Top Law Schools

So, stats are: [3.7-3.8] GPA, [170-173] LSAT score. Have taken before, scored a [160-165] the first time. Softs: [Average]. Working on applications now and don't want to apply to too many schools, but am thinking:

UPenn, UVA, Michigan, Cornell, Georgetown, GW

I have a preference for the Philly/DC areas. But also don't mind the cold. Just not too into Chicago or NYC. Would prefer to go to UPenn first, then UVA second out of the bunch. Would be equally happy at the other four. Is it worth it to ED to UPenn? Obviously financial aid is a factor, but is it likely to get into UPenn without ED?

No. Why are you limiting your school list to these choices?

These are just the schools I like best. Not necessarily a limit but like I said, I'm not that interested in Chicago or NYC. Also think California/Texas would be a bit far for me.

lillyc wrote:These are just the schools I like best. Not necessarily a limit but like I said, I'm not that interested in Chicago or NYC. Also think California/Texas would be a bit far for me.

Ok, can you be a bit more specific? Law school preferences should primarily be based on your career goals and where you want to live after graduation. I get that you aren't interested in Chicago/NYC long-term, but are you really willing to write off four top schools because you aren't digging those particular cities?

That said, what are your career goals? If you want biglaw, you need to start being more open to the idea of NYC in general.

I would like to end up back at the Justice Department, but wouldn't mind trying biglaw or clerking either. I do love my current work in Antitrust but don't want to limit my scope before experiencing other potential paths as well. That's my draw to UVA/Georgetown/GW. As for Penn, my family is from the Philadelphia area and I just enjoy being there, and also am interested in the semester at the London School of Economics. With Michigan and Cornell, I think it would be nice to live in a smaller city/town before likely spending the beginning of my career in a major city. I do think I may end up blanketing the T14 just to keep options open, but these schools are where I'd be inclined to go, UPenn and UVA being my favorites.

lillyc wrote:I would like to end up back at the Justice Department, but wouldn't mind trying biglaw or clerking either. I do love my current work in Antitrust but don't want to limit my scope before experiencing other potential paths as well. That's my draw to UVA/Georgetown/GW. As for Penn, my family is from the Philadelphia area and I just enjoy being there, and also am interested in the semester at the London School of Economics. With Michigan and Cornell, I think it would be nice to live in a smaller city/town before likely spending the beginning of my career in a major city. I do think I may end up blanketing the T14 just to keep options open, but these schools are where I'd be inclined to go, UPenn and UVA being my favorites.

If you want to end up back at DOJ, you almost certainly will need to spend some time in biglaw and/or clerking. GW should not be in consideration, and unless you want to throw all your eggs in the fedgov basket (a risky proposition anywhere), you probably shouldn't be seriously looking at Georgetown. DOJ is one of the most competitive career tracks in the legal field.

Focus on job outcomes and your cost of attendance (once you have offers). Then, when you have a wide range of acceptances and scholarships to choose from, you can think about the marginal concerns, like whether you'll be in a nice town, have the chance to study abroad, or live near family.

Thank you for the advice, it was much needed! Will definitely be applying to a wider scope of schools then.

lillyc wrote:Thank you for the advice, it was much needed! Will definitely be applying to a wider scope of schools then.

You should blanket apply to Harvard and below. You have a slim shot at H, but it looks like you have a better shot at Chicago than Penn. You may be able to get substantial $$$ at UVA, which has pretty good connections to DC FEDGOV.

AdieuCali wrote:You should blanket apply to Harvard and below. You have a slim shot at H, but it looks like you have a better shot at Chicago than Penn. You may be able to get substantial $$$ at UVA, which has pretty good connections to DC FEDGOV.

I agree with the advice to blanket the T13 from Harvard through Cornell. I think part of the reason for the apparent dip in admissions chances at MVP (Michigan, Virginia, Penn) may be that those schools strongly prefer/effectively require Why X essays, whereas the other T13s generally don't care nearly as much (or at all).

Michigan could very well prove to be OP's best option - from the data, if OP gets in, they are almost assured a large scholarship. I'd advise OP to put some effort into writing a convincing Why Mich.

Michigan and UVA would both be amazing options. I also technically count as a Virginia resident. Not initially from here, but I've been down here for about a year now. Is it true that that could help? Also with regard to the Why X essays, is this outside of their optional essays? I have written some of the optional essays so far, but then should I include a Why X essay on top of that? Thank you again everyone!

lillyc wrote:Michigan and UVA would both be amazing options. I also technically count as a Virginia resident. Not initially from here, but I've been down here for about a year now. Is it true that that could help? Also with regard to the Why X essays, is this outside of their optional essays? I have written some of the optional essays so far, but then should I include a Why X essay on top of that? Thank you again everyone!

Yes, the Why [Michigan/Virginia/Penn/etc.] essay is separate from, say, an optional Diversity Statement or GPA/LSAT Addendum or C&F Addendum or whatnot. It should be highly customized to each specific school, so it'll take some effort to craft. Most of the T13 don't really care, so I wouldn't bother writing a Why X for those schools unless you 1) have the time and energy, and 2) are able to write a strong Why X for that school.

UVA does give some preference to Virginia residents. Not sure whether "about a year" would qualify you. Their website at https://www.law.virginia.edu/admissions ... admissions (scroll down to the "Is preference given to Virginia residents?" question) has more info that you should look into.