LSAT Score?

[Here2Study]

Hello everyone,

 

I am new to this forum and have been reading over the past several days. I have a question for law school students or graduates, especially from Rutgers School of Law. Let me give you some quick academic background information of myself. I have an A.S. Degree, B.A. Degree 'Magna Cum Laude' (3.7 GPA/Criminal Justice and Sociology), and M.A. (3.75 GPA/Criminal Justice). I received my B.A. and M.A. from Rutgers university Newark Campus. Currently I plan on taking the LSAT in October 2015 and I would love to get into Rutgers University School of Law-Newark Campus.

 

Score Admissions are the following for the entering class of 2014, (75% / 25% GPA:  3.54 / 3.05)    (75% / 25% LSAT: 159 / 153). In the past I have taken tutor/prep courses and have scored below average on the GRE; however, I still managed to get into Grad school and graduate with a high GPA. My questions is; Can I get into Rutgers or any other Law School in NJ with a LSAT score of 150.

 

I was hoping that having earned my B.A. and M.A. at Rutgers Newark Campus, with my previous high GPA's, would off set my lower LSAT score. I plan on studying 4-5 months in advance but I know that scoring above a 155 is almost impossible for me. I have been a  college student for many years and know my capabilities, so when it comes to standardized testing I don't do too well. Lastly, what do people recommend for courses in regards to studying for the LSAT.

 

Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you guys

Edited March 21, 2015 by Here2Study

[kaseyleigh]

Hi there,

 

I graduated from law school at the University of Oklahoma and currently work there, so I don't know a ton about schools in NJ, but I can help you out a bit in general. First, LSAC has a law school guide that allows you to put in your GPA and LSAT scores and see your chances of getting into each ABA-approved law school in the US. You can find it here: https://officialguide.lsac.org/release/OfficialGuide_Default.aspx. I put in your undergrad GPA (that is what school's will weigh and have to report, not your master's GPA, though clearly they will take it into consideration), and a 150 LSAT score. It looks like you have around a 25% chance of getting into Rutgers-Newark. 

 

Most law schools weigh LSAT scores more heavily than GPA because LSAT is supposed to be the most accurate predictor of first-year law school grades. The fact that your GPA is above their median is a good thing, though, so hopefully they will consider that very positively. However, the fact that that LSAT score falls below even their lowest 25% makes you less competitive. 

 

I would definitely put an addendum to your applications explaining reasons for a low LSAT score, the fact that you did below average on the GRE but succeeded in grad school, etc.

 

I myself didn't take an LSAT prep course, but I really liked Powerscore's prep books, so you might check out their prep courses. Definitely study as much as you can and take a lot of practice tests!! 

 

Best of luck!

 

Kasey