174 lsat and 3.68 gpa. Can lsat make up for lower gpa? Forum

[nm2323]

I am applying to law school this cycle. Just got my June lsat score back and looking at schools I can get into.

White female

LSAT: 174
GPA: 3.68 (at Boston College, don't know if that helps)

Softs:
2 year volunteer at local prison as adult education tutor
Part of several other service organizations both domestic and international
Started a Jesuit refugee program chapter at my university
Part of undergraduate student government (on board of student organizations)
Big Sisters of Boston
Studied abroad and did research in South Africa, published in school journal.
Ran several local political campaigns through start up campaign incubator
Conducted research with prominent theologian

Really would love to get into Harvard but I want to know where I will be able to get into with my scores. I know my gpa is low for the top schools but maybe my lsat would off set it?

Thanks for all your help!

[kingpin101]

It's relatively unlikely that you'll get into Harvard, but possible. Your stats are fine for the rest of the T14 though because yes, a 174 can definitely make up for your not-really-that-low gpa.

[GoneSouth]

I think you'd actually have a decent chance at Harvard. I got waitlisted there (and into Columbia) with a 171/3.6 a couple years ago

[guynourmin]

I think "relatively unlikely" is a bit too strong.

[Platopus]

.

[schocolate]

I think you have a decent shot! If random data points are comforting, I got in with a 3.7 and 176 last year.

[kingpin101]

Sigh, if relatively unlikely isn't < 50%, then I don't know what it means.

[nm2323]

Thank you all for your help! Figured Harvard was basically a crapshoot with my numbers because of the discrepancy.

[Delano]

It would probably be over the top to retake a 174, but - judging by last cycle - your odds at H increase substantially at that GPA with just another point or two on the LSAT.
That said, your numbers are excellent and you'll be looking at some great t14 options regardless.

[nm2323]

It would probably be over the top to retake a 174, but - judging by last cycle - your odds at H increase substantially at that GPA with just another point or two on the LSAT.
That said, your numbers are excellent and you'll be looking at some great t14 options regardless.

Yeah I thought about retaking, but before the test I was pt'ing at around 169 so this 174 was a complete surprise and mostly due to the June 2017 test playing to all my strengths (heavy on first family LR, easy LG, and I'm always solid in RC) so I am definitely not confident I could improve.

[Delano]

It would probably be over the top to retake a 174, but - judging by last cycle - your odds at H increase substantially at that GPA with just another point or two on the LSAT.
That said, your numbers are excellent and you'll be looking at some great t14 options regardless.

Yeah I thought about retaking, but before the test I was pt'ing at around 169 so this 174 was a complete surprise and mostly due to the June 2017 test playing to all my strengths (heavy on first family LR, easy LG, and I'm always solid in RC) so I am definitely not confident I could improve.

Probably not worth it to retake then. You should have a lot of excellent options as is.