How much do "softs" count in top 5-10 admissions

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'm applying to law school this fall and was trying to figure out my chances at a top law school. My stats are:</p>

<p>School: HYP (Ivy)
GPA: 3.91
LSAT: taking it in Sept., but have been scoring around 170 on practice tests.</p>

<p>I know that these stats alone certainly aren't enough to secure me admission to a top school, however I think I have some pretty decent "soft" factors, and was wondering how much influence y'all think they can possibly have. For example, I've interned for a Congressman, done independent research in a foreign country, worked as a research assistant in a lab (and am writing a senior thesis based off of my findings), founded a volunteer organization, served as a residential counselor at my university, ran a marathon for charity, won awards for club sports, etc. Also, I think I'll have pretty decent recommendations. With these factors thrown in, do I have a good chance at a top school? How much will these factors count in the admissions process? </p>

<p>Thanks for your opinions and advice!</p>

2

<p>Are you ■■■■■■■■ or is this a serious question?</p>

<p>If it is, then you’re fine. </p>

<p>3.9 GPA + 170 LSAT + exceptional softs (which you seem to have in abundance) = admission into most top law schools</p>

<p>Raise your LSAT about 5 points, and you can get into any law school in the country, imo.</p>

3

<p>

</p>

<p>Not exactly the easiest task in the world since 5 points could be the difference between UCLA (167) and Harvard (172). </p>

<p>Softs are often taken into account after you’ve made the number cut and they’re dwindling the pool further. If you’re looking for a T4 I’d say a 170 might get you in but a 171 or 2 would give you a huge huge boost.</p>

4

<p>Check lawschoolnumbers.com to see what other admits with your gpa had for an lsat at whatever school(s) you want to go to.</p>

<p>The rankings on top-law-schools.com have the 25th/75th percentile for gpa/lsat listed for schools also.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the advice everyone!</p>

<p>I know a couple of people with +3.85 and +170s that were rejected from top 5 schools, and a few people with almost the same stats who were admitted. It seems like admission to some of these schools really is a bit of a crap shoot.</p>

<p>Thanks again for the help!</p>

6

<p>Admission to the very top law schools is never a lock for anyone, regardless of their grades and LSAT scores. You can take nothing for granted in law school admissions.</p>