Hi~everyone
I'm wondering if there is any possibility for a student with a slightly lower Toefl iBT score than the minimum to be admitted by top school like NYU or HLS? Or will the admission committe just delete your online application right the way without taking a look at your other materials when they see a 97 iBT score?

Thanks.

it is possible to be admitted.

Thanks, dannyh.
But can anyone give an example? I totally lost my courage after seeing soooo many people with soooo excellent score being admitted.
Can any admitted people give me some examples to show that a lower score is not a barrier？
I need an example to encourage myself to go ahead.

Hi Arielmzb,
I am an example of an admitted student who got a toefl score slightly below the requirement (97 on iBT as well). I didnt apply to HLS nor NYU, but I got offers from other great schools, such as Gtown and GW (where I'm going to). I'd recommend you to call the admission office at the schools you wish to apply to, and ask them if you can talk to an advisor. Ask them if there is anything you can do to suffice the language requirement, in addition to your toefl (a writing sample, for instance). Meantime, you can take another test. I'm sure you can boost your score.
Moreover, when i was applying I heard from people in the same situation who were also accepted at great law schools. Dont give up only because your toefl score. In my opinion, if you have good credentials they will not reject you based solely on your toefl score.
I hope it was encouraging.
Good luck!

Thank you so much, Varnieri! It is extremely helpful !!!! I'd better throw away my negative attitude and go ahead. Your post means a lot to me. Thanks.