Masters in Biotech Student 167 LSAT and 4.16 LSAC GPA Forum

[pine707]

Hi guys,

To briefly introduce myself, I attended a private undergrad institution and majored in Physiology -- mainly because I really loved learning about the human body and how everything "works." Then, since I couldn't really figure out what I wanted to do -- but I wanted to learn more about Biotechnology and how drugs are created or new treatments are devised -- so I continued my education and got the Masters' degree in Biotechnology. During my time at grad school, I took classes in Biotechnology Law (IP law mainly) and healthcare regulations. Taking these classes really inspired me to pursue legal education and get involved in either of these interdisciplinary fields.

So my first LSAT in June 2015 was 163. I took it again in October and received 167. My GPA calculated by LSAC is 4.16.

To briefly summarize my softs:
- Working in hospitals (anesthesiologist's clinic and oral surgery clinic).
- Research:
1. Assessing physiological stress responses of drivers using different types of steering wheels (published with my name as one of the co-authors).
2. Assessing evolutionary lineage and prevalence of Wolbachia bacteria in army ant population (molecular biology lab). This lab experience also resulted in a publication with my name as one of the co-authors.
3. Assessing oncogenicity of Notch4 in human pancreatic cancer.
This research is on-going at Columbia's cancer research center in NYC. I actually found several really interesting mutations so this is also likely to result in a publication soon (but probably after I submit my law school applications).
- Others:
Teaching experience
Volunteer at underprivileged locations providing aid to healthcare providers
Published a book in my home country about my experience of moving to the US and adopting to a different culture.
Played intramural soccer in undergrad
- Honors
Received a memorial scholarship award in undergrad for my GPA
Dean's list

Schools that I plan to apply to and LSAC's GPA/LSAT calculator percentage (if available):

1. Harvard (40-50%)
2. Stanford
3. Columbia (25-35%)
4. NYU (60-79%)
5. Penn
6. Virginia (37-47%)
7. Duke (37-47%)
8. Northwestern (55-65%)
9. Cornell (54-68%)
10. UC Berkeley (72-84%)
11. UCLA (83-93%)
12. BU (89-99%)
13. USC (89-99%)
14. Michigan (41-52%)

I am thinking about applying with binding early decision to NYU or Columbia because I am currently living in NYC and I would prefer to stay here.

Also, since my top priority is to get into the highest ranked school that I can get into, I was thinking about applying early decision to NYU and secure my place there. But then I was hoping maybe I can get into Columbia despite my low LSAT?

Any thoughts/advice/comments on where I should apply early will be appreciated. Thank you all for your input!

[cbbinnyc]

Don't apply early to Columbia or NYU. The boost from ED is negligible and you have a legit shot at Harvard and at money from other T14 schools. Also, you should retake, get a 170+, and go pretty much wherever you want.

[basedvulpes]

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