Could you "Chance" Me?

[Dave Killoran]

I don't do private law school chancing any more, but a student with an unusual profile asked me recently, and I agreed on the condition I could post the exchange:

Mr. Killoran,

Thank you again for your company and products!

I have seen you do this on the forums from time to time, and I thought I would take a chance and reach out and see what your thoughts are on my admission chances to Notre Dame Law School.

Stats:

3.23/166 (I'm a splitter)

Softs

Military Veteran (GI Bill and YRP eligible, included in my application)
4 LORs. I honestly think they are a lot stronger than the average LOR from an undergrad prof. I can't judge totally, but I did find them all very solid, detailed, and revealing of my character and accomplishments.
1 strong PS. Again, I know it's subjective. But I really worked it.
1 addenda explaining my low UGPA.
1 Optional Essay explaining why I chose ED at NDLS

I applied ED the first day applications opened.

I have a Masters Degree and taught at the university level. I am a graduate of DLIFLC and hold an AA in Arabic.

10 years working experience and a nice resume.

I also made a visit to the campus last spring and met with admissions counselors. To what extent that matters, I am not sure.

Anyways...I know it's subjective. I won't take your word as Gospel. But I'd like your opinion if you'd give it!

Also, to anyone reading this: I went from a 150 on my LSAT to a 166 by simply getting a set of the LSAT Books PowerScore puts out. TOTALLY WORTH IT!.

Hi,

This is going to be close, but if your assessment of your softs is accurate, you have a decent shot here.

On the numbers alone it seems like an uphill battle. Your LSAT is between their 50th and 75th (which is solid) but your GPA pulls you into a trouble zone. However, your background is very good, and you have an interesting profile as far education and work experience (which adds a nontrad element, too). Toss in your clear interest in ND with the ED, and add in what you rate as superior softs, and you'd have to figure your chances are at least around 75%.

In other words, if you get in, it won't be a surprise at all.

I hope that helps. Thanks!