Top Law Schools

Hi, I'm looking for any general pointers on viable schools in the Texas area. I did a 160 last month (June 2015 LSAT), which is right near the best I did on PT's (I struggle on the LSAT, I did also take a PowerScore class), don't really think I can do much better.

I'm actually a recent grad (graduated in Spring 2015), from UT Austin with a BS in electrical engineering (Integrated Circuits/Power Systems). I currently work at Texas Instruments down in Dallas, but have been considering schools either locally part time or full time elsewhere. I was looking at UH/SMU/A&M/Baylor/etc.. just general "local" schools (no shot at UT just from numbers, not going to bother). Houston I have family in, Dallas/FW I currently live in so both are viable for me.

SMU would be awesome since it's local, but some googling showed that its full time program LSAT median was ~161, which I'm below, along with their median GPA (3.63). However, their part time program has a LSAT median of ~159. Would it benefit me to apply part time (which I was considering) versus full time? My main issue is my job isn't exactly an 8-5, it's an 8-whenever you finish... sometimes 6, even 7. I've heard horror stories on first year life, so not sure if this would be a bad combination on my part.

Kind of an oddball question, but does being too young hurt you in applications? I graduated in 3 years from UT, and I turn 21 next May. I know most applicants are in their mid 20's or older.. just wondering.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading!

TX Resident here.

Even one or two more points on an October retake makes SMU turn from an iffy chance to a very solid chance

What are your goals after law school?

You should probably use the resources on this board to keep studying for the LSAT and retake to try to get into UT for (by far) the best employment outcomes of the Texas schools.

Being young doesn't hurt you in any way.

Broncos15 wrote:TX Resident here.

Even one or two more points on an October retake makes SMU turn from an iffy chance to a very solid chance

You're right. The highest I ever scored on a PT was 161 though, and it wasn't often. I'm more afraid of retrogressing, which in my eyes would make the 160 look like a fluke. In all honesty, I was aiming for the 150's. I know how ridiculous that sounds, but I started in the mid 140's. It took me a while to get there. I must be the only engineer that doesn't take to the LSAT as naturally as everybody says they should, lol.

hearsay77 wrote:What are your goals after law school?

You should probably use the resources on this board to keep studying for the LSAT and retake to try to get into UT for (by far) the best employment outcomes of the Texas schools.

Being young doesn't hurt you in any way.

Private practice eventually, but I'd like to get my feet wet at a local firm first. IP law specifically, due to my hard science background. My family is in the patent business (agents, not attorneys). No desire to go for a "big" firm.

Once again, thanks for the replies. If anyone had any insight on part time programs, that'd be baller haha. Thanks again.

Why would you leave a good job to go to TTT Texas schools

If you really want to be a lawyer retake and go to UT

You have a 3.6 in EE from UT, but a 160 LSAT. Something doesn't add up.

Do you have a diagnosed test-taking disability or is English your second language? I ask because even at a 165 you would be competitive for schools with $ and near-guaranteed an IP job at graduation.

Seriously think hard about boosting that LSAT, because it could make a difference to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship and wages.

Sounds like you're sacrificing a good career for a crappy law degree. Don't go.

Mack.Hambleton wrote:Why would you leave a good job to go to TTT Texas schools

If you really want to be a lawyer retake and go to UT

I very strongly concur with this. I am a ut student.

formulaencore wrote:You're right. The highest I ever scored on a PT was 161 though, and it wasn't often. I'm more afraid of retrogressing, which in my eyes would make the 160 look like a fluke.

Retaking and getting a worse score is frustrating, but law schools won't care. Your highest score is what matters.

But you have a good job so maybe you shouldn't go to law school.