Applicant wisdom

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blancahoneys

LSAT 173 · GPA 3.95 · 2021–22 cycle

Attending Stanford University

if i could do it again, i would apply to fewer schools. i also wouldn’t retake the lsat - i took it a second time and scored lower. retaking is generally a good idea, but i didn’t set myself up for success to score higher by retaking it during the same semester i was taking 19 credits and writing my app materials.…

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LivelyGlamorousPhoenix

LSAT 171 · GPA 4.00 · 2022–23 cycle

Attending University of Pennsylvania

…twice, scraping by a couple more points my second time. Retaking a 172+ score is extremely risky. You’re not only risking the possibility of doing worse, but the schools can also see your full LSAT report (with all the tests/scores you’ve had). The Deans of Admissions at HLS and YLS both had similar sentiments in…

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GuardedMeekGriffin

LSAT 180 · GPA 4.10 · 2023–24 cycle

Admitted to Stanford University

Start this process early. If you plan to be applying in the fall, take the LSAT in the spring to leave yourself time to retake if necessary. Start working on your personal statement. Get as many eyes as possible on your essays. In undergrad, try to take multiple classes with professors if you think you can do well…

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Zina

LSAT 172 · GPA 4.03 · 2023–24 cycle

Attending New York University

SEVERELY better cycle compared to 2022-2023 for me (◕_◕). I did not retake the LSAT, just strengthened my application parts and applied in November instead of February.

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ParsimoniousRacialEagle

LSAT 173 · GPA 3.56 · 2022–23 cycle

Attending University of Pennsylvania

…a decent shot at the T14. If you’re not there, consider retaking (NOTE: This advice applies to the 2021-2023 cycles and may change in the future). If you are a splitter, apply early and broadly. Make sure you write all of the optional essays. A cohesive ‘Why Law’ narrative is critical in your written materials if…

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WaitlistMeHarderDaddy

LSAT 178 · GPA 3.00 · 2021–22 cycle

Admitted to Stanford University

…and utter thankfulness for not being straight rejected. Retaking a 172 is okay. A 173/174 is where it gets iffy. I tried to actively avoid putting my Big Sad on a platter for the Law School Trauma Farm, and instead focused on the qualities and characteristics that certain events will allow me to contribute to the…

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aptusername

LSAT 173 · GPA 4.00 · 2020–21 cycle

Attending Columbia University

…GPA and LSAT (though I only took it once because I felt retaking a 173 would send a negative signal to all schools except HYS) Advice/Factors that didn’t hurt: Apply as early as possible Write the “why x” statements Tell a story in your personal statement that just so happens to reveal a coherent narrative about…

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Kaine

LSAT 179 · GPA 4.00 · 2023–24 cycle

Attending University of Pennsylvania

If you think you can squeak out just a few more points then please retake and apply with the best app you can! Use 7Sage if you can. Definitely do the optional essays but only if you feel that you can write a STRONG essay in response to the prompt. I think I provided a pretty weak why X essay for UVa and Duke and I…

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AgreeablePeriodicBee

LSAT 173 · GPA 3.98 · 2024–25 cycle

Attending University of Virginia

…for my resume, essays, and interviews. A higher LSAT retake score than any of my practice tests also helped. Regardless of background, constructing a clear narrative, showing confidence, and demonstrating professional skills can make a huge difference. N=1 advice: Study longer for the LSAT than you think you need.-…