Would you rather hit slightly below medians or have a 75th/25th split? Forum

[CHyde]

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[curry1]

I'm spinning my gears here as I ponder retakes. Let's use Harvard as an example.

Current numbers are:

25th: 3.76/170
50th: 3.86/172
75th: 3.94/175

Which is better?

3.84/171 or 3.7/175?
3.84/171 or 3.9/170?

I tried to use MyLSN but not sure if there are enough data points for this type of comparison. I'd be grateful for any help or further hypothesizing.

3.7 175 without question, almost definitely 3.9/170 for your second pair

[cherrygalore]

Based on anecdotal evidence (and who knows what it's worth), I'd rather apply with a lower GPA and a higher LSAT---3.7/175+

But, either way you'd have a good shot. Are you trying to decide whether to apply now? Or wait, retake, and apply when the app opens in Sept? Because applying in September does give you a small, but very real edge, with either set of numbers (especially the one with the higher LSAT).

This is exactly why I'm retaking in June and applying the second the apps open in fall.

[AJordan]

Yeah, a third vote for LSAT at 75. Just statistically it makes more sense for them to be able to manipulate an LSAT 75th with your app when they're likely inundated with median level GPAs and they may not have the easiest time admitting ~100 applicants with 175+ to maintain that 75 simply because there just aren't a lot of 175+ holders out there and the ones that do exist also get accepted to Yale/Stanford and get big money at other great schools. Put it this way, I'm gonna graduate ~3.2. If by some act of God I have a 175 I'm applying to Harvard. I know I've got next to zero shot at getting in, but my app would be in a MUCH better spot than someone with an inverse 3.97/157

[CHyde]

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