GPA of 3.1 and LSAT of 171. I’m planning to apply very early in the cycle. (I have all my application materials ready to go.) Not a URM.
I’m trying to figure out where to apply ED. I would like to apply ED to NYU, but I’m not sure if I’m wasting my ED on a school I have a low probability of getting into.
Where do you guys think I should apply ED?
3.1/171 Splitter Forum
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HYPSM
- Posts: 229
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:27 pm
Re: 3.1/171 Splitter
Northwestern or UVA.splitter567 wrote:GPA of 3.1 and LSAT of 171. I’m planning to apply very early in the cycle. (I have all my application materials ready to go.) Not a URM.
I’m trying to figure out where to apply ED. I would like to apply ED to NYU, but I’m not sure if I’m wasting my ED on a school I have a low probability of getting into.
Where do you guys think I should apply ED?
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Wipfelder
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- Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2014 3:26 am
Re: 3.1/171 Splitter
Or regional school with an awesome scholarship...........you gotta know what your goals are before you can make a decision like that.
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cavalier1138
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Re: 3.1/171 Splitter
You should only consider applying ED to a school that you 100% want to go to over all others. But assuming that money is a consideration for you (and it should be), you should only consider applying ED to a school that offers you a guaranteed scholarship with your acceptance. So in the T14, that would be Northwestern.
Otherwise, ED has been shown to have anywhere from a minimal to a negative effect on your admissions chances, and it totally wrecks your chances of good merit aid.
Otherwise, ED has been shown to have anywhere from a minimal to a negative effect on your admissions chances, and it totally wrecks your chances of good merit aid.
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splitter567
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Re: 3.1/171 Splitter
Thanks for everyone’s advice!
I should have added in my original post that money isn’t playing much of a role in my decision. I’ve been very lucky financially. I don’t plan on taking out any debt and paying full sticker is no problem.
UVA’s ED deadline is the same as their regular deadline (Mar 6) and GULC’s deadline is Feb 1. So does it make sense to apply early to say NW or NYU and then if I get rejected, call UVA or GULC to change my application from regular to early decision?
I should have added in my original post that money isn’t playing much of a role in my decision. I’ve been very lucky financially. I don’t plan on taking out any debt and paying full sticker is no problem.
UVA’s ED deadline is the same as their regular deadline (Mar 6) and GULC’s deadline is Feb 1. So does it make sense to apply early to say NW or NYU and then if I get rejected, call UVA or GULC to change my application from regular to early decision?
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Lexaholik
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Re: 3.1/171 Splitter
I don't think ED provides you with the bump you think it does.
The problem with your plan is that NU probably won't reject you (if at all) until much later. (I'm less certain about NYU but wouldn't be surprised.) So you'll be in a situation where you're on the WL or deferred to the general applicant pool. I suppose at that point you could "change" your status to early decision but I don't think that will help you as much as you think. First, as others have mentioned "ED" on your application status provides only a marginal benefit. Second, think about how UVA/GULC will react to that call. Do you think you'll come across as genuinely interested in their school?
My advice is this. If money is truly no object, apply ED to the school you want to go to. I'd lean towards Northwestern but perhaps I'm biased because they admitted me with a 2.9/170 years ago. (I applied ED, was deferred into the general pool, then was placed on the waitlist, then on the "shortened summer waitlist" before I was admitted.) Regardless, you should apply anywhere and everywhere you could see yourself attending.
And instead of focusing on where to apply ED, focus on your total application package. How did you spin your 3.1 in the addendum? Do your recommenders speak to your academic ability and discipline? Did you remember to avoid hackneyed, beaten-to-death PS topics? What did you going to write about in your optional essays? Do you plan to fly to Chicago to do an on-site interview to express your interest in attending NU? Etc. etc.
These are the things that will help you get accepted. They're much harder than just checking a box that says ED but totally worth it.
Good luck. You've got a good a shot as anyone at getting into a T14. Just don't play your cards wrong by putting together a mediocre application and hope that your ED will save you. It won't.
The problem with your plan is that NU probably won't reject you (if at all) until much later. (I'm less certain about NYU but wouldn't be surprised.) So you'll be in a situation where you're on the WL or deferred to the general applicant pool. I suppose at that point you could "change" your status to early decision but I don't think that will help you as much as you think. First, as others have mentioned "ED" on your application status provides only a marginal benefit. Second, think about how UVA/GULC will react to that call. Do you think you'll come across as genuinely interested in their school?
My advice is this. If money is truly no object, apply ED to the school you want to go to. I'd lean towards Northwestern but perhaps I'm biased because they admitted me with a 2.9/170 years ago. (I applied ED, was deferred into the general pool, then was placed on the waitlist, then on the "shortened summer waitlist" before I was admitted.) Regardless, you should apply anywhere and everywhere you could see yourself attending.
And instead of focusing on where to apply ED, focus on your total application package. How did you spin your 3.1 in the addendum? Do your recommenders speak to your academic ability and discipline? Did you remember to avoid hackneyed, beaten-to-death PS topics? What did you going to write about in your optional essays? Do you plan to fly to Chicago to do an on-site interview to express your interest in attending NU? Etc. etc.
These are the things that will help you get accepted. They're much harder than just checking a box that says ED but totally worth it.
Good luck. You've got a good a shot as anyone at getting into a T14. Just don't play your cards wrong by putting together a mediocre application and hope that your ED will save you. It won't.
