Top Law Schools

gpa: 3.2 (stem degree but I realize this doesn't do much)
Lsat: 171

softs: 3 years WE in federal govt, personal LoRs from federal elected (not internship form letter)

Northwestern ED very unlikely but you have a solid shot at getting at least one T14.

Do you think retaking and trying for a 173/4 would change any of the calculations?

tavor wrote: ↑

Sat May 16, 2020 4:38 pm

Do you think retaking and trying for a 173/4 would change any of the calculations?

Not sure about Northwestern ED, but it would certainly help for the other t14, and scholarships as well. Is there a particular reason you’re focused on Northwestern ED?

A few reasons - the relatively older student body, the class ranking policy, the Bluhm Clinic, the class size, the facilities, and location (I definitely would prefer an urban school), and the guaranteed $ at a t14 is appealing, especially for a splitter like myself. As for specifically why ED - it's the only school that I'd be willing to apply ED for, and it doesn't make sense to me to not try for it. I'm 100% willing to listen to advice on my targets and applications, however. I also think a 173+ is attainable, I've gotten up there on PTs.

tavor wrote: ↑

Sat May 16, 2020 4:38 pm

Do you think retaking and trying for a 173/4 would change any of the calculations?

It's pretty much pure upside, so do it if you can, but I believe your GPA is going to make NU ED a tough sell no matter what you do on the LSAT side. WashU is probably the highest-ranked school where you can expect a massive scholarship like that.

I'd rather take a chance at a tough sell and miss than not take it at all. Especially if there's a decent chance at t14. I live in DC and would be very happy going to GW with $$$ or $$, tbh, so there's that as well.

tavor wrote: ↑

Sat May 16, 2020 9:28 pm

I'd rather take a chance at a tough sell and miss than not take it at all. Especially if there's a decent chance at t14. I live in DC and would be very happy going to GW with $$$ or $$, tbh, so there's that as well.

That's totally fair. In your shoes I'd apply to every school ranked from NYU to Georgetown plus WashU and GW. (Submit those apps early rather than wait to hear back from the ED application.) You should end up with at least 1-2 decent options from among those -- it's just hard to predict which ones as a splitter.

I appreciate the advice! I plan on hitting BU and Fordham, as well - I'm from NYC and would be ok with pretty much anything in Boston/NYC/Philly/DC.

Thank you for the help, being a splitter makes everything more anxiety-inducing, but it's really my own fault, so c'est la vie.

I don’t see NU giving you the ED scholly easily cuz of that GPA but they do like splitters and STEM backgrounds so they may be more likely to accept you regular decision if you apply ED. It’s worth the attempt