I recently received a letter from the dean of admissions at a T15 school. I sincerely thought Ashton Kutcher may have been hiding in my hallway ready to pop out at any moment with a film crew. (Apologies for those of you who missed out on Punk'd, go watch an episode and return.) Anyways, I spent a good amount of time over analyzing this letter, of course. It's an actual letter, not a mass letter. It's tailored to my interests and highlights student groups I would be inclined to join AND there was also an admissions packet full of amazing and hilarious reasons why I should "please consider attending" this school. The letter is signed in ink (there's even smudges, yes I inspected this) by the dean and there's even a handwritten note. My surprise stems from the fact that 1) I don't meet their median LSAT score, my LSAT scores (yes there is an 's' at the end, I have 2) are WELL below which is why I'm on the Sage 2) my undergrad GPA is good but not stellar, again below their median. I know there are supposedly other factors that go into the admissions decision but right now even this letter confirmed they can only see what's on my LSAC profile and still they are calling me a "strong candidate with a strong chance of admissions," and have waived my application fee to apply. I am definitely going to but I don't want to get my hopes up either. I know this letter of interest is at best necessary but not sufficient to gaining admissions (you like that fellow LSATonians?) but I'm still baffled as to why I even received it in the first place. Just to clarify, I'm not a total downer on myself, I do have a MA, I have published original research, volunteer work, actual work experience, my cat thinks I'm pretty badass etc etc. I'm thinking I should contact this admissions office but I'm still unsure of what I should or should not say. Telling them they have the wrong person is probably not the best idea but I'd like to know why I was contacted, if I even have a shot or if this is just false hope. I'd really appreciate some feedback. Thank you in advance my lovely fellow LSAT prisoners!
Comments
For what it's worth, I would say you should definitely apply to UT. The interim dean has a very holistic philosophy and it sounds like they only really consider LSAT scores in the very low 150's to approach being dealbreakers (but even then there could be exceptions?). UT also sort of "recruits" Texas residents, likely because they have to matriculate 65% citizens of Texas. Thus all Texas residents get a fee waiver.
Not trying to dash your hopes, just trying to manage your expectations.
Are you a URM? That might be why they are trying to recruit you. If so, you might have a very good shot at an acceptance, despite your numbers.
@DumbHollywoodActor thanks, and you're right I was hoping for something awesome but I get that it may be nothing more than Don Draper level advertising now. I'm here and working diligently to get a better LSAT score so that I'm a more desirable candidate period but just thought someone may have had a similar experience and might be able to impart some advice.
@alexandergreene93 I am but that isn't necessarily true, which is why I was thinking I should contact admissions or the student association.
Just would like to thank you all for even taking the time to answer. I've never posted a discussion and it's really great to have a sounding board. Shout out to 7Sage for providing the forum.
I'm not saying I'm a gunner. I'm just packing intellectual heat.
It is certainly true that you will receive a bump if you are a URM.