| Topic Name: |
Apply later with higher GPA? |
| Message Name: |
educated guesses |
| Date Posted: |
09/17/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
Gurdonark, here is the situation. I am taking the LSAT in Oct and will score in the range of 166-171 (with a 168-169 about the expected). My current GPA is a 2.98. If I wait until the end of this semester to apply I will have a 3.2-3.26 because I my school allows me to retake classes and completely replace the grade. I come from a very unrepresented state (montana-I am a permanent resident and attend UMONT-Missoula). My recommendations will be glowing. I dropped out of high school originally and have overcome some odds.
here are my questions:
Should I wait to apply until my new grades are in (assuming a 168-169 LSAT). What do you think my chances are both before the GPA change and after.
I am not looking for YHS. i won't even apply. A top 10 would be nice, but isn't necessary. I could live with a 10-20 or GWU or even Fordham. I won't go lower than Fordham. I've been on officialguide.lsac.org, but it is so cut and dried, I have the dman percentages memorized.
Thanks, I'll own you one that I can never repay |
| Message: |
I am always reluctant to discuss admission potential
based on pre-LSAT guesses as to scores. I have seen too many folks confidently predict 165s and end up with 159s, and a few folks who thought themselves doomed in the 150s end up in the 160s. Indeed, one of the amazing coincidences is that just prior to the LSAT, droves of otherwise gifted test takers develop head-colds and other minor ailments or suddenly noisy new neighbors, and the December message boards will be filled with folks explaining all the reasons other than aptitude why they hit 159 instead of 164. If you score in the mid 160s, even if your GPA remained 2.98, you'd make it into a top 25 school last year. This year may be more competitive, but I'd think you're still in the running.
If you've run the "cut and dry" numbers, you know that you have a shot but not a lock. How admissions committees will treat your
retaken courses in a discretionary admit arena is a committee by committe thing. I think it's good to know what you want, so if you must have top 20, then studying for the LSAT is far and away your best way to go, and I'd avoid influenza and
late night hours in the days leading up to it. As you may know, I am a firm believer in going to top 20 if you can get in, but not a firm believer in the top 20 or bust philosophy, but if top 20 is your requirement, then spend the time to go for the admit.
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