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wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

LSAT Score - UPDATE

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

RE: LSAT Score

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks for your input, Dizzy. I DO want to go to law school, SO badly. This isn't about career advancement, it's genuinely what I want to do with my life. I have decided to retake the test in December. Apparently, the ABA has a new rule in which they would like LSAT scores reported.

Law schools are now required to report LSAT data for their entering classes based on the highest LSAT score received by those students—schools previously reported only students' average LSAT score. The LSAC will continue to report all scores and law schools will continue to have complete discretion in how they evaluate these scores.

I know a lot of schools will continue to average scores, but a lot of them are taking the higher score now. I do want to go to law school, and I'm not about to give up. I have time to take between 4-5 prep tests a week between now and the December test date.

One last thing, money is not an issue for me since my parents will be paying my tuition. And at the end, even if I don't get a job (though obviously I hope that I do), having a JD is never a bad thing. Now I just need to get in. And not get sick on the test day.

sfclinevandy · Coach

Here's my input.

I think it would be worthwhile to apply. I think because your LSAT score isn't really high you're going to have to apply to lower ranked schools. I'll be honest, my school isn't a top tier school but I LOVE it. Long story short, I learned after going to a public institution for graduate school that I really prefer private education. My LSATs weren't good enough for me to go back to my undergrad, so I picked a school that I felt really comfortable, the people are amazing, is progressive (our dean and many top positions are held by women), and has a great regional reputation plus we have the best trial advocacy program in the country. I also got scholarship $ and the school is by the beach, so those were very important factors

Honestly, I think its totally worth a shot. If you really want to be a lawyer, then you should go for it. The only reason I'm in law school is because everyone in my family is a doctor or a lawyer and I don't like blood or science so here I am. Even after school, I'm not sure if I want to practice law.

If I were you, I would take the LSAT again. The way the test typically works is that you probably won't do significantly worse or better. But you never know. At least you know what to expect now. I would also apply to a variety of schools, keeping your LSAT in mind. Also, just because a school isn't nationally known, it still may have a great regional reputation or alumni base that can help with job hunting. My boyfriend had an okay LSAT but horrible grades so he went to a not so great law school but transferred. Not always an option but something to consider... he was top 10% so he could do that.

Jahni · Dooney & Bourke

If you really want to take it again, go for it. I had a fairly decent LSAT score and good undergrad grades and still got wait listed at the public (higher tiered) law school in my state. I was pretty shocked I didn't get in, but I'm choosing to believe it was because my undergrad and the other law school are bitter rivals...hahaha..

I don't think you'll have any problem getting into a law school with that score. (the year before I applied one of my best friends got into the law school I wanted in, and her LSAT was 10 points below mine, and several points below yours)

I ended up choosing a private law school. While I didn't necessarily loooove the staff, I ended gradutating with a job that I love, passing the bar, and leaving school with the best group of friends ever. I'm a big believer that it doesn't matter which law school you go to, it's up to you to make the best out of your experience.

So good luck with the LSAT!!! or NOT!!!! (if you decide not to take it again)

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, ladies! That is exactly what I needed to hear. So I won't be going to a top-ranked law school. The point is, I would still be going to law school, which is absolutely what I want to do. I can always try and transfer too. I'm not 100% sure I'll retake in December, but right now I'm definitely leaning toward it. Thanks again!

blubirde · Chanel

Have you taken a LSAT review/prep class? If not, I highly recommend them. They'd bring up your LSAT score significantly, way more than studying on your own.

As for low LSAT scores, most law schools work on a mathmatical formula for entry. For instance, a lower LSAT score and a higher gpa might even out with a higher LSAT score and a lower gpa.

My friend had a LSAT similar to yours but a 4.0 gpa and got into the same top-tier law school I did and I had a much higher LSAT score than hers but a lower gpa. So it all probably evens out in the end.

If you really want to go to law school, then I think you have to do what it takes to get in. If you need a higher LSAT score, study up, take the prep course, and take it again.

Good luck!

Kari · Dooney & Bourke

What area of the US are you in?

Are there several schools you can apply to or are you limited?

I think you cannot get too focused on the LSAT score. I don't know about your history, but your gpa, and your life experiences can go a long way. My LSAT score wasn't anything to brag about...just barely above average...but my gpa was good, and I had a few semesters of grad school under my belt with an even higher gpa and that showed I was capable of doing well at a higher level of education.

I also had worked for 2 years after undergrad...and had various volunteer experiences that involved the court systems. They really do look at the overall picture of who you are, what you have experienced, in addition to that LSAT score.

ALSO...I know that applying early is the key!!! In the beginning they are more liberal with giving out spots in the upcoming class. Later on, they have given out too many and have to start being choosy!

GOOD LUCK!

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

I live in WI, go to undergrad in MN. I'm planning on applying to a lot of schools (around 10 or 11) and they are mostly on the West coast.

I'm still deciding whether or not I want to retake... Need to decide by tomorrow since that's the regular registration deadline for the Dec. test.

I'm really having problems getting professors to write me letters of recommendation! I've gotten one to commit, and am trying to wrangle one more. I studied in Glasgow last semester, so the professors I would have had last fall hardly remember me. I should have tried to get one of my Profs from Glasgow to write one, but I waited too long, and the profs in Scotland were way disorganized. This doesn't really tell you much, it was more for me to vent! And I cannot get a rec from an employer since I haven't had a job since high school... Bad move on my part.

Anyways, this is my semi-finalized list of schools to apply to:

UNLV, ASU, Marquette, Hamline, Chapman, Santa Clara (DEFINITE reach), Univ of San Diego, Seattle U, Univ of San Fran, Pepperdine or Loyola (BOTH HIGH REACHES) and possibly the Univ of New Mexico. My ultimate goal is to try and transfer in to a law school in Cali, since that is where I'd like to live after school. I'm sick of winter! :)

This is such a frustrating process, but I know it will be worth it.

One final question: I'm writing my personal statement (though it's not finished yet. :() about my experience in Glasgow - how it made me much more confident/self-assured in my abilities/more outgoing (I used to be way shy, and had low confidence in pretty much everything). Is this a good topic as long as I don't come across as whiny or bragging? T(SO MUCH!)IA!!

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Hey, I ended up retaking the test in February, and I got a 156. Still not a great score (it's 68th percentile), but it's a lot better than the 150 I had. I've applied to about 23 schools, so hopefully I'll get a few acceptances! I really want to go to school in LA (I applied to 5 schools in that area), but anywhere other than MN would probably make me happy.

Anyways, thanks for the words of enouragement ladies! I feel less nervous about the whole thing than I did before.

uesgirl · BCBG

RE: LSAT Score - UPDATE

Eurodaisy · Dooney & Bourke

Congrats on bumping that score up! Everything about law school -- from applying until your graduation date -- can be so challenging, so do your best to keep your spirits up, no matter what! So long as you're a hard worker and focused, it doesn't matter where you go to law school... you will still make a great lawyer.

-- Edited by Eurodaisy at 10:31, 2007-03-06

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks for the words of encouragement, ues and euro!