Applying to Reach Schools - Do I have a chance?

[skkhan19]

Hi,

I'm a third year college student from New York, I'm twenty years old, and I will be graduating in May 2020. I have a 3.62 GPA, and I'm taking the January 2020 LSAT. So far, I seem to be stuck in the low 160s on my practice tests. I started with a 146 on a diagnostic test that I took in July with no preparation. On my last two digital practice tests, which I took over the last week, I scored a 162 and a 161.

Georgetown Law is my top choice, as I want to pursue a career in international law. I am planning to apply Early Decision to Georgetown Law before the Feb 1st ED deadline. I know that it's a reach given that my GPA is somewhat low, and that my LSAT score likely won't be as high as Georgetown's median. I'm hoping that the admissions committee takes note of the fact that I'm graduating college in three years, with a double major in Political Science and International Relations, as I had to take quite a heavy course-load every semester. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could make my application stand out? Should I submit as many optional essays and addenda as I can? Will applying ED to Georgetown increase my chances of getting in by a significant margin?

I haven't yet completed my personal statement, as I plan to focus on that as soon as the LSAT is over. The current topic for my personal statement centers around the culturally diverse background that I grew up in, what challenges I faced due to them, and how my past failures have fueled my aspiration to seek success as an attorney.

I am also planning to apply to George Washington Law, American University Law, Boston University (or College - I'm not sure yet) Law, NYU Law (yes, I think that is going to be a far reach, but it's my parents' top choice for me) and Fordham Law. I would appreciate any suggestions you have for me as to how I may increase my chances of getting into these schools.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
-Shah

[Dave Killoran]

Hi,

I'm a third year college student from New York, I'm twenty years old, and I will be graduating in May 2020. I have a 3.62 GPA, and I'm taking the January 2020 LSAT. So far, I seem to be stuck in the low 160s on my practice tests. I started with a 146 on a diagnostic test that I took in July with no preparation. On my last two digital practice tests, which I took over the last week, I scored a 162 and a 161.

Georgetown Law is my top choice, as I want to pursue a career in international law. I am planning to apply Early Decision to Georgetown Law before the Feb 1st ED deadline. I know that it's a reach given that my GPA is somewhat low, and that my LSAT score likely won't be as high as Georgetown's median. I'm hoping that the admissions committee takes note of the fact that I'm graduating college in three years, with a double major in Political Science and International Relations, as I had to take quite a heavy course-load every semester. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could make my application stand out? Should I submit as many optional essays and addenda as I can? Will applying ED to Georgetown increase my chances of getting in by a significant margin?

I haven't yet completed my personal statement, as I plan to focus on that as soon as the LSAT is over. The current topic for my personal statement centers around the culturally diverse background that I grew up in, what challenges I faced due to them, and how my past failures have fueled my aspiration to seek success as an attorney.

I am also planning to apply to George Washington Law, American University Law, Boston University (or College - I'm not sure yet) Law, NYU Law (yes, I think that is going to be a far reach, but it's my parents' top choice for me) and Fordham Law. I would appreciate any suggestions you have for me as to how I may increase my chances of getting into these schools.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
-Shah

Hi Shah,

Thanks for the questions! At your current/expected numbers, it's a longshot for the T14. Not impossible, but the chances aren't great, usually 10% at best (this includes Georgetown). You see better chances once you go outside the T20, and there are definitely schools inside the T30 where you have a very solid chance. So, as it stands, the numbers are your biggest problem, not any external issue. Your best chance of changing the numbers comes through the LSAT, and I'm sure you are doing everything you can there

As for Early Decision, this might help give you some insights: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/applyi ... not-to-ed/

To get your PS in the best shape possible, go here: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-po ... urce-list/

For Letters of Rec, check this out: https://vimeo.com/195500523

And last, it's really tough to read a paragraph or two about someone and know how they could improve their application. Applications are usually very to improve, but only after we know a lot more about you. A few paragraphs just isn't enough! This is why we offer Admissions consulting—so we can learn about you and unlock some better ways to present yourself. I've had numerous experiences of talking to applicants and only after a few hours did it become clear they had a special angle or some previously unknown topic they could talk about. For more info, take a look at: https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/law-school-admissions/

I hope the above helps. Thanks!

[skkhan19]

Hi again,

Thank you for the advice and links! Once I finish the test, I definitely want to do more research on schools that are in my expected score range. I'll also look into the page on personal statements.

I also just want to say, thank you for even having this forum in the first place. I would not have been able to make the progress that I have without the help of multiple PowerScore materials! I really appreciate all of the resources available to students, and the information you guys provide online. I used the Bible trilogy over the summer, and enrolled in the On Demand course last month for extra review. Hopefully, all of this effort pays off. Thanks again!

Best,
Shah

[Dave Killoran]

Hi again,

Thank you for the advice and links! Once I finish the test, I definitely want to do more research on schools that are in my expected score range. I'll also look into the page on personal statements.

I also just want to say, thank you for even having this forum in the first place. I would not have been able to make the progress that I have without the help of multiple PowerScore materials! I really appreciate all of the resources available to students, and the information you guys provide online. I used the Bible trilogy over the summer, and enrolled in the On Demand course last month for extra review. Hopefully, all of this effort pays off. Thanks again!

Best,
Shah

Thanks Shah! We appreciate your kind words so much!!