The LSAT has been my downfall

<p>But then again I only got a 1050 on my SATs, but I have a 3.7 at Cornell. </p>

<p>Anyway, I just sent out my applications this week and noticed that most of my choices are top 15 schools. What worries me is that I don't expect to get higher than a 151 on my LSAT (I took the 12/08 test). Will my GPA and undergraduate institution carry me? How about LOR? Mine were written by the present and previous deans of my school. A little bit more about me, I am a high school dropout that got her GED then went to a CC where I graduated with a 3.74. I am a member of an URM, the first in my family to go to college, and a non traditional student (I started college at 25). I'd like to believe that I am more than my LSAT score but am I deceiving myself?</p>

<p>My picks
-American University
-Cornell
-Columbia
-Harvard
-Fordham
-Emory
-North Western
-Yeshiva
-UPenn
-U of Chicago
-U of Texas</p>

<p>Which URM?</p>

<p>If you have a 3.7 and a 150 and aren't a URM, you're not getting into any of your schools. But which URM you are is important, and remember only black/mexican/puerto rican/native american count.</p>

<p>What is your LSAC gpa (remember they are going to factor in your CC grades also). It could be more or less than the 3.74 you got at Cornell.</p>

<p>I would take a shot to say that with a 150/151, you can knock the following schools off your list:</p>

<p>Columbia
Harvard
UPenn
U of Chicago</p>

<p>A high LSAT can give a little lift to a low GPA, but a high GPA does not compensate for a low LSAT. If you have a history or test scores not accurately reflecting your abilities, you should definitely write an addendum.</p>

<p>I am black, born in Jamaica</p>

<p>My CC GPA was 3.74, my Cornell GPA is 3.7</p>

<p>My plan is to retake the LSAT in February, but I'm not sure of how much of an improvement to expect.</p>

<p>So basically my question is what are the best schools that I can get in with a stellar GPA and a mediocre LSAT?</p>

<p>The answer, unfortunately, is not many. The LSAT is weighted much more heavily than your GPA relative to undergrad admissions. If you are capable of a 3.7 at Cornell, there is no way you have maxed out your LSAT potential at 150. How long have you studied? Which section is beating you? I would consider studying with the Powerscore books and delaying until June. Just 10 more points would make a world of difference.</p>

<p>I would recommend studying more for the LSAT. 3.7/150 for URM might get you into some lower T14's but even then its a crap shoot. 3.7/160 (the jump from 150 to 160 is very possible with studying) can put you solidly into T-14 law schools. If you will not be retaking the LSAT then you should still be good at schools ranked between #20 and #40.</p>

<p>Did you prep for your SAT? If not, do prep for the LSAT.</p>

<p>In the future, you might want to consider applying to Berkeley, your academic record (GPA, LOR etc.), LSAT & personal statement are all weighted evenly at 1/3 of the review process</p>