Got in, now what?

[medialaw111516]

Hi,

I'm still waiting to hear from the rest of the schools I applied to, but I just got into Berkeley Law yesterday and am waiting for my financial package (was also placed in the reserve group for Columbia). I'm wondering if taking the April LSAT is worth it for negotiating my financial package and potentially making me a more attractive candidate to be taken off of reserve?

On an unrelated note, I won't be able to make it to the admitted students weekend because it's in two weeks, across the county and I will already be out of town for a prior work commitment that I can't get out of. What should I do in this situation and are there other ways to connect with people/get to know more about the school beforehand? I plan to get out there and visit before deciding, but I'm just worried I won't get as good a feel for the school.

Finally, just want to thank all the PowerScore staff who've answered my zillion LSAT related questions in these chats throughout this two year journey. Also, shoutout to my class instructor Jeremey Press who made studying for the LSAT almost bearable!

[Adam Tyson]

OUTSTANDING! Very happy to hear that great news, and congratulations on your impressive achievements!

If you think you can get a better score by retaking, and the schools are willing to wait for you to make your commitment to them, then it's generally worth a retake to try and negotiate a better financial package, reducing your overall debt and giving you more flexibility in choosing your post-grad career. There's no downside, really, so long as you aren't going to have to pass up a seat because of the delay. Check with those schools to see what they have to say about it. Call the admissions office and tell them you are considering a retake, and get their feedback. In the end, a higher score is better for the school that you end up going to, so they should be supportive.

As for the weekend, try reaching out to contacts who are in the student body there through social media, and ask for their take on what it's like there. See if you can arrange a visit another time and set up some private tours and a chance to sit in on a class. And again, ask the admissions office for their suggestions. At this point, you have to view them as recruiters who are there to help you and entice you.

What a great position to be in! On behalf of all of us here at PS, we're glad to have had the chance to be a part of your journey.

[Dave Killoran]

Also here to offer a BIG congrats to you!! Berkeley is awesome, one of my favorite law schools and campuses

[medialaw111516]

Thanks Adam & Dave!