Sorry, it was Veltz Meshugener’s numbers that I was referring to, not Popa’s. I think he is right. Mathematically, there simply are very few applicants with really stellar numbers on the LSAT, so those who have them do have an advantage to any school that wants to maintain their very selective/prestigious image.
Nevertheless, I am sure appearance and other factors comes into play. If you show up in a shlumpy mismatched suit, and speak or write Yeshivishe raid, I am sure it does not make a very good impression, neither on the Law School interview, nor on the job interview (pardon the double negative).
One must always look and dress the part of the consummate professional. In addition, having a background in worldly studies makes for better client/professional relations. You need to be able to make clients from all backgrounds comfortable with you. Even be able to talk about sports or world events. It is part of being meurav im habriyos, and is necessary in the business world, as well. One who does not read any secular books or news will have trouble maintaining a confortable relationship with anybody not from the Yeshivishe world. This is probably a rationale of those schools that do not look favorably upon the BTL.