What are my chances with 161 and 3.56?

[The Man]

After ranging from about 166-172 on all of my practice tests, I choked on the real deal and got a 161.  My UGPA was 3.56 from University of Minnesota with majors in history, English, and sociology.  The majors were completed in 3.5 years while working from 20-30 hrs per week.  GPA increased from freshman year to almost a 4.0 in the last two semesters.  Are tier 1's out of the question?

Thanks

[asugirliegirl]

T1s are not out of the question.  just pick the right schools to apply to. i'm at university of arizona (ranked 43, i think).  i had a 3.72 gpa and a 161 lsat.  my gpa is a little higher than yours, but i don't think that really matters.  schools appear more interested in lsat scores.

[MichaelK]

T1's are not out of the question.  One thing I would do though is emphasize your work experience in college.  The fact that you pulled off a 3.5 working 20-30 hours per week and almost a 4.0 in the last two semesters is impressive if you are a full time student and did not take classes over the summer

[cannotpick]

If your practices were so much higher, why not go & retake the LSAT?

[The Man]

Now that you mention it, I think I will try it again.

[willislaw]

Since we had similar numbers... T1 is def. not out of the question. I had a 161/3.9 and I will be attending Maryland (ranked 41 and climbing). I was waitlisted and withdrew at 2 other T1's (George Mason and William&Mary). Accepted at a few T2's (with some scholarships) as well. Good Luck!!

[Carpe JDiem]

If I were you I would apply to schools like Minnesota, Ohio St and Illinois, if you're interesed in going to a Tier 1 in the midwest/north central.

If you want to go to Chicago, try DePaul, Chicago-Kent or Loyola. 

You could take a chance on schools like Wash U in St Louis, Emory, or Boston College, if you're interested in those places.

[stateofbeasley]

OSU!