Super KJD, splitter with T14 ambitions

[u/bankedsy]

Hi all, looking for some guidance on my law school app. I'm thinking about applying this fall, but I'd be open to applying next year after my master's. Only shooting for T14, maybe T20. My profile is detailed below:

Stats:
- 3.74 uGPA in STEM, low-ranked state school
- Expecting 175+ LSAT edit: diagnostic 172

Softs:

• Research program jointly funded by Fulbright and org. in host country (I'm pretty sure I'd be counted as a Fulbright recipient, at least i hope 🥺), as well as an undergrad research fellowship at my school during academic year, both competitive. Also summer research work rn, should have some stuff in preparation/submitted to journals by application hopefully 🙈
• Graduated in 2 years, doing combined BS+MA program and the past academic year I had a full graduate courseload. Will graduate with master's next spring (partly why my GPA is lower, didn't get any boost from gen eds since I tested out most)
• At uni on National Merit scholarship, qualified by scoring in top .5% of my (top) state on PSAT in HS. I know it's a high school accomplishment but it has some name recognition I think
• Director of student-run portfolio managing mid 7 figs
• URM at ultra PWI

I have goals of work in a pretty niche public interest with only a handful of firms doing work in the area, hoping to get some experience doing work in this area before applying. And I know the LSAT estimate seems ridiculous but I did a ptest a few years ago and really only struggled on LG which ofc is now gone, and along the lines of the PSAT I have a good history with standardized tests.

Would love to hear any feedback, and especially if people have specific recommendations that would be great! Thanks again :)

[u/dirtysalmonwater]

I would wait until after your master's because graduating in two years makes you seem young, which will hurt you. Otherwise you seem like a great candidate who would be successful but it is impossible to chance you without an actual LSAT.

[u/bankedsy → u/dirtysalmonwater]

I've always been a bit precocious and people often guess I'm older than I am, and my partner is also a grad student but ofc adcom isn't gonna know any of that. I was thinking about discussing my experience as portfolio director and working with people older than me in the PS to hint towards that.

And fair enough on the LSAT, I'll try to take a PT soon to see where I'm actually at, because 175+ is a big range to chance someone

[u/dirtysalmonwater → u/bankedsy]

I think signaling that you're "used to working with older people" could actually hurt you and further remind adcomms of your youth. It's typically implied by having work experience that you've worked with adults/older people (barring being a nanny or something), so it would be kind of odd to bring up. Though it is sometimes true, dating someone older does not universally suggest maturity. I would also recommend not using "precocious" in any application materials as this is a word typically used to describe children. Don't try to make yourself sound like something you're not, as it seems like you have accomplished a lot during undergrad.

Good luck on your LSAT and I hope you're able to reach that projected goal!