Top Law Schools

I see all the negativity about LSAT scores under 155-160 basically so no need for a lecture or negativity. My GPA is 3.58 and my LSAT was 145. I took both the October and December test but ended up with the same score. I know my score is not the best but I am not financially able to retest in February and I can not miss out on applying on this cycle . I've heard about people getting admitted based on good softs, resumes, statements, etc. who were URMs. I'm just seeking to know if it's worth my money applying to UT Austin & Loyola NOLA. I graduated early with honors & awards for academics and involvement on campus, I am also interning at a law firm; will any of that help with my chances?

URM changes the game, especially if AA. My rigorous statistical analysis gives it a boost of +5 lsat points. This puts you at ~150 (which I believe is right around the 50th%). Do a quick search of mylsn.info - I think you will find that you will have a decent chance for schools ranked 50-100. I would even say you have a strong chance at Loyola NO, but a poor shot at UT.

I think you should pick around ten schools in your region and start submitting TODAY. I think you will be pleasantly surprised,

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I second the comment about being clearer about your goals. UT and Loyola-NOLA are radically different schools with entirely different employment outcomes. If you're considering those two schools as top choices, you haven't done enough research.

Also, you absolutely can wait another cycle before applying. There is no reason you can't except impatience, and your future self is going to be really pissed off when they realize that past-you decided impatience was a good reason to take out $200k+ in loans.