First-time applicant - advice

michelinka123

Hey everyone,
Would love any advice about how to strategically approach this application cycle. It's my first time so I'm a bit nervous. The goal is to get into a T14 to study technology law. I work full-time and am willing to wait until next cycle if a top school isn't in the cards for me.

My numbers:
- 3.84 LSAC GPA from a top 40 undergrad with a STEM degree in cognitive science.
- I took the LSAT for the first time in September and received a 169. PTs ranged 169-173.

I know admissions is mostly interested in the numbers, and I'm in between 25th and 50th percentile in both categories for the T14. My absolute dream would be to attend Northwestern (also applying to Georgetown, Duke, UVA, and Penn, still deciding on the rest). My question is - would it be better to apply Northwestern Early Decision with what I have now or retake the LSAT in November? Do I have even a slight shot?

For more context, soft factors:
- First-generation American and first-generation law student
- 3 years full-time work experience (post-grad) in the digital advertising space. Completed 4 relevant internships during undergrad and am now in a Manager position. Resume includes several prestigious healthcare/pharma companies
- Earned a data privacy law certification from IAPP (organization for privacy lawyers) by passing their exam, which is apparently a gold standard in that specialty and is mostly awarded only to practicing lawyers. AI Governance certification from the same organization is pending.
- 3 letters of recommendation, two from professors (one of which was a research supervisor), one from a former manager
- Two semesters each of undergraduate research and TA experience, helped to develop curriculum for a course
- Leadership positions in several student organizations
- Personal Statement about how I entered the digital marketing world after majoring in neuroscience and how data privacy concerns have led me to pursue law school
- Diversity Statement about my identity as a Russian-speaking American (family from Ukraine) and being impacted by the situation in that region, how being first-gen motivated me to pursue law and why I believe it's an asset
- Personalized Why X for nearly every school I'm applying to

Thank you all so much for even reading this :') appreciate your help!