<p>I am writing for some very candid advice - don't worry about offending me or anything. :-) I am looking to apply to law school for Fall of 2008. Here are my stats:</p>
<p>Around 3.0 UGPA from an Ivy League School
165-170 range on practice LSATs, leaning toward the high end, taking them in June for real
Puerto Rican/female/first to go to college (although I guess this doesn't matter in law school...)
Good personal statements, excellent recommendations, legal internships
Work experience as a paralegal
Very clear goals for the type of law I want to study (again, not sure this really matters since I'm sure lots of people change their minds - just trying to give a clear picture.)</p>
<p>Do you think I would have a chance at top school? (I'm not talking HYS, but a solid school with a good reputation.) I'm not sure how much "affirmative action" matters in law school admissions, and I hate even dragging that into it but if it's a factor I feel I might as well know so I can better assess my chances. Any advice or any opinions are welcome!</p>
<p>Well- if you actually do get 165 or better and you can bring your grades up, I'd say you would have a shot at Fordham. If you do not meet that mark, you may also have a chance at Cardoza or Brooklyn Law. Don't rule out SUNY Buffalo, Pace, Hofstra etc. All good decent schools.<br>
I do not know how much play being a minority is for Law School. My guess is that it may not be as helpful as it was for undergrad but it certainly can't hurt.<br>
My d is also graduating 2008 but is taking LSAT's soon as she will be doing a study abroad next semester. I can tell you that until she gets the LSAT score, it really is hard to judge what are appropriate schools to apply to as the LSAT's seem to be a CRITICAL factor in law school admissions.<br>
Also- please note that the reading portion of the LSAT's is supposed to change in 6/2007 (lucky you!!) so be aware that change is coming and get the most up to date info from the LSAC website. These changes will be posted around 2/07.
My d is in a similar situation re: LSAT study-- If she needs to take the LSAT's again, it will most probably be 10/07- after the change takes place.
We are also metro NYC people, so my guess is that my d will also focus on some of these NY schools too.</p>
<p>As far as I know, every Ivy keeps a scattergram. If you see where applicants from your school with similar GPA's and LSATs got in, you will have a good idea of where to apply. Being Hispanic does help. (Take a look at lawschoolnumbers.com.) Throw some applications at PRIVATE law schools which have low minority enrollments. </p>
<p>The LSAT is VERY important. PSedrish, a former moderator for CC, had a daughter who had a 180 and a 3.2 at Harvard. She got into Harvard Law and got a free ride at U-Mich (which she chose.) So, keep studying for the LSAT!</p>