Not your typical law student Forum

[Boilers9]

Hey All,

I am currently in the process of applying to Law school but am very confused as to where to apply. Like everyone else I want to get into the best possible school I can get into. Here are the numbers:

GPA: 2.2 (Was flying home about every other week to tend to sick mother, still no excuse)
LSAT: 175

Currently working at a top 10 management consulting firm (obviously made it here through connections) for past 3 years. But since being here I was forced to develop a strong work ethic which I never possessed before.

If I stayed here I could probably get into a top tier MBA school if that was my desired route but I really want to go into Law school. Just wanted some feedback on what you think my chances are at Tier 1 schools and even a splitter school such as Northwestern.

[Woozy]

Wow, what a split. You are almost Northwestern's dream candidate, but I'm not sure if your GPA is too low. You are in uncharted territory. I say take a swing at Northwestern ED and see what happens. They are one of the only top schools to show they are willing to let in sub-3.0s somewhat consistently.

With your opportunity costs, going to lower T1 schools at near full price (which you will be paying) is not advisable.

[Boilers9]

Thanks for the quick reply! Are there any other Tier 1 schools that place an emphasis on work experience as Northwestern does?

[09042014]

Wow, what a split. You are almost Northwestern's dream candidate, but I'm not sure if your GPA is too low. You are in uncharted territory. I say take a swing at Northwestern ED and see what happens. They are one of the only top schools to show they are willing to let in sub-3.0s somewhat consistently.

With your opportunity costs, going to lower T1 schools at near full price (which you will be paying) is not advisable.

Actually someone claimed on TLS and LSN to get into Northwestern with a 2.1/171 this year, but deleted it from LSN.

I also wouldn't say dream candidate, since it more appears they tolerate sub 3.0 more than actually like them.

Definitely applied ED at Northwestern OP.

[Eric475]

OP, why do you really want to go to law school? Sounds like you're pretty well set-up as is.

[Woozy]

There is no other school that looks at work experience the way NU does - it is almost a prerequisite - something like 98% of their class has at least one year of WE after undergrad. However, it will definitely be viewed positively by all schools you apply to. You need to make sure you send an addendum that explains why your performance in undergrad will not be repeated.

Actually someone claimed on TLS and LSN to get into Northwestern with a 2.1/171 this year, but deleted it from LSN.

I also wouldn't say dream candidate, since it more appears they tolerate sub 3.0 more than actually like them.

Definitely applied ED at Northwestern OP.

Well, yeah, I know they don't actively want applicants to have bad GPAs. I meant he was their dream in all other respects

[09042014]

There is no other school that looks at work experience the way NU does - it is almost a prerequisite - something like 98% of their class has at least one year of WE after undergrad. However, it will definitely be viewed positively by all schools you apply to. You need to make sure you send an addendum that explains why your performance in undergrad will not be repeated.

Actually someone claimed on TLS and LSN to get into Northwestern with a 2.1/171 this year, but deleted it from LSN.

I also wouldn't say dream candidate, since it more appears they tolerate sub 3.0 more than actually like them.

Definitely applied ED at Northwestern OP.

Well, yeah, I know they don't actively want applicants to have bad GPAs. I meant he was their dream in all other respects

I think his chances at Northwestern ED are better than almost every other T1. But 2.2 is pretty fucking bad.

[Woozy]

I think his chances at Northwestern ED are better than almost every other T1. But 2.2 is pretty fucking bad.

I agree on both counts.

[3ThrowAway99]

I think his chances at Northwestern ED are better than almost every other T1. But 2.2 is pretty fucking bad.

??

NU chances may be better than any other T14 chances, but than every other T1 chances (1-50)? I'm fairly sure with a 175 you could get some large scholarships in T1 in spite of the 2.2, nevermind plenty of acceptances. You'd probably have to research which schools are particularly LSAT friendly though to maximize your options.

That said, I think NU is your best bet if you can get in given that they favor splitters and work experience more than other schools. Also, unless you have connections in law already established that could help land you a job I question whether going to law school in your case is really a good decision. As you probably know this is a very tough time to be going into law and you sound like you are fairly well set already in terms of a career.

EDIT: my assessment might be too generous, but with your LSAT I imagine you will have some decent options to choose from despite the quite low GPA.

[cubswin]

There was a fellow on LSN with like a 179 and a similar GPA who got dinged fucking everywhere. Who knows if he had your WE, but I'd probably agree that you should ED at NW and try to charm their pants off in your interview.