@"Stevie C" yeah exactly. I think that 171+ would put most applicants above 3.5 in a great splitter position considering this is around or above most schools' 75th percentile. This would be most true at ranks below 6.
It's become an arbitrary cutoff. In the past, those who attended a T14 had a reasonable expectation of getting a biglaw job, but that is no longer true.
Thanks @"Alex Divine" this is VERY helpful. Good info to know. My goal was to land a T14 school and after your explanation, I think I will stick to that goal ;-). Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing; I am interested to hear responses. I too will be a splitter (3.5 GPA) when I apply as I'm trying to get into a T10 school and most of those want 3.7s and above.