3.6 177 URM/Black male with some history Forum

[180onthelsat]

What are my chances at the T14, specifically HYS and NYU?

In my first year of UG, one of my parents got sick and I got busy taking care of my siblings so I ended with a 2.9. After that, I transferred schools and have held a 3.8. I’m going to write an addendum explaining that and, thankfully, I got a 177 on the LSAT but I’m not sure how much that will help me.

I have many extracurricular activities as a club President and in exec roles in student bodies. I’ve also worked as a Law Intern at a firm in Toronto and as a Student Ambassador for my university.

I want to become an immigration lawyer. To cut a long story short, when I was younger I was an illegal immigrant in England. I watched my Mum fight for us to remain in the country but ultimately lose. I plan on writing and expanding on that in my personal statement and tying all my experiences to it.

HYS are all really great for immigration law and they have the prestige I would want to make a difference in the field. NYU would also be amazing because NYC is an immigrant city so I would love to work and live there.

I’d also be happy applying to NYU through ED if it means I would be boosting my chances in case I can’t get into HYS.

[Munchy Macaroni]

That's an amazing LSAT score.

Check out https://www.lsd.law/Harvard-Law-School — people with around those stats have gotten in. Sounds like you have a great story too. Good luck!

[talons2250]

You'll probably get in everywhere.

[aussiegonewest]

I think you'd be very competitive for HYS with those stats. Some advice:
-Call your school and see if they can change your first year grades to pass/fail so that your first year GPA isn't counted towards your overall grade
-If your family household income and assets are below average, then HYS offer needs based financial aid which could make them a cheaper option than NYU. Law school isn't worth it if you have to pay sticker price.
-Apply this year but also line up an interesting job in a field related to immigration law, if you get rejected this year it could well be because of lack of work experience, an additional 1-2 years of work experience could make the difference.

[CanadianWolf]

Do you want Biglaw ?

If you do not want Biglaw, then apply to a dozen or so law schools in order to get an offer of a full tuition scholarship. Actually, you should apply to the top 14 or 15 law schools whether or not you want Biglaw to generate large merit scholarship offers.

[GFox345]

HYS isn't really a thing anymore. Harvard's reputation has absolutely tanked. I'd argue U of C is about as prestigious of a law school as Harvard, if not moreso at this point. Go to U of C with $$$. Sticker at Harvard over $$$ at U of C is lunacy.