Where should I apply? URM Black male Forum

[superpike]

Hi,

Looking to apply to law school this cycle and I need help in making a list. My stats are as follow:

URM Black Male
3.27 Undergrad GPA from Ivy (HYP)
LSAT score 148
Excellent work experience and extracurriculars... been out of undergrad for 4 years now. And very good recommendation letters from world class professors (remember HYP undergrad).

I think I'm going to retake the LSATS in January to try to break 150, but assuming that I can't, what is a good list?

[nixy]

What are your goals for the JD? Because I’m pretty sure you should wait until you’re breaking much higher than 150. Your undergrad pedigree and work experience matter much much much less than your GPA and LSAT.

[crazywafflez]

Agreed with Nixy. Depending on your goals, you are going to need a much higher LSAT score. The WE and LOR aren't too important- must of your admittance will be based upon your GPA/LSAT scores; you are an URM, which gives you a boost, but you'll still need to pick your scores up for a T14. I'd recommend looking through the forums and finding some good test taking strats. With your current scores you might be able to get into some of the T1- but I don't think you'd get any scholarship money for this to really be a feasible option. I've attached the mylsn report for you to look through- I put in 3.0-3.3 with LSAT scores ranging from 145-153.
https://mylsn.info/pao0pa/
I think you'll really need to break into the upper 150s, lower 160s to get better options and packages. You can play around with the settings on there and see what options/outcomes you'd be comfortable with for your goals.
If your goal is to be an ADA, or work for a small firm in Wyoming, you've got the scores to go after that at a T2 state school, possibly some T1s as well. If your goal is biglaw, you're gonna need to bring that score up, and since your GPA is lower, you'll be relying even more on the LSAT.
Also, if money is your end goal, I think there are most likely better professions for you than law- especially with your pedigree- because going to a T1/T2 like UTk (no disrespect for Vols, love the school), will be a step back on earning potential. I think your Alma Mater would be a good place to seek some advice from and they could most likely help you grab some folks to meet with for consultant/banking. Likewise, depending on your location, I'd go to the Harvard/P/Y whatever club is in your vicinity and see if they do any special meetup days (or see if there's anyone you can talk to from there)- I've never personally done that but a friend from my Alma Mater went to our Uni Club's American Affiliate in NY and was able to meet someone that helped him along there.
Best of luck

[LBJ's Hair]

Unfortunately, law school admissions aren't like b-school admissions. HYP undergrad and good work experience don't really matter. It's 95% LSAT + GPA + URM status.

Your LSAT is, unfortunately, garbage. So is a ~150. You won't be getting into any schools you'll be proud to attend if you apply with a 3.27 GPA + ~150 LSAT, even if you're a Princeton grad working at JP Morgan or something.

You're a smart guy, I'm sure - you went to HYP. Retake, shoot for 160+. It's very, very doable, LSAT is a learnable test. Delay your application if you have to, sounds like you have a good job. There's no reason to rush to law school, and you'd much rather be a year older and at a T14 law school than in law a year earlier and attending some T50.

[uchioci]

1. You should really consider retaking. Even if you do not have goals that would necessitate a T14 school, a higher LSAT score will drastically reduce your cost of attendance through scholarships etc. The LSAT is very learnable and I am confident that you can achieve a better score.

2. Unlike what has been suggested, undergrad pedigree can have a tangible impact In URM admissions, or perhaps even Black student admissions specifically. Now my info is anecdotal and only through my evaluation of LSN, talking with people in my class, and talking with other T14 URM students.

[nixy]

I agree that undergrad pedigree can help somewhat, and I can see how that might be even more the case for URM applicants, but the LSAT is still going to have to be in striking distance to start.

[superpike]

What lsat score should I aim for? The end goal is government here, perhaps running for public office...

[LBJ's Hair]

2. Unlike what has been suggested, undergrad pedigree can have a tangible impact In URM admissions, or perhaps even Black student admissions specifically. Now my info is anecdotal and only through my evaluation of LSN, talking with people in my class, and talking with other T14 URM students.

people say this stuff, and could be anecdotally true at some of the T14s, but it's something to consider when you already have numbers that put you in play for a T14, not when you have a 3.27/148

[crazywafflez]

What lsat score should I aim for? The end goal is government here, perhaps running for public office...

There are some other posts in this forum relating to running for public office. A law degree won't help you, unless you plan on running for DA or something akin that you need a law degree.
Congress folks don't need a JD and there is not distinct advantage to having one (perhaps there is for having one from HYS- there's discussions in the threads for that too- however, I'm a part of the group that does not think they help; answers will vary).
Depending on what govt job you're attempting to get your mileage will vary as well. Bigfed and/or AUSA has the same reqs as biglaw basically (someone else can chime in that has more expereince with this). An ADA position will be possible from your local state U with expressed interest. Your LSAT score for the former will need to be in the 160s for you to gain entrance into the T14 (It is possible that there are variances but you have a lot better chances if you break that threshold); for the other you could get away with getting into a T1, possibly T2, depending on the state you wanted to practice (i.e. if you are interested in practcing as an ADA in Wyoming, you've got the scores now- if in California, perhaps not and you may want to break 155 or something akin to that to get into Pepperdine or UC Hastings or better yet, UCI/UCD and get good schoalrships to these).