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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.)

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

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

GoldenGopherHopeful wrote: 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.

GoldenGopherHopeful wrote: 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.

GoldenGopherHopeful wrote: 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.

addie1412 wrote: 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.

cavalier1138 wrote:

addie1412 wrote: 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

.

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