The Official BLSD "What Are My Chances?/Where Should I Apply?" Thread

[kasinonyc]

Hello everyone,

I am a black male with a 2.5 UGPA (Finance Major) and scoring between 149-151 on my timed practice test. I have three more weeks before the big day and I have been studying more and more as the day comes closer. I want to know what are the chances of me getting into Stetson or the University of Miami. My low GPA is a reflection of financial hardships throughout my college life. I was forced to work full time from my freshman year to now. I also had 3 solid internships with top investment companies. Please be honest.

Thanks

[kasinonyc]

I am taking a course here in the tampa bay area with a non-profit organization for about a month now. The instructor has been teaching the program for over 20 years and the program very reputable.  I know I can take the exam in feb09 for stetson's fall'09 class but I don't think that is the case for UM.

I haven't heard of any bibles but I will do my research. I have the games down pack but the reading comp and logic are not consistent. Are there anyones that you can recommend?

Also, being black and applying to schools that have a small black population (especially stetson), does that give me some leeway? If so how much? 

Thanks

Ahhh...your GPA is low for both schools and your LSAT is pushin' both school's 25 percentiles (you more in range at Stetson then you are at U of Miami, I believe they have a 155-160 while Stetson is more of a 153-157/8). I would highly encourage that you do not, I REPEAT, do not take the LSAT at this stage in the game.

You are already in a hole with your GPA and that last thing your application needs is a horrible LSAT (Below 155). If you anticipate getting into these two desired schools your LSAT needs to be upwards of 159-162 range to have a strong shot as long as there is a story behind your low GPA.

Just study your tail off with the LSAT. I was intimidated by the exam initially but my most recent diag. was a 169 (I have been at it for nearly two months now). Its a very learnable test. Just put the time in and the score will come.

How long have you been studying? Have you been using the Bibles? 

Hello everyone,

I am a black male with a 2.5 UGPA (Finance Major) and scoring between 149-151 on my timed practice test. I have three more weeks before the big day and I have been studying more and more as the day comes closer. I want to know what are the chances of me getting into Stetson or the University of Miami. My low GPA is a reflection of financial hardships throughout my college life. I was forced to work full time from my freshman year to now. I also had 3 solid internships with top investment companies. Please be honest.

Thanks

[naturallybeyoutiful]

I haven't heard of any bibles but I will do my research. I have the games down pack but the reading comp and logic are not consistent. Are there anyones that you can recommend?

He's talking about Powerscore!  You need to get all three Bibles (Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and the new Reading Comprehension) and go through them all like it's your job! Check the LSAT section of this board for more info (and maybe even buy them used from someone up here to save money.)  If you end up buying them online, note that ordering them directly from Powerscore is cheaper than trying to get it new through Amazon.

Run, don't walk to get these books!!!  Then milk these books for everything they're worth until you know the stuff cold!!!  The LSAT is one of the most teachable tests you'll ever take, and I think Powerscore could raise your score at least 10 points with a few months of serious study.  It worked for me.

Also, being black and applying to schools that have a small black population (especially stetson), does that give me some leeway? If so how much? 

I think you should rather focus on having the strongest application you can - no matter whether the school has a large or small black population.  Sure, admissions committees will consider race as a factor in admissions (which I personally don't have a problem with seeing as how there's a "black tax" on living in this country and race is considered in every other sphere) but I think the strategy that serves you best in law school and beyond is this one -- Pursue excellence, and let the chips fall where they may. 

[kasinonyc]

I will be getting those 3 ASAIGP (as soon as I get paid).lol

I haven't heard of any bibles but I will do my research. I have the games down pack but the reading comp and logic are not consistent. Are there anyones that you can recommend?

He's talking about Powerscore!  You need to get all three Bibles (Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and the new Reading Comprehension) and go through them all like it's your job! Check the LSAT section of this board for more info (and maybe even buy them used from someone up here to save money.)  If you end up buying them online, note that ordering them directly from Powerscore is cheaper than trying to get it new through Amazon.

Run, don't walk to get these books!!!  Then milk these books for everything they're worth until you know the stuff cold!!!  The LSAT is one of the most teachable tests you'll ever take, and I think Powerscore could raise your score at least 10 points with a few months of serious study.  It worked for me.





Thank you for insight. I really should not be focusing on finding a way to get in instead of earning my way in. That really change my perspective on things. I appreciate that.

 

Also, being black and applying to schools that have a small black population (especially stetson), does that give me some leeway? If so how much? 

I think you should rather focus on having the strongest application you can - no matter whether the school has a large or small black population.  Sure, admissions committees will consider race as a factor in admissions (which I personally don't have a problem with seeing as how there's a "black tax" on living in this country and race is considered in every other sphere) but I think the strategy that serves you best in law school and beyond is this one -- Pursue excellence, and let the chips fall where they may. 

[secondsblue]

hmm no Gtown acceptance yet, and I know many have went out... 164/3.92. interesting. maybe shoulda mentioned diversity more in my PS.

[Special Agent Dana Scully]

hmm no Gtown acceptance yet, and I know many have went out... 164/3.92. interesting. maybe shoulda mentioned diversity more in my PS.

GULC is weird.  You will probably get in, but don't feel bad if you don't.  I got WL after 5.5 months of waiting

[t L]

hmm no Gtown acceptance yet, and I know many have went out... 164/3.92. interesting. maybe shoulda mentioned diversity more in my PS.

Chill out.  The chances of you going to GULC are slim anyway.

[secondsblue]

hmm no Gtown acceptance yet, and I know many have went out... 164/3.92. interesting. maybe shoulda mentioned diversity more in my PS.

Chill out.  The chances of you going to GULC are slim anyway.

darn

[wellpreserved]

Maybe a crazy question guys, but my concern is about how best to utilize the wonderful database that has been constructed here.

How many points in either direction of the LSAT would you safely compare yourself to? With my 156 should I consider the record earned by a 158 or a 159?

Thanks.

[A.]

I wouldn't go more than a point higher.  As for lower, you should do as well as or better than people with scores lower than you, all else equal.