Non-traditional applicant: LSAT 162 but no GPA Forum

[Blougram]

I applied to the U of M binding early decisions program with the following:

LSAT: 162 (1 point below median for 2017);
No GPA, but BA and MA transcripts from European universities evaluated by LSAC as "superior / A level work";
Work experience as a writer and researcher in the non-profit/public interest sector. My research and writings have been cited by national news outlets (e.g. The Guardian, New York Times, Washington Post);
Personal statement detailing one of my research projects from initial planning to, well, shout-outs in New York Times editorials and successful public-interest litigation.
State resident and, as mentioned, early decisions applicant;
Non-traditional applicant (I'm 36, fairly recent immigrant to the US. I have a feeling that admissions are agnostic when it comes to this, though);
Excellent LOR from the general counsel I worked closely with (perhaps a moot point, I am sure everyone's LOR is great).

What do you people think of my chances? If I don't get in, I can re-apply to the regular pool, hopefully with a significantly higher LSAT as I have been PTing in the high 160s/low 170s. And speaking of which, if I get in but with no or little scholarship money, and significantly boost my LSAT in December, can I use that as leverage to renegotiate my scholarship?

[RedPurpleBlue]

You really should not have applied binding ED. It completely ruins any leverage that you could have when negotiating scholarships. You really should not have even applied with a 162 when you were PTing in the high 160s and 170s.