Underqualified applicant and how to sell oneself
Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:15 pm
So, I would consider myself an underqualified applicant for most of the universities I am trying to reach in my first cycle (Class of '16). However, I'm wondering how I can best sell myself as a good fit and downplay the weaknesses I do have:
Weaknesses
1. I went to community college for a year and my GPA was horrifying (I failed a Precalculus class because I missed the final and as an international student, wasn't able to fly back and retake it in time)
2. I transferred to a Tier 1 private institution for my sophomore year -- achieved a 3.83 in the one term I actually did attend it and spent my second sophomore term abroad at the University of Edinburgh
3. I then transferred (yes, again, God help me, I'm a commitment phobe) to University of Edinburgh and now am finishing my third year there with one more year to go but my grade is a predicted 2:1 (not sure what that translates to in GPA)
4. I am a tad younger than most usual undergraduates applying to law schools straight out of their Bachelor's (not too much though)
5. I don't have great work experience - I am trying to make up for lost time right now by juggling two internships while studying (one with the university I am at and another at a current affairs news and analysis magazine of decent reputation)
Strengths
1. I really really really want to go to a good law school
So, should I explain for example, my multiple transfers and my community college record, or would highlighting these weaknesses simply do my application more harm? If I should, to what extent should I mention them and how can I downplay their significance in the bigger scheme of things?
Thanks!
Weaknesses
1. I went to community college for a year and my GPA was horrifying (I failed a Precalculus class because I missed the final and as an international student, wasn't able to fly back and retake it in time)
2. I transferred to a Tier 1 private institution for my sophomore year -- achieved a 3.83 in the one term I actually did attend it and spent my second sophomore term abroad at the University of Edinburgh
3. I then transferred (yes, again, God help me, I'm a commitment phobe) to University of Edinburgh and now am finishing my third year there with one more year to go but my grade is a predicted 2:1 (not sure what that translates to in GPA)
4. I am a tad younger than most usual undergraduates applying to law schools straight out of their Bachelor's (not too much though)
5. I don't have great work experience - I am trying to make up for lost time right now by juggling two internships while studying (one with the university I am at and another at a current affairs news and analysis magazine of decent reputation)
Strengths
1. I really really really want to go to a good law school
So, should I explain for example, my multiple transfers and my community college record, or would highlighting these weaknesses simply do my application more harm? If I should, to what extent should I mention them and how can I downplay their significance in the bigger scheme of things?
Thanks!