The speculation is over, so now I can ask

[UNAS]

1.) He's a URM, so most traditional rules re: numbers go out the window right away
2.) I got in to multiple T14s and I have a sub 3.0 GPA. And I'm not URM. This is a more common occurrence than you are giving credit for. See this post for info on how the sub 3.0, over 170 crowd did in the 06-07 cycle.
3.) He has a good sense of humor, which has to count for something.

1) True.  But I'm saying I didn't see anyone sub 3.0 sub 170 that got in.  Of course LSN doesn't include everyone, but as far as I saw, there were zero sub 3.0, sub 170.  I also only looked at 3 or 4 schools, so maybe schools like UVA, Mich, Duke had a couple that I didn't see.

2) I'm sure you're right that it's more common than I realize.  I was definitely a non-splitter, so I never really paid too much attention to splitters.  But again, you're talking about over 170, he has a 166.  And congrats on that - what was your LSAT if you don't mind me asking?

3) I agree.  And his soft factors appear like they could be pretty impressive.

LSN seems extremely anectdotal in and of itself. It is tough to determing how representative that is of the total applicant population. To bad there isn't another resource available that I can cross reference. I would call the admission office myself if I knew I could get some juicy answers from them.

[bamf]

I am a blk male
166 on june lsat
MBA 5 years of work experience
UG GPA- 2.9 (I was a party animal and missed class alot)
Personal Statements and Diversity essay are both ironclad
LORs from the president of my university and columbia law school faculty
Loads of extracurriculars

What are my chances at T14 gold

Haha party animal? You're obviously bright with your LSAT score, but I hope given the fact that you didn't really put in any effort, you don't get any URM benefit at all. Sorry if that sounds mean

Thanks for the insight DCB

I take no offense Underestimated. As far as the effort comment, quite the contrary. I put loads of effort into being Joe College while I was in school, just not Joe PhiDeltaKappa. That should count for something. Think of it as an X factor. Prestigious/Uppercrust law sschools need people like me to sustain the social equilibrium.

lol or to comprise the bottom 25%

you'll get a bunch of offers in 20-30, not sure about T14.

[juliemccoy]

I don't think you have much shot at T14 with that GPA, even with the URM status. You'd need another "Wow" type soft factor to make up for the GPA. Apply to a range of schools in the Top 30.

[UNAS]

I don't think you have much shot at T14 with that GPA, even with the URM status. You'd need another "Wow" type soft factor to make up for the GPA. Apply to a range of schools in the Top 30.

That kinda sucks. I thought my softs were pretty good. I may take the test again, Christ that will be a pain in the ass. At some point in time I will give admissioni consultants a ring.

[juliemccoy]

Softs only matter when you're borderline. LSAT is the only thing that really matters.

[NotSmails]

Being black isn't a soft factor.  It's as good as 7-10 free LSAT points.