What are my chances for HYS, CCN, T14? Forum

[beewok]

So, I just took the June LSAT, got a 169, which is lower than I was expecting or averaging in prep and I'm unsure if I should retake it. I know I'm below median for LSAT/GPA at HYS and CCN, but I have pretty strong soft factors. I studied Nuclear Engineering in undergrad, GPA 3.82, did my undergrad in 3 years while serving active duty in the Navy, spent 11 years as a Nuclear Submarine officer, have some other soft factors that I think would help, but am unsure of my chances due to low LSAT and GPA. I guess I'm sorta an URM also as I'm the only one in my family to have ever obtained higher education. Obviously on just quantitative factors, I'm below median at the top 5 or 6 schools, but I'm not sure how much my soft factors would help boost me. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Sls17]

Softs matter at the margins, but you can’t count on them to give you the boost you need. By contrast, each additional point on your LSAT is going to measurably increase your chances at admission and $$.
Particularly because you were averaging higher in prep, I would retake.

[BrainsyK]

Nothing that you mentioned seems to stand out as something that would make you outperform your cycle. I used to think that maybe active duty military service was an outstanding factor, but it doesn't seem so much like it these days. Obviously, that's not a reflection on the value of your service.

If you really care to get into a CCN, Columbia takes all comers who apply early decision with numbers in your range. It obviously forecloses all other schools and possibly some scholarships (they'll still offer financial aid if your family has very, very low income), but it's a guaranteed ticket into the school.

[Sackboy]

Don't apply anywhere early decision, unless your military benefits + yellow ribbon programs are going to get the cost to something reasonable.

You should be in a good position to get into most of the lower T14, maybe 1-2 of Penn + CCN, and, if lucky, Harvard. I tend to think military service is one of the stronger not-extraordinary softs, but it only does so much work.

[beewok]

Thanks for the input everyone!! I think I'm gonna either start prepping to take the august exam or apply to most t-14 schools, cross my fingers for the likes of Harvard or Stanford, but start thinking about what it'd be like to go to Berkeley or Northwestern. I have some contemplation to do...