Mysonx3's Law School Thread

[IHatePickingUsernames]

Update:

- I got my score back from the LSAT this morning. I scored a 176. Now I will need to consider whether to settle for that or go for higher on a second attempt (since most of my PT scores were a bit higher than that). Leaning towards not retaking, since from everything I've looked at I don't think the extra point or two will materially affect my outcomes
- My last recommendation letter has been submitted

What's left to do:
- Make decision on potentially retaking the LSAT
- Write application essays (this will entail a personal statement, a 250 word essay required by one of my target schools, and some "Why such and such a school" essays for schools that care about that)
- Wait for applications to open
- Submit applications
- Wait on pins and needles to hear back from schools

Law school alumna here. Don't retake the LSAT. Your 176 is only 4 points off of a perfect 180 and with your 4.0 GPA and non-traditional route to law school, you will do well in the admissions process. I predict that you'll get some free rides. And, FYI, the practice tests are always easier than the real thing. Bottom line: don't worry, you have an amazing score.

I will say this, though. Don't consider any law schools where you're going to have to borrow large sums of money to afford. AVOID student loan debt as much as possible. Lawyers are leaving the field every day and, last I heard, BigLaw firms weren't hiring the way they used to hire. Going to the Harvards and Yales is great ONLY if you can graduate without significant debt. Barring that, your best bet is to get a full ride to a solid law school, even if it's not in the top 50. The thing you should be most concerned about is a school's first time bar passage rate. Compare it with the state's first time bar passage rate. If it's close to, equal to, or exceeds the state's rate, it's a decent school.

All the best to you!