Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x Forum
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Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Hello all!
I know my numbers are like all too frequent in this forum, but I really need advice on the qualitative side as well as possible retake of LSAT. I will be applying for the next cycle as a graduating undergrad, and I am pretty certain law school is my best/most ideal option.
Hard Facts:
LSAT 172 (February 2017 first take)
GPA 3.9x (could fluctuate a bit till application since I'm still a junior)
undergraduate university - top 20 private, History & Poli Sci double-major
technically international student but spent all my undergrad in U.S.
not URM
Softs:
no WE expected by the time of application - virtually no summer internships, spent & will spend my summers on thesis research
extracurricular activities in undergrad:
two research assistantships (humanities), academic journal editor, student government staff - basically no leadership positions
My major concerns are:
1. Should I retake LSAT in June, if aiming for HYS? If yes, what would be the lowest ideal score?
2. With below-average softs, what would be my realistic chance at T6?
Disclaimer: I did run my numbers through LSN and the like, but the results seem too good given my softs and that T6 have more than enough good-number applicants.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
I know my numbers are like all too frequent in this forum, but I really need advice on the qualitative side as well as possible retake of LSAT. I will be applying for the next cycle as a graduating undergrad, and I am pretty certain law school is my best/most ideal option.
Hard Facts:
LSAT 172 (February 2017 first take)
GPA 3.9x (could fluctuate a bit till application since I'm still a junior)
undergraduate university - top 20 private, History & Poli Sci double-major
technically international student but spent all my undergrad in U.S.
not URM
Softs:
no WE expected by the time of application - virtually no summer internships, spent & will spend my summers on thesis research
extracurricular activities in undergrad:
two research assistantships (humanities), academic journal editor, student government staff - basically no leadership positions
My major concerns are:
1. Should I retake LSAT in June, if aiming for HYS? If yes, what would be the lowest ideal score?
2. With below-average softs, what would be my realistic chance at T6?
Disclaimer: I did run my numbers through LSN and the like, but the results seem too good given my softs and that T6 have more than enough good-number applicants.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Last edited by Aricole on Wed Mar 01, 2017 7:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- floatie
- Posts: 636
- Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2016 3:39 pm
Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
I think you're fine, and I wouldn't risk a retake - you're more likely to score lower than higher.
Regarding softs: being K-JD could hurt you but I don't think your softs are so weak that they'll keep you out. Make sure your essays and your LORs are solid and you'll be fine. Since you've mentioned research, any chance at a publication?
Regarding softs: being K-JD could hurt you but I don't think your softs are so weak that they'll keep you out. Make sure your essays and your LORs are solid and you'll be fine. Since you've mentioned research, any chance at a publication?
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Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Retake is fine, tho not necessary. You'll get minimum 1 of HYS, and some full rides in the t14.
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Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Thanks! Indeed I worry more about a potential "lowering trend" than the score itself, but either way it's a tough question.floatie wrote:I think you're fine, and I wouldn't risk a retake - you're more likely to score lower than higher.
Regarding softs: being K-JD could hurt you but I don't think your softs are so weak that they'll keep you out. Make sure your essays and your LORs are solid and you'll be fine. Since you've mentioned research, any chance at a publication?
For research, I do not think my senior thesis itself would generate a publication before/during application.
For the research assistantship part, I am planning an article with one of my faculty somehow pertinent to legal studies, but likely not ready till August/September. The biggest issue about this article is that most legal journals tend to have a February deadline? So that I might be having a ready-for-publication work, but not able to see it published at the time of application. Sorry this is indeed a tedious explanation...
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Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Aww thanks so much for this! It's definitely encouraging.SweetTort wrote:Retake is fine, tho not necessary. You'll get minimum 1 of HYS, and some full rides in the t14.
I see my current score as at an awkward line, kind of "usable" but not advantageous in any sense lol.
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Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
I'd retake, mainly because you've got nothing to lose and t6 scholarships to gain.Aricole wrote:Aww thanks so much for this! It's definitely encouraging.SweetTort wrote:Retake is fine, tho not necessary. You'll get minimum 1 of HYS, and some full rides in the t14.
I see my current score as at an awkward line, kind of "usable" but not advantageous in any sense lol.
- Dcc617
- Posts: 2735
- Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2014 3:01 pm
Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Also take some time off after you graduate. A couple of years of work experience would make your application much stronger. And also give you more life experience and perspective.
ETA And also be fun.
ETA And also be fun.
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- Posts: 19
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Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Yeah thanks! Just made up my mind to at least register and prepare for the June LSAT.SweetTort wrote:I'd retake, mainly because you've got nothing to lose and t6 scholarships to gain.Aricole wrote:Aww thanks so much for this! It's definitely encouraging.SweetTort wrote:Retake is fine, tho not necessary. You'll get minimum 1 of HYS, and some full rides in the t14.
I see my current score as at an awkward line, kind of "usable" but not advantageous in any sense lol.
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Re: Chances & Retake? - Below Average Softs, 172/3.9x
Thanks for this! I do hesitate over the idea of going straight into law school, but it seems like my undergrad experience thus far makes it easier to apply directly than to look for a job lol.Dcc617 wrote:Also take some time off after you graduate. A couple of years of work experience would make your application much stronger. And also give you more life experience and perspective.
ETA And also be fun.
Just dreaming but the most ideal case would be a deferral.