Sorry,,,,what does everyone think?

[legalkitty]

Here's my situation. I have a 147 LSAT and a 3.06 UGPA. I am planning to go into Public Interest (I want to work at an animal rights org.) and I currently work for a national animal org that I have since been promoted and have also been published in our magazine. I have a lot of community service. Downsides (besides LSAT): since grad, I took some non-degree classes and twice had to drop out without withdrawing formally. I have an addendum explaining why (once for work and once for illness that ended up being a brain tumor-this cost me my hearing in my right ear and my undergrad is in Music. How's that for irony?). Anyway, will this really hurt me despite the good I have to offer? Here's where I am applying: Rutgers (Newark), Temple, U of Balt., CUNY, Pace, HOfstra, Touro, NYLS, Widener (both campuses), U of DC--all part-time except U of DC and CUNY. Help! I need a pep talk!!

[foxnewssucks]

Out of the schools you listed, I think you have a chance at CUNY, Touro,Widener and DC.  I think the key to your application would be to focus on your animal rights work and how you want to continue this after LS.  A lot of people BS about going into Public Interest, but you can actually back it up with relevant work and a perceived desire.  I think your addendum will be fine and what about retaking the LSAT?

[jgruber]

Widener at Harrisburg has ties to the state government and could be a good school for you.

I've been thinking about trying to transfer -- for just that reason -- one of these days, if I can tear myself away from Tennessee.

[legalkitty]

Widener at Harrisburg has ties to the state government and could be a good school for you.

I've been thinking about trying to transfer -- for just that reason -- one of these days, if I can tear myself away from Tennessee.

Thank you for being so helpful and nice! Some of these people are brutal!! As for Harrisburg, I would LOVE to attend there. I think I will apply to both Wideners to increase my chances, but that is where I am really hoping for.

As for retaking the LSAT, I am an appalling bad standardized test taker (860 on SAT), and while in practice I have gotten as high as a 151, I am too concerned that I will do worse. Ugh! I can't wait until this process is OVER!!!

[jgruber]

Be warned that Widener is ranked deadlast by US News & World Report.

Widener at Harrisburg has ties to the state government and could be a good school for you.

I've been thinking about trying to transfer -- for just that reason -- one of these days, if I can tear myself away from Tennessee.

Thank you for being so helpful and nice! Some of these people are brutal!! As for Harrisburg, I would LOVE to attend there. I think I will apply to both Wideners to increase my chances, but that is where I am really hoping for.

As for retaking the LSAT, I am an appalling bad standardized test taker (860 on SAT), and while in practice I have gotten as high as a 151, I am too concerned that I will do worse. Ugh! I can't wait until this process is OVER!!!

[NYKnicks]

Lol, isn't that because its alphabetical though?
Sucks for them anyway. 

Be warned that Widener is ranked deadlast by US News & World Report.

[jgruber]

USNWR is entitled to their opinion, but it is weighted against schools that don't fit their mold.

I would like to be able to move up to Pa. and go to Widener.  They offer what I want.  I don't want BIGLAW or to teach law or anything of the things you need highly rated schools for.

Lol, isn't that because its alphabetical though?
Sucks for them anyway. 

Be warned that Widener is ranked deadlast by US News & World Report.

[legalkitty]

USNWR is entitled to their opinion, but it is weighted against schools that don't fit their mold.

I would like to be able to move up to Pa. and go to Widener.  They offer what I want.  I don't want BIGLAW or to teach law or anything of the things you need highly rated schools for.

Lol, isn't that because its alphabetical though?
Sucks for them anyway. 

Be warned that Widener is ranked deadlast by US News & World Report.

Me either. High ranks are totally irrelevant to what I want to do. I am really hoping for Widener!!

[S.J.]

Kitty, as long as you can get a job with the group you're with (or a similar group, based on your experience), it won't matter where you go to school, so just have fun and learn a lot wherever you go.  You'll definitely get in somewhere.

[Monkey]

Kitty, someone I know got a 141 LSAT (just a really bad test-taker, too) and had a GPA of around 2.8 (college athlete who didn't really care at the time.)  He had to go through a summer program at Widener (Harrisburg) before being admitted, but successfully completed it and was accepted.  He's now a consulting attorney for the State Dept. in DC, and loves it.  These situations are definitely what you make of them.  Long story short, I think Widener is realistic for you.  (And Widener is T4, but it's only at the bottom of T4 because they list T3's and T4's alphabetically.)