The exact numerical rank doesn't matter as much as the tier. So I think it'll only really be surprising or matter if a T14 school, for example, drop to T20 tier.

Fool-proof first and keep practicing formal logic diagrams since those are the most trainable. That gap does strike me as a bit odd but it'll close over time.

Use this site: https://mylsn.info/dispresults.php

Probably a more comprehensive tool and more accurate than anything an adcomm can tell you.

Just dropping by to say RETAKE. That is an amazing GPA, so take full advantage of it.

I think Notre Dame...but it's close. You can find employment reports for both here. http://abarequireddisclosures.org/EmploymentOutcomes.aspx

@tekken1225189 said:

@leahbeuk911 said:

@rominamogtaderi153 I think umich and uva's outcomes are similar enough that it becomes a matter or personal preference. UVA does better in the south and UMich places better in Midwest.

UVA's top three placement locations are New York, DC, and then California.

That's pretty interesting. I am definitely quite surprised that Virginia itself isn't the top placement. Do you think it's self-selection?

@mstng9878717 said:

I've asked each school who they wanted me to send scholarship questions to. Different people for different organizations (director of admissions, director of financial aid, etc). Once I identify who to talk to, I send an email outlining my request / question. YMMV.

That's good advice.

@rominamogtaderi153 I think umich and uva's outcomes are similar enough that it becomes a matter or personal preference. UVA does better in the south and UMich places better in Midwest.

@ninaleaoishi762 I think what most of us means when we say take until you get your dream score is under the assumption that OP underperformed on test day. I think we can all agree that one take is ideal but sometimes people underperform on test day for reasons unrelated to amount of prep (bad stomach, etc.).

I agree with you OP should scope himself for one take, but being afraid that schools may average shouldn't be a reason not to consider retaking in the case of underperformance since schools take highest score. For most applicants, studying for a retake is much more beneficial for admission outcomes (scholarships $$$) than using that same time for improving soft factors given how numbers driven law schools are.

OP, this thread from former T-14 adcomms helps answer some of your questions as well: https://www.reddit.com/r/LSAT/comments/98mc3o/its_crazy_to_think_how_important_this_test_is/e4hcujh/?context=3

It's a myth that schools average and has been dispelled many times. And as others said, take it until u get your dream score and don't sell yourself short.

I agree with the others that you will likely get multiple offers (a bit surprised that you haven't already with those great numbers) either by the end of March or off the waitlist. However, I would recommend taking a year off to work, not only because your offers will be better but also because your merit aid will probably be higher. Right now, I don't think many of the T-14 has much money left to offer for those waiting to be admitted. If you reapply with work experience, you should expect much more favorable merit aid outcomes. Personal choice of course but something to consider in your situation.

Almost forgot, but you do not need to personalize your letter for each school. I think only Stanford asks for letters to directly address them, but that's not a requirement. Simply have your recommender write "to whom it may concern" or something to that effect.

The structure of the letter should be about a page using a official school or company header depending on who your writer is. It does not need to say letter of recommendation on the actual letter (they'll know). There are good examples on Google.

In LSAC there is a page for putting in the information about your writers. Fill in their name, email, title, etc. and your recommender will receive a email from LSAC on how to upload their letters.

If your recommenders submit the letter, you will get a email notification from LSAC. From LSAC's page, you can now assign the letters to the schools you're applying to and it'll be included in your law school reports along with your transcripts and LSAT score.

Extra tip: make sure your letters of rec address your ability to succeed in law schools. For example, have your professors mention your writing or communication abilities.

Let me know if you have additional questions. Also take care of these early.

A lot depends on what the exact scores are. A higher score that gets u above median is significantly more valuable than a slightly lower score that puts u below median for a early app. This is because USNEWS rankings only counts medians into their calculation and thus becomes what schools mainly care about. If both numbers are below median, then you're going to need to retake anyway for a good shot, regardless of how late the app is (barring super strong softs). I suggest taking as long as you need to max your LSAT score.

Anedoctal of course, but went complete for Columbia early Feb/late Jan and got in recently. This is a slow cycle so late apps really aren't as punishing as they have been for previous cycles.

I had an adjunct professor and it was probably my best letter. As @kingse414 said, high school teacher is pushing it since law schools want to hear from what your college professors thoguht of your academic ability.

@leahbeuk911 yeah I was admitted late Jan. Good luck on BLOS!

I was told that I was not in consideration for BLOS two weeks ago, so I guess no news is good news lol

Applied in December/January and heard back from my last school this Tuesday. One school's turnaround was 7 days, and the longest was probably 2 months. So I'm guessing you'll have initial decisions by April. People who applied in September may have to wait longer just because most schools don't start reviewing apps until travel season is over in November.

Anecdotal, but friend also had score drop and is having an amazing cycle and outperforming her numbers. Really don't think it should be a worry of yours. Also my advice is in my username and go ahead and reuse PTs.

Congrats Alex! Off to big things!

Congratulations !!!

Congratz! I remember seeing one of your earlier posts, pretty exciting to see how far you came!

@yifeiwang926 sort of alluding to what @joezim425753 said, you can save the material in the case of a LOCI after waitlist or if you write a bad "why X" it can only hurt you while a good "why X" won't really move the needle. This is partly because the purpose of the "Why X" is for schools to protect their yield, they want to admit people who will actually attend. Lower ranked T14 lose a lot of cross admits to T6 so they want to see it, especially from higher stat applicants to know that they're not a safety school. T6 schools don't have to really worry about losing cross-admits because they're T6 so it semi-defeats the purpose of a "why X."

See this older thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=198399

I think the advice there still applies.

@yifeiwang926 I actually think the gamble would be to actually write a "Why X" since they're usually not advised for T6.