My alma mater, the University of Miami School of Law, is one of those schools that is still considering the average of multiple LSAT scores. My former college newspaper (which, I confess I used to call “The Slurricane” rather than “The Hurricane” as editor of its rival, the yearbook) published this today about why Dean Michael Goodnight (and they don’t come any more knowledgeable or professional aboutlaw school admissions by the way) says the average score is more important to them.
Oh – and the funniest question I’ve been asked today is this:
“Is it true that you have a better shot at a long-shot school if you apply at the end of the admission cycle? I’ve hear that you have a better shot of getting into the ‘maybe’ pile this way.”
Ok, my response was (literally): “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” Why would a law school want a procrastinator who shows poor judgment about his chances of getting into their school? Why would they take a late applicant over someone they’ve already waitlisted who applied nice and early, thereby showing serious interest in the school? Why would a law school make room for someone at the end of the application cycle unless they bring something to the class they wouldn’t otherwise have represented there?….
Ok… I’m off to the UCSB law fair.
6 Responses
Let’s be honest. You need to tell that guy he has no shot at getting in if he keeps using typos like “I’ve hear”
It’s probably my typo, not his, and I take full responsibility.
I’m a minority student who graduated with a 3.4 from UVA but have always had difficulty w/ standardized tests. I’ve taken the LSAT five times in the past 4 years, averaging a 154. However, most recently,I got a 163. How will they see me and should I explain my difficulty?
Hi Jason,
Thanks for writing. The good news is that you went to a great undergraduate school and your recent LSAT is strong. That’s encouraging.
I can absolutely help you craft an addendum explaining the number of LSAT administrations and your history struggling with standardized tests. A lot of my clients are in similar situations; it is so important the the personal statement, diversity essays, and the rest of the applications are outstanding.
Choosing the right schools is vital – I have a lot of anecdotal evidence that I can add to the published statistics about clients in similar situations who have been admitted to the law schools you are considering.
If I can help you through this process (and I’d love to see you apply in the coming 2-3 weeks) please feel free to contact me via http://www.lawschoolexpert.com or by phone at 1-877-LAW-SKOL.
Hi Ann,
I took the LSAT last october (2012) and received a 145. I just received my score for this past october (2013) LSAT and I received a 177.
I understand I must write an addedum, but how do you think most schools (esp. top 14 schools) will look at such a huge jump?
Thank you in advance.
Jay, WOW! Quite an improvement! Shows that you didn’t prepare the first time (huge lack in judgment) but you got serious and pulled it out. That’s good stuff!