My GPA is lower than yours Forum

[cccZillo]

I have a 2.45 GPA and a 169 on the June LSAT. This is usually the part where people tell their heartbreaking story of why their GPA is so low, but the schools won’t care, so why should you.

I want to stay in Chicago, so naturally I’m looking at Kent, Loyola and DePaul. I’ve already taken the liberties of eliminating Northwestern and UC from any wishlists. I graduated in ’07 and have spent the last three years working as a journalist (which should explain the need for a career change).

I plan to retake in October, because I’m fairly confident I can hit 171-172. But that hypothetical aside, do I have a chance at those three schools with my current numbers, or am I bound for John Marshall?

(I’ve heard the law school predictors are less reliable for big splitters, so I brought the question here.)

[Ty Webb]

If you go anywhere below UI-UC with those numbers, you're selling yourself short.

Signed,
Guy with a GPA lower than yours

[3ThrowAway99]

I would think that you'll be accepted to all three (Kent, Loyola, and DePaul) possibly with some scholarship offers. LSAT is more significant than GPA and you have a good one- way, way above median for any of those schools (although your GPA is considerably below median I'm sure). I agree with the other poster about not selling yourself short, though I'm sure the GPA will set some limitations so I agree that it is good to try and be realistic about what your options are. Can you write a good explanation addendum for your applications re: GPA? Your situation is one where I think it may definitely be called for.

[Thirteen]

2.11 169, accepted last cycle to UIUC. Go there for 3 years, then get a job in Chicago.

[tobecomealawyer]

The LSAT is good, the GPA is low. I'd apply to WUSTL (they like splitters) even though you want Chicago... they place well there, and you may have to live in St. Louis for three years, but I guarantee it'd be better for employment prospects.

Also, I'd apply to UIUC. You'll probably get in, even with money. Schools look at LSAT far more than GPA.

[tobecomealawyer]

Also, it isn't really going to hurt to TRY Northwestern. Chicago would be an auto-deny, IMO.

[thalassocrat]

Also, it isn't really going to hurt to TRY Northwestern. Chicago would be an auto-deny, IMO.

If you do retake and get 170+, if you ED at NU I think you stand a chance. There were a couple this cycle who had sub 3.0 GPAs, LSAT scores above 170, and were admitted ED. That school loves the WE.

[cccZillo]

Thanks for the advice all. Man, I was worried about getting those "maybe law school isn't for you responses." Those are brutal.

So I guess I'll retake the LSAT based on the outside chance of getting in at Northwestern. My average on PTs was 171-172, and I got my 169 after missing four questions on the last game (a section I had been perfect in for about two months) so I'm not too concerned about dipping below a 168.

We like this plan?

[Thirteen]

Thanks for the advice all. Man, I was worried about getting those "maybe law school isn't for you responses." Those are brutal.

So I guess I'll retake the LSAT based on the outside chance of getting in at Northwestern. My average on PTs was 171-172, and I got my 169 after missing four questions on the last game (a section I had been perfect in for about two months) so I'm not too concerned about dipping below a 168.

We like this plan?

The exact same thing happened to me. I missed 3 on one game, and was also averaging around 172 on practice tests. Your plan sounds good. If you score a 171, send in an ED app to Northwestern.

[cccZillo]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, it's just easier on my psyche than explaining my GPA all over again.

I'm going to use my ED at Northwestern (if I get 171+), but I'm also going to apply ED to Notre Dame, since it's not binding. The deadline there is November 1st, which is a pretty tight squeeze with the October 9 LSAT.

So my question is do I wait on the score (it's just a matter of hitting send on the application, right?), or do I apply ASAP knowing that the LSAC will send in my updated score? I envision a scenario where a school sees my 2.45/169, throws it out, and never gets a chance to see my 2.45/171.

As always thank you for the help.

[Thirteen]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, it's just easier on my psyche than explaining my GPA all over again.

I'm going to use my ED at Northwestern (if I get 171+), but I'm also going to apply ED to Notre Dame, since it's not binding. The deadline there is November 1st, which is a pretty tight squeeze with the October 9 LSAT.

So my question is do I wait on the score (it's just a matter of hitting send on the application, right?), or do I apply ASAP knowing that the LSAC will send in my updated score? I envision a scenario where a school sees my 2.45/169, throws it out, and never gets a chance to see my 2.45/171.

As always thank you for the help.

Apply ASAP, and send an e-mail to the Admissions Committee asking them to wait until they receive the new score to review your application.

[ahoward9]

Wow I thought I was the only one! I grad with a 2.45 7 years ago mass comm major. Congrats on your lsat score that very good! I'm taking in Sept and I'm shooting for a 165. I too wonder if I have a chance. I deft non traditional. Any advice on what score I realistically need? Thanks!!

[MyNameIsntJames]

I have a 2.45 GPA and a 169 on the June LSAT. This is usually the part where people tell their heartbreaking story of why their GPA is so low, but the schools won’t care, so why should you.

I want to stay in Chicago, so naturally I’m looking at Kent, Loyola and DePaul. I’ve already taken the liberties of eliminating Northwestern and UC from any wishlists. I graduated in ’07 and have spent the last three years working as a journalist (which should explain the need for a career change).

I plan to retake in October, because I’m fairly confident I can hit 171-172. But that hypothetical aside, do I have a chance at those three schools with my current numbers, or am I bound for John Marshall?

(I’ve heard the law school predictors are less reliable for big splitters, so I brought the question here.)

Hmmm..The fact you have nearly 10 years between you and undergrad works pretty well in your favor, although it can beg the question of why someone wants to enter law this late into their lives (guessing you're in your 30's). Don't think admission to a school is impossible by any means, but not sure how much this endeavor will be worthwhile for you, assuming you receive acceptance, graduate and pass Bar. What's your purpose for wanting to attend law school at this point in your life? If its to simply try out a new career, I'm not sure if this would be the best move.

[MyNameIsntJames]

Woops... didn't know this thread got necro'd....

Wonder whatever became of this person.

[Wipfelder]

What's your purpose for wanting to attend law school at this point in your life? If its to simply try out a new career, I'm not sure if this would be the best move.

Jesus dude, you make it seem like switching one's career in their thirties is like "One last job to make ends meet until social security kicks in."

[cavalier1138]

What's your purpose for wanting to attend law school at this point in your life? If its to simply try out a new career, I'm not sure if this would be the best move.

Jesus dude, you make it seem like switching one's career in their thirties is like "One last job to make ends meet until social security kicks in."

I know that I'm basically just counting down the 10,000+ days to retirement...

[Wipfelder]

What's your purpose for wanting to attend law school at this point in your life? If its to simply try out a new career, I'm not sure if this would be the best move.

Jesus dude, you make it seem like switching one's career in their thirties is like "One last job to make ends meet until social security kicks in."

I know that I'm basically just counting down the 10,000+ days to retirement...

It's been a bunch of downhill bullshit after the BIG WIN AT STATE. Hopefully my Letterman's jacket still fits, otherwise I'm gonna be freezing my butt off walking to Law School every day, MEDICAID won't pay for my scooter so I gotta make do with the walker until MEDICARE kicks in.