PT vs. FT?

[Strobs]

I just took the December LSAT and got a 155 with a moderate GPA. Hmmm... I think that puts me in the "probably 4th tier, maybe third, kiss-someone's-ass-and-you'll-get-in 2nd and hell no first tier" category. Someone suggested that I apply to the part-time programs - specifically USF and Santa Clara because it might be easier - and you can probably enroll in their FT next year. However, the numbers aren't that much lower, and I don't have a family or any huge reason why I need to be a part-time applicant. Thoughts? 

[paul1454]

Well, if you apply the answer may be yes or it may be no.  If you don't apply, the answer will certainly be NO.

You're above the 25% LSAT at Santa Clara.  How's your GPA?

[Strobs]

3.1 (can't even round up) at a good school and a D1 athlete - I'm hoping that will help, but I have a feeling that although most admissions claim to take a look at your application as a whole, they're really just looking at the numbers. I'm definitely going to apply to USF and SCU, but don't want to shoot myself in the foot by applying PT instead.

[paul1454]

You definitely won't shoot yourself in the foot.  What you WILL do, is increase your chances for acceptance. 

You can switch to full-time later or if you do well (top 15 - 20% of your class) you may even decide to transfer to a higher ranked school (your law school grades will hold more weight on your transfer app than your LSAT). 

[UnbiasedObserver]

Definitely retake, especially with the new ABA policy!

[Captain]

Question: Is it possible/common for someone to be Waitlisted for FT and Accepted PT when applying to both divisions?