LSAT Above Median Not 75th

[HecubaElliot]

Hi,

I'm a student trying to apply to Yale/Harvard, and I just received a 174 on the LSAT (first take). I was thrilled, way above what I expected after not feeling so great (October sitting). Now, as is typical, my worries have moved on to the fact that I am not above the 75th percentile at Yale/Harv (176/175), and I wanted to get the PowerScore take. I hope no one crucifies me here -- know that if I were not in my shoes right now, I'd probably enjoy watching me get crucified (and yesterday, I may have cast the first stone) -- but with the fact that is my GPA above the 75th, am I in a good position? I felt previously that 175+ would guarantee my admission, somehow.

I've got to credit you guys for getting me here! LR Bible was tremendous

Elliott

[Dave Killoran]

Hi,

I'm a student trying to apply to Yale/Harvard, and I just received a 174 on the LSAT (first take). I was thrilled, way above what I expected after not feeling so great (October sitting). Now, as is typical, my worries have moved on to the fact that I am not above the 75th percentile at Yale/Harv (176/175), and I wanted to get the PowerScore take. I hope no one crucifies me here -- know that if I were not in my shoes right now, I'd probably enjoy watching me get crucified (and yesterday, I may have cast the first stone) -- but with the fact that is my GPA above the 75th, am I in a good position? I felt previously that 175+ would guarantee my admission, somehow.

I've got to credit you guys for getting me here! LR Bible was tremendous

Elliott

Hey Elliott,

Thanks for the question! Okay, so no one is ever guaranteed admission to those two schools They are in such a strong position with applicants that the way it works is that once your numbers are in their zone—and yours most assuredly are—it comes down to the remaining factors in your application. At that point, there's a certain type of high achiever that they seem to take, and I've yet to see someone go to those schools who I didn't feel really stood out as far as non-numerical achievements. They are, for lack of a better term, ass-kickers at life.

So for you, this means you are in their zone and they'll examine you closely. To get in, you don't need a really good personal statement, you need an exceptional one. And you need some exceptional achievements as well that signal to them that you'll leave their school and go on to greater heights.

By the way, even if you had a 180 my comments above would be the same. I've seen plenty of people above the 75th on both numbers get rejected from both schools, and so it's more than just numbers at the top.

I'm not sure that makes you feel better, but hopefully it outlines what you need to do to lock up a spot. Good luck!