How to be a Successful Splitter
Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 11:20 am
How to be a Successful Splitter
A “splitter” is defined generally as someone with a low GPA and a high LSAT score. Numerically, a splitter can be thought of as someone with a GPA below a school’s 25th percentile and LSAT score above that school’s 75th percentile. (Some people use the term “reverse-splitter” to describe an applicant with a high GPA and a low LSAT score. Others use the term “someone who needs to retake the LSAT.”) Though not uncommon, the relative rarity and variety of splitters can make cycle predictions very difficult for such applicants. However, some general conclusions can be drawn and certain strategies employed. This guide will detail some popular strategies to get you into your dream school.
The first step will be identifying down your list of safe, target and reach schools. Cast a wide net; being a splitter means that determining your list of schools will be less straightforward. Like I said before, splitters are unpredictable, but an analysis of rankings data and LSN data reveals that certain schools are friendlier towards splitters than others. At the bottom of this guide is a table of the Tier 1 schools and their friendliness towards splitters. Use this table as a general guide, but don’t be afraid to apply a non-splitter-friendly school if you’re really into it. The worst that can happen is that you’ve bought yourself an $80 rejection letter, but you’ll never know for sure unless you apply.
If you’re here looking for advice on what to do as a splitter, it most likely means you’ve already earned you bachelor’s degree and your GPA is set in stone. If this is not the case, get off TLS and get back to studying! Though your GPA is set, the other aspects of your application are still under your control. The most important aspect is now your LSAT score. If you don’t yet have an LSAT score, create a study plan (TLS has a number of good ones), determine a target score, and get crackin’. Since many people actually score below their practice scores, you will want to set a practice test average goal a couple points above the 75th percentile for your dream school. If it’s close to test day and you’re just not up to your average yet, don’t be afraid to postpone your cycle; waiting is only good for your application in virtually all situations. If you have an LSAT score, but it’s not above the 75th percentile for your dream school, I strongly advise that you consider a retake.
The second-most important thing you can do as a splitter is apply early. Schools are only going to be willing to take so many splitters. If it’s February and your dream school has already taken a few students with your numbers, you’re probably going to be out of luck. LSN is littered with splitters who underperformed their cycle because they applied too late in the game. Generally speaking, an application submitted by Halloween is early, by Thanksgiving is on time, and by Christmas is late. Thus, writing the June administration of the LSAT is ideal as it allows for the ability to retake in October and still submit an early application. If you write the October test and miss your target score by more than a couple points, I strongly advise you to apply next cycle instead of writing the December or February administration. If you’re close, retaking in December or February could get you admitted off a waitlist. Splitters can also benefit from applying early decision. Virginia is notorious for its quick turnaround time on ED applicants and splitter-friendliness. Other schools vary in how much of a boost splitters are given, but if you’re set on a particular dream school, applying ED can only help.
Special note: Maximizing your ED strategy is important. If you find in your research a school that stands above the rest, by all means, save your ED for that school. Conversely, if you are risk-averse and willing to go to a lower-ranked school in exchange for scholarship money, don’t ED anywhere so that you don’t get locked in. For many of you, however, getting into a T14 school is of maximum importance with little difference found between these peer schools. If this is the case, consider following this popular strategy to maximize your T14 chances: As soon as possible, apply ED to Virginia and Early Action (non-binding) to Cornell. If not admitted to Virginia, apply ED to Michigan, Penn or Georgetown. If a non-admission decision reaches you soon enough, repeat this step. Note that Northwestern does not allow you to apply ED if you have applied ED to other schools.
Though less important, boosting your softs can give you a significant edge when applying as a splitter. Work experience is the best way for a splitter to strengthen their application. Many law schools are increasingly looking for applicants with substantive work experience, so getting a couple years under your belt can give you a leg up. Just as Virginia is noted for its ED speediness, Northwestern is well-known for its emphasis on work experience, with nearly all matriculants possessing at least one year of work experience, making it especially friendly to those splitters with solid work experience. At other schools, it won’t be a huge boost, but for many splitters, it’s what pushes them over the edge. Note that while substantive work experience is certainly preferred, work as a wage slave is not entirely discounted so don’t think you’re sunk just because you’ve spent the past five months as a Starbucks barista, especially if you can move into a supervisory position. Other softs, such as internships, volunteering and other activities, are a little easier to acquire so maximize those opportunities. Find something you truly enjoy doing and look for opportunities to take a leadership role and accomplish something you are proud of.
Other aspects of your application, such as letters of recommendation and personal statements, should be approached generally the same way whether or not you are a splitter. There is one important distinction though. Splitters should play up what makes them unique. Since your GPA doesn’t impress anyone, you need to find that compelling trait that admissions officials can’t pass on and have an application that reflects that. The importance of academic letters of recommendation is probably diminished for most splitters, especially for those with work experience. Consider writing a riskier personal statement, one that goes outside the box and really reveals who you are. Splitters should also consider writing additional essays to supplement their application and give admissions officers more reasons to look past your weak GPA. If you are an under-represented minority or have a compelling background that would add to the diversity of the study body, strongly consider writing a diversity statement. If you can’t think of a good topic though, don’t try to stretch something into a diversity statement. As a splitter, it is especially important that everything in your application under your control is of the highest quality. If you can’t make it top-notch, don’t do it.
So-called “Why X” essays are another avenue towards finding that special advantage. If you are applying ED, definitely write a “Why X” essay, detailing a couple reasons why that school is your dream school. (Note: HYSCCN are exemptions to this rule. They already know why you want to go there, so only write one if you truly have something unique to say.) Be sure to do extensive research on a school before writing a “Why X” essay. You want to write about something that appeals to you and is a strength for that school, such as a particular clinic or program. Some schools, such as Michigan, offer topics for additional essays, so be sure to look for and take advantage of those opportunities.
When it comes time to apply, splitters will want to consider applying to more schools than other applicants. Admission results often vary among peer schools for splitters, so more applications mean more opportunities for a school to take a chance on you. Consequently, splitters will want to put a little more legwork into getting merit-based fee waivers, assuming you don’t qualify for need-based fee waivers. Every fee waiver you acquire is one more opportunity to get into a reach school. After you receive your LSAT score, you may receive some fee waivers automatically. If not, follow the TLS guide to asking for fee waivers at the all the schools you are considering an application to. Luckily, a strong LSAT score is often enough to receive a waiver, so don’t be shy in asking, even at the top schools. Remember to check for “hidden” fee waivers too. To maximize your chances of admission into a top school, be prepared to apply to as many as ten or fifteen schools. How many application fees you want to pay is ultimately up to you, but just remember that more applications means more chances.
Being a splitter is stressful and the outcome often looks bleak, but don’t give up hope. To keep up your spirits and find other nuggets of wisdom, hang around the TLS forums and look at successful applicant profiles on LSN with similar numbers to yours. Most of all, stay optimistic! If you’re willing to do the work to be a successful splitter, admissions officials will see that and you will be rewarded. Good luck!
For the below table:
Schools highlighted in green are splitter-friendly, schools highlighted in yellow are neither friendly nor unfriendly, and the schools highlighted in red are splitter-unfriendly. The ratings are made based on GPA and LSAT percentiles, established preferences for a “holistic” admissions process or certain softs, and other information gleaned from TLS, LSN and other sources. Also, note that state schools have varying rules on admitting in-state students so state school ratings may be less pessimistic for you if you are an in-state resident. GPA floors are based on a rough analysis of LSN and should not be viewed as absolute. However, while schools regularly dip below their GPA floor for highly-qualified applicants, don’t expect them to dip very far below and don’t assume that you are the special snowflake. Note: where no GPA floor is listed, insufficient data exists to determine a GPA floor.
Link to Google Spreadsheet version: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub ... utput=html
A “splitter” is defined generally as someone with a low GPA and a high LSAT score. Numerically, a splitter can be thought of as someone with a GPA below a school’s 25th percentile and LSAT score above that school’s 75th percentile. (Some people use the term “reverse-splitter” to describe an applicant with a high GPA and a low LSAT score. Others use the term “someone who needs to retake the LSAT.”) Though not uncommon, the relative rarity and variety of splitters can make cycle predictions very difficult for such applicants. However, some general conclusions can be drawn and certain strategies employed. This guide will detail some popular strategies to get you into your dream school.
The first step will be identifying down your list of safe, target and reach schools. Cast a wide net; being a splitter means that determining your list of schools will be less straightforward. Like I said before, splitters are unpredictable, but an analysis of rankings data and LSN data reveals that certain schools are friendlier towards splitters than others. At the bottom of this guide is a table of the Tier 1 schools and their friendliness towards splitters. Use this table as a general guide, but don’t be afraid to apply a non-splitter-friendly school if you’re really into it. The worst that can happen is that you’ve bought yourself an $80 rejection letter, but you’ll never know for sure unless you apply.
If you’re here looking for advice on what to do as a splitter, it most likely means you’ve already earned you bachelor’s degree and your GPA is set in stone. If this is not the case, get off TLS and get back to studying! Though your GPA is set, the other aspects of your application are still under your control. The most important aspect is now your LSAT score. If you don’t yet have an LSAT score, create a study plan (TLS has a number of good ones), determine a target score, and get crackin’. Since many people actually score below their practice scores, you will want to set a practice test average goal a couple points above the 75th percentile for your dream school. If it’s close to test day and you’re just not up to your average yet, don’t be afraid to postpone your cycle; waiting is only good for your application in virtually all situations. If you have an LSAT score, but it’s not above the 75th percentile for your dream school, I strongly advise that you consider a retake.
The second-most important thing you can do as a splitter is apply early. Schools are only going to be willing to take so many splitters. If it’s February and your dream school has already taken a few students with your numbers, you’re probably going to be out of luck. LSN is littered with splitters who underperformed their cycle because they applied too late in the game. Generally speaking, an application submitted by Halloween is early, by Thanksgiving is on time, and by Christmas is late. Thus, writing the June administration of the LSAT is ideal as it allows for the ability to retake in October and still submit an early application. If you write the October test and miss your target score by more than a couple points, I strongly advise you to apply next cycle instead of writing the December or February administration. If you’re close, retaking in December or February could get you admitted off a waitlist. Splitters can also benefit from applying early decision. Virginia is notorious for its quick turnaround time on ED applicants and splitter-friendliness. Other schools vary in how much of a boost splitters are given, but if you’re set on a particular dream school, applying ED can only help.
Special note: Maximizing your ED strategy is important. If you find in your research a school that stands above the rest, by all means, save your ED for that school. Conversely, if you are risk-averse and willing to go to a lower-ranked school in exchange for scholarship money, don’t ED anywhere so that you don’t get locked in. For many of you, however, getting into a T14 school is of maximum importance with little difference found between these peer schools. If this is the case, consider following this popular strategy to maximize your T14 chances: As soon as possible, apply ED to Virginia and Early Action (non-binding) to Cornell. If not admitted to Virginia, apply ED to Michigan, Penn or Georgetown. If a non-admission decision reaches you soon enough, repeat this step. Note that Northwestern does not allow you to apply ED if you have applied ED to other schools.
Though less important, boosting your softs can give you a significant edge when applying as a splitter. Work experience is the best way for a splitter to strengthen their application. Many law schools are increasingly looking for applicants with substantive work experience, so getting a couple years under your belt can give you a leg up. Just as Virginia is noted for its ED speediness, Northwestern is well-known for its emphasis on work experience, with nearly all matriculants possessing at least one year of work experience, making it especially friendly to those splitters with solid work experience. At other schools, it won’t be a huge boost, but for many splitters, it’s what pushes them over the edge. Note that while substantive work experience is certainly preferred, work as a wage slave is not entirely discounted so don’t think you’re sunk just because you’ve spent the past five months as a Starbucks barista, especially if you can move into a supervisory position. Other softs, such as internships, volunteering and other activities, are a little easier to acquire so maximize those opportunities. Find something you truly enjoy doing and look for opportunities to take a leadership role and accomplish something you are proud of.
Other aspects of your application, such as letters of recommendation and personal statements, should be approached generally the same way whether or not you are a splitter. There is one important distinction though. Splitters should play up what makes them unique. Since your GPA doesn’t impress anyone, you need to find that compelling trait that admissions officials can’t pass on and have an application that reflects that. The importance of academic letters of recommendation is probably diminished for most splitters, especially for those with work experience. Consider writing a riskier personal statement, one that goes outside the box and really reveals who you are. Splitters should also consider writing additional essays to supplement their application and give admissions officers more reasons to look past your weak GPA. If you are an under-represented minority or have a compelling background that would add to the diversity of the study body, strongly consider writing a diversity statement. If you can’t think of a good topic though, don’t try to stretch something into a diversity statement. As a splitter, it is especially important that everything in your application under your control is of the highest quality. If you can’t make it top-notch, don’t do it.
So-called “Why X” essays are another avenue towards finding that special advantage. If you are applying ED, definitely write a “Why X” essay, detailing a couple reasons why that school is your dream school. (Note: HYSCCN are exemptions to this rule. They already know why you want to go there, so only write one if you truly have something unique to say.) Be sure to do extensive research on a school before writing a “Why X” essay. You want to write about something that appeals to you and is a strength for that school, such as a particular clinic or program. Some schools, such as Michigan, offer topics for additional essays, so be sure to look for and take advantage of those opportunities.
When it comes time to apply, splitters will want to consider applying to more schools than other applicants. Admission results often vary among peer schools for splitters, so more applications mean more opportunities for a school to take a chance on you. Consequently, splitters will want to put a little more legwork into getting merit-based fee waivers, assuming you don’t qualify for need-based fee waivers. Every fee waiver you acquire is one more opportunity to get into a reach school. After you receive your LSAT score, you may receive some fee waivers automatically. If not, follow the TLS guide to asking for fee waivers at the all the schools you are considering an application to. Luckily, a strong LSAT score is often enough to receive a waiver, so don’t be shy in asking, even at the top schools. Remember to check for “hidden” fee waivers too. To maximize your chances of admission into a top school, be prepared to apply to as many as ten or fifteen schools. How many application fees you want to pay is ultimately up to you, but just remember that more applications means more chances.
Being a splitter is stressful and the outcome often looks bleak, but don’t give up hope. To keep up your spirits and find other nuggets of wisdom, hang around the TLS forums and look at successful applicant profiles on LSN with similar numbers to yours. Most of all, stay optimistic! If you’re willing to do the work to be a successful splitter, admissions officials will see that and you will be rewarded. Good luck!
For the below table:
Schools highlighted in green are splitter-friendly, schools highlighted in yellow are neither friendly nor unfriendly, and the schools highlighted in red are splitter-unfriendly. The ratings are made based on GPA and LSAT percentiles, established preferences for a “holistic” admissions process or certain softs, and other information gleaned from TLS, LSN and other sources. Also, note that state schools have varying rules on admitting in-state students so state school ratings may be less pessimistic for you if you are an in-state resident. GPA floors are based on a rough analysis of LSN and should not be viewed as absolute. However, while schools regularly dip below their GPA floor for highly-qualified applicants, don’t expect them to dip very far below and don’t assume that you are the special snowflake. Note: where no GPA floor is listed, insufficient data exists to determine a GPA floor.
Link to Google Spreadsheet version: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub ... utput=html