A good GPA for URM to get into schools like Harvard/Columbia

[Chowfun]

I have currently a 3.7. I'm striving to get out with a 3.8, I know I can do it. I just hit a setback.... I received my first B+ on an assignment this semester! GASP....I know I'm probably over reacting, but I was getting A on everything this semester and this one B has me shaking. So I need to know if a 3.8 is a good goal for a female URM and those choice schools. Should it be higher or lower? Is the gpa range the same for all students regardless of URM?

[John_rizzy_rawls]

What kind of URM?

[Chowfun]

What kind of URM?

Black female.

[John_rizzy_rawls]

3.7+/165+ for AA is very close to a lock at Harvard.

[Chowfun]

Okay thanks! Ill still strive for better, but I do feel at ease that I don't need that 3.85 or better. Is that range also good for Columbia to? I'm assuming so, but I never like to assume.

[John_rizzy_rawls]

AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.

[Chowfun]

AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.

ZOMG! Is this normal or is it because of the lack of applicants? I wish I was them. Oh and thank you for sharing this info.

[John_rizzy_rawls]

Both. AA URMs get huge bumps but also this cycle has been unprecedented in certain ways.

[Chowfun]

Both. AA URMs get huge bumps but also this cycle has been unprecedented in certain ways.

I hope this last for next year's cycle as well. When URM apply are they mostly competing against other URMs or everyone?

[John_rizzy_rawls]

Other URMs, of the same type.

[Chowfun]

Other URMs, of the same type.

Ugh why didn't I know this?! ... Are leadership roles important? I do a lot of community service and kept the same student worker position for almost 4 years. I am in the honors program. I'm also in the honors society for my major. But despite all of this, I'm not a leader in any of them. Will this hurt my chances?

[John_rizzy_rawls]

Soft factors don't matter much.

LSAT/GPA/URM - in that order.

[Chowfun]

Soft factors don't matter much.

LSAT/GPA/URM - in that order.

Thanks for the tips. I didn't know these things. You have been a big help! Is it best to apply early decision correct, to fair better in the running?

[BlakcMajikc]

Soft factors don't matter much.

LSAT/GPA/URM - in that order.

Thanks for the tips. I didn't know these things. You have been a big help! Is it best to apply early decision correct, to fair better in the running?

No. dont ED anywhere. just apply early in the admissions cycle.

[bananapudding88]

AAs with 3.3/164162 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Fixed that for you. Therefore, I would disagree.. softs DO matter

[John_rizzy_rawls]

AAs with 3.3/164162 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Fixed that for you. Therefore, I would disagree.. softs DO matter

Your cycle's been awesome aiaea, real happy for you!

[bananapudding88]

Your cycle's been awesome aiaea, real happy for you!

Haha, thanks JRR. It really has been miraculous!

[janedope]

Question --

I thought that it was a different type of "bump" for AA Females as opposed to AA Males. I have no actual experience and could be talking out my ass but is that true?

[bizzybone1313]

Get your GPA as high as possible. At the 3.8+ range, you would be in really good shape. Sacrifice all of your social relationships, partying and your $8/hr part time job to get a good GPA. It is much, much easier to get a high GPA than to score high on the LSAT. Focus all of your energy on getting your GPA as high as possible.

[John_rizzy_rawls]

Question --

I thought that it was a different type of "bump" for AA Females as opposed to AA Males. I have no actual experience and could be talking out my ass but is that true?

Slightly but they're the top 2 bumps by far.

[Chowfun]

Get your GPA as high as possible. At the 3.8+ range, you would be in really good shape. Sacrifice all of your social relationships, partying and your $8/hr part time job to get a good GPA. It is much, much easier to get a high GPA than to score high on the LSAT. Focus all of your energy on getting your GPA as high as possible.

Ahh...now the pressure is on. I just got my second exam back for a different class and I received a B. This has brought my grade down, I'm still in the A range assuming I receive a 100 on the homework assignments. Is have a 3.7 or a 3.75 all that bad or discouraging if it isn't a 3.8 plus. I'm going to try my hardest. I'm just a little nervous that if I don't have the 3.8 that would be a disadvantage on my part.

[BlakcMajikc]

Get your GPA as high as possible. At the 3.8+ range, you would be in really good shape. Sacrifice all of your social relationships, partying and your $8/hr part time job to get a good GPA. It is much, much easier to get a high GPA than to score high on the LSAT. Focus all of your energy on getting your GPA as high as possible.

Ahh...now the pressure is on. I just got my second exam back for a different class and I received a B. This has brought my grade down, I'm still in the A range assuming I receive a 100 on the homework assignments. Is have a 3.7 or a 3.75 all that bad or discouraging if it isn't a 3.8 plus. I'm going to try my hardest. I'm just a little nervous that if I don't have the 3.8 that would be a disadvantage on my part.

wont make a difference... it's going to be all about that LSAT score. without the right LSAT score, that GPA means nothing.

[wbrother]

AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.

Only some of though...

[John_rizzy_rawls]

AAs with 3.3/164 are getting into Columbia this cycle.

Yes, you're fine.

Only some of though...

Columbia reject you bro? Shit.

But don't you have like a fullie to USC or some shit? Nothing to sneeze at bro lol

[TatNurner]

Question --

I thought that it was a different type of "bump" for AA Females as opposed to AA Males. I have no actual experience and could be talking out my ass but is that true?

Almost twice as many AA females vs. males so the competition is greater among AA females, resulting in a slightly lower bump.