Are all GPA's the Same? Forum

Squintz805 · Post by **Squintz805** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 3:03 pm

Was deciding whether to post this here or on the LSAT forum, but I feel this nitch seems a bit more appropriate.

So.... to the question of are all GPA's the Same?

I've head some discussion in the past on TLS, but I'm still seeking some clarification. Is there a difference to a Law School Applications Board between a 3.5 from a top-notch university and a 3.5 from a mediocre state school?

I understand that this isn't an absolute answer. But I would love to hear some feedback on what you guys know, have seen, etc. In my mind, I believe their is -- but not to the greatest extent. I also feel like it changes variably from institution to institution. But any insight you guys n gals may have would be much much appreciated.

MoMettaMonk · Post by **MoMettaMonk** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 4:10 pm

The generally accepted idea regarding GPAs is that HYPS (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford) and particularly rigorous majors (some hard sciences, engineering, etc.) do get a slight GPA boost and outperform their numbers compared to other undergrads/majors, BUT it's important to remember that schools don't report GPA and major or GPA and undergrad for rankings.

john1990 · Post by **john1990** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 5:21 pm

Attending an elite school is a soft factor. It is definitely a plus and will make a big difference at holistic schools.

Cicero76 · Post by **Cicero76** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 8:09 pm

Squintz805 wrote:~~Was deciding whether to post this here or on the LSAT forum, but I feel this nitch seems a bit more appropriate~~.

~~So.... to the question of~~ are all GPA's the Same?

I've head some discussion in the past on TLS, but I'm still seeking some clarification. Is there a difference to a Law School Applications Board between a 3.5 from a top-notch university and a 3.5 from a mediocre state school?

I understand that this isn't an absolute answer. But I would love to hear some feedback on what you guys know, have seen, etc. In my mind, I believe their is -- but not to the greatest extent. I also feel like it changes variably from institution to institution. But any insight you guys n gals may have would be much much appreciated.

Yes.

BigZuck · Post by **BigZuck** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 8:18 pm

In b4 the OP's "top notch school" is like Cal Poly or something.

But seriously, search function. Not sure why OPs in these situations feel like they need to be directly told the same thing that they have read over and over on this site.

Personally, I think I outperformed my numbers a bit (and not just due to the decrease in apps) and I suspect that where I went to school might have been a part of that. I can't really think of anything else it might have been. But maybe I performed as expected and TLS collective wisdom says I'm wrong so whatevs.

Just make your application the best it can be and don't worry about this stuff. Also, retake.

poke800ash · Post by **poke800ash** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 10:53 pm

Squintz805 wrote:Was deciding whether to post this here or on the LSAT forum, but I feel this nitch seems a bit more appropriate.

So.... to the question of are all GPA's the Same?

I've head some discussion in the past on TLS, but I'm still seeking some clarification. Is there a difference to a Law School Applications Board between a 3.5 from a top-notch university and a 3.5 from a mediocre state school?

I understand that this isn't an absolute answer. But I would love to hear some feedback on what you guys know, have seen, etc. In my mind, I believe their is -- but not to the greatest extent. I also feel like it changes variably from institution to institution. But any insight you guys n gals may have would be much much appreciated.

All else being EQUAL, the 3.5 from a top-notch ug will prevail. That said, JS personally said in an interview that she is more willing to look past a sub-par GPA from physics or other hard science/engineering majors. So if you want hls, having a quality GPA MIGHT provide a small boost.

Dr.Zer0 · Post by **Dr.Zer0** » Thu Sep 12, 2013 11:06 pm

bp shinners · Post by **bp shinners** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 1:15 pm

poke800ash wrote:All else being EQUAL, the 3.5 from a top-notch ug will prevail. That said, JS personally said in an interview that she is more willing to look past a sub-par GPA from physics or other hard science/engineering majors. So if you want hls, having a quality GPA MIGHT provide a small boost.

All else being equal, both would almost certainly be admitted to the school. In the exceedingly rare case where there's ONLY 1 slot left and they have to pick between the two, then it'll come down to the undergrad.

Nova · Post by **Nova** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 1:36 pm

Kurst wrote:Does your undergrad school matter? Can it help an applicant?
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does undergrad matter at all?
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052220151 · Post by **052220151** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 3:25 pm

Nova 4 Prez

MoMettaMonk · Post by **MoMettaMonk** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:00 pm

Holy crap that's a lot of similar topics.

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