off and retaking. Several more points and you could go to Emory for free

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Oh sorry, it's 10k a year? I misunderstood.

Yes, $10, 0000 per year!

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Still as an AA woman with that GPA you can do better. Really consider taking the cycle off and retaking. Several more points and you could go to Emory for free

Georgia State is ranked higher for health law (the field I want) and has a higher number of people who graduate with job prior to passing the bar. I'll take 24 hours to think about it, but I think this is really is my best bet instead of taking a year off on the chance I could muster several extra points on the LSAT. I can't afford a course.

[trebekismyhero]

Still as an AA woman with that GPA you can do better. Really consider taking the cycle off and retaking. Several more points and you could go to Emory for free

Georgia State is ranked higher for health law (the field I want) and has a higher number of people who graduate with job prior to passing the bar. I'll take 24 hours to think about it, but I think this is really is my best bet instead of taking a year off on the chance I could muster several extra points on the LSAT. I can't afford a course.

Specialty rankings don't matter. The options you will have will be much better from Emory.

With that said, also ask Georgia State for more money. If they really want you they might offer you more money

[BeyonceBeytwice]

Still as an AA woman with that GPA you can do better. Really consider taking the cycle off and retaking. Several more points and you could go to Emory for free

Georgia State is ranked higher for health law (the field I want) and has a higher number of people who graduate with job prior to passing the bar. I'll take 24 hours to think about it, but I think this is really is my best bet instead of taking a year off on the chance I could muster several extra points on the LSAT. I can't afford a course.

Specialty rankings don't matter. The options you will have will be much better from Emory.

With that said, also ask Georgia State for more money. If they really want you they might offer you more money

Hm, how would you go about asking for more money? Is there a particular method?

[unsweetened]

What is the urgency to matriculate now as opposed to taking some time to work+study and retaking? The potential benefit greatly outweighs the risk, based on the information available.

[Legacy Rabbit]

Please listen to the advice from this board. Except the part to take medication to help with your test anxiety. Do you really want to go down this path?

Use this year to work, save money, and sharpen your test skills. You may need to change your testing location. I decided to go to a new location and stay over night simply because the test center and main proctor were more amenable. This made a huge difference on my score.

Use the rest of the summer to continue PT and apply in early to mid October to Emory. You are an AA woman with a very high GPA. Do you not waste any of this.

Lastly, remember you are not just applying and matriculating to a school, you are also choosing the alumni connection that will follow you for the next 40 years. Between Georgia State and Emory, you really want Emory.