non-traditional big splitter - T14 advice? Forum

[GoldenGopherHopeful]

I know splitters are notoriously difficult to predict, but wondering if anyone has had success (or knows someone who has) with a similar profile.

UGGPA: 2.7
LSAT: 169
Years of professional experience: nine
Softs: Record of commitment and success w/ nationally recognized orgs; had significant and unique public sector leadership role w/ newsworthy results
URM: No
Other relevant info: Applied several years ago with same stats as above, thought I wouldn't get in anywhere, received very generous offer from two T20 schools; ultimately decided not to go. Was also accepted to Kennedy School and SIPA (with $$!) but declined offers.

I'm sure conventional wisdom would be to wait until the next cycle, retake the LSAT and shoot for 170's, and apply ED to a traditionally splitter-friendly school. I'll do that if I have to, but I REALLY want to apply this year. So, assuming it's not a foregone conclusion, questions re: applying this cycle:
1) Is there ANY shot for any T14's? Advice on strategy?
2) Would it be worthwhile to take the February LSAT? Scores would not be available until early March - but any schools still considering my application would see them. (I think.)

[Wipfelder]

I had Lower GPA/Higher LSAT, in at several T-14's.

I'd really say "retake", especially if you wanted cash.

[addie1412]

Other relevant info: Applied several years ago with same stats as above, thought I wouldn't get in anywhere, received very generous offer from two T20 schools; ultimately decided not to go. Was also accepted to Kennedy School and SIPA (with $$!) but declined offers.

Admissions are more competitive now than they were several years ago.

I'm sure conventional wisdom would be to wait until the next cycle, retake the LSAT and shoot for 170's, and apply ED to a traditionally splitter-friendly school. I'll do that if I have to

If your mentality is T14-or-bust, you probably have to.

1) Is there ANY shot for any T14's? Advice on strategy?

How do you feel about Northwestern at sticker price? Write an interesting PS and you might have a non-zero shot.

[cavalier1138]

Admissions are more competitive now than they were several years ago.

How many years is "several"? Every school except HYS shows a trend of lower numbers over the past 6-7 years. There have been some indications that may pick up again, but last cycle didn't see any real median changes at most of the T14.

Not that a retake isn't good, because with that GPA, I think a score in the 170s would look a lot better. But admissions standards are lower than they were in 2010, and applicant pools are still down.

[addie1412]

Admissions are more competitive now than they were several years ago.

How many years is "several"? Every school except HYS shows a trend of lower numbers over the past 6-7 years. There have been some indications that may pick up again, but last cycle didn't see any real median changes at most of the T14.

Not that a retake isn't good, because with that GPA, I think a score in the 170s would look a lot better. But admissions standards are lower than they were in 2010, and applicant pools are still down.

I was talking about ~2013ish. 2010 and earlier cycles were definitely harder

[chargers21]

.

[trebekismyhero]

It depends on what you want to do. Based on your username, I am guessing you're from Minnesota. If you are cool with working small law or local gov't in Minnesota, then you should be in good position to get a full ride to Minnesota.

If you are looking more at a major market big law then you probably need to retake although probably have a shot at NU and maybe Cornell, just at sticker.

I actually had a very similar resume before applying to law school. Feel free to PM if you have more questions