166, 3.62, ~URM, top 10 ug (irrelevant?)- E.D. NYU v. UVA, Boalt? Forum

[Gracie615]

I could use some advice. I bombed my LSAT hard, am unable to retake (don't ask, long/bad story), and am panicking. My top choices were PI at either NYU or Berkeley; now I've added Virginia to the mix because it seems like a good fit, and perhaps more doable. Luckily (x10) my law school tuition is paid for by a relative, so I do not have to worry too much about money. With that in mind, provided that I want to do everything possible to go to a T10 school, would I be best served by applying ED to either NYU or UVA? Or Applying to Berkeley and NYU, and waiting to apply to UVA until I hear rumblings?

Background:
-3.62, top 15% of class junior and senior years. Went to a top 10 Ivy undergrad (not that it matters?)
-Mom is hispanic (not Puerto Rican or Mexican, which seems to be the only ones of interest.) I'm fluent in Spanish as well as a couple of other languages.
-Strong work experience and softs

Putting the finishing touches on my personal statement now. I would greatly appreciate some input.

[fredfred]

You can always retake. I didn't think it was possible either but it made such a huge difference in my life now. But all things considered, not a great shot at any of the three as it stands. Your GPA isn't great for Boalt, and your LSAT/GPA combo is not great either for NYU or UVA. Maybe 30% chance at UVA, 10% Boalt/NYU. It would be different if you were a hispanic that was considered an URM. Retake.

[Gracie615]

Maxed out and cannot retake for 3 years. I received foolish advice about taking the Feb LSAT as a "practice" and canceling. Bombed June and Oct - long story, lots of personal stuff and I should have taken a step back and put them off.

With that being said -- advice?!

[fredfred]

well you can always go work for 3 years and try again. You might get a slight ED bump somewhere but I think its unlikely from those schools. Also remember UVA is required to take x% of in state students so if you are out of state it is harder. If you are instate however, your chances at UVA increase significantly. Honestly you are below the medians for every one of those schools for both your numbers. Not being a URM (no matter how weird it is how they define certain groups and not others), you aren't looking at great t14 options. Cornell/Gtown might be in play but thats still 50/50.