Hey @ ,

I’m hoping to get your perspective on my chances at Cardozo and Seton Hall, my top two schools. I submitted my applications mid-January to early February, fully complete, including detailed “why X” essays for both, and I’m trying to gauge both admit likelihood and scholarship potential.

Stats:

LSAT: 157

LSAC GPA: 3.93

LSAT / Addendum Circumstances:

Jan 2025: 148

June 2025: 157

Aug 2025: administration disrupted by documented proctoring issue; LSAC offered retest

On day of LSAC retest, my wife unexpectedly went into labor; LSAC rescheduled me two weeks later

Addendum explains these circumstances and my continued readiness for law school

Work / Soft Factors:

Professional experience in ERISA / 401(k) plan compliance, reviewing plan documents, processing loans/withdrawals, preparing Form 5500 filings, and advising clients

Volunteer leadership: 12 years at Chasdei Lev (food distribution)

Camp counselor & medical volunteer at Camp Simcha, supporting kids with terminal illnesses and lifelong disabilities

First-generation college student; academically nontraditional path through yeshiva studies, with exposure to rigorous Talmudic reasoning and analytic skills

LORs from:

My direct professional supervisor (analytical rigor, attention to detail, legal-adjacent work)

Head of one of my volunteer organizations (community impact, leadership, persistence)

A professor (academic abilities, intellectual curiosity)

Essays:

Personal statement highlighting lived experience, professional development, and motivation for law school

“Why X” essays for both schools, showing fit, interest, and alignment with transactional law career goals

Question:

Given my 157 / 3.93 profile with strong professional, volunteer, and academic background, multiple strong LORs, detailed essays, and documented LSAT circumstances, how would you realistically assess my chances at:

Cardozo – LSAT slightly below median, GPA above

Seton Hall – profile seems closer to median

Would you expect likely admits, waitlist range, or more reach outcomes? Also curious about merit scholarship potential, especially considering my first-gen status, professional and community experience, and strong softs.

Thanks so much for any insight!