173/3.14/record Forum

[Mazerj]

I just took my first LSAT practice and got a 173, my gpa (3.14) has an upward trend except my last semester in college was my worst ( the three that preceded it went well), I interned for two and a half years with a lobbying firm during college. I graduated from Cu Boulder with a double major in political science and philosophy, with a 3.8 in major gpa (bombed in physiscs, math and science classes to ruin my gpa)

But... I have a bit of a criminal record. Arrested for marijuana on my 18th birthday (expunged after deferral), and a DUI at 21, along with two underage drinking tickets and 1 major traffic ticket (reckless driving). Although I have gotten in no more trouble since then (2.5 years since any incident), I am worried that I won't be able to get into any t50 school

Is it even worth the time to try applying. Do I have any chance at a decent school despite my record with a stronger LSAT?

[kwais]

Very hard to assess with fake LSAT. Right now you have sub-par GPA, record and no LSAT. Any guesses you get will be useless speculation. Good luck though

[dpk711]

Come back with a real LSAT score and we can talk. Also major GPA doesn't matter.

[Mazerj]

Well, here's the point. Is it even worth my time to spend the next three months studying for the LSAT, when my record will automatically dq me from any worthwhile schools?

I guess my question is more like this, will my record dq me if I have a strog LSAT score.

[glitter178]

Well, here's the point. Is it even worth my time to spend the next three months studying for the LSAT, when my record will automatically dq me from any worthwhile schools?

I guess my question is more like this, will my record dq me if I have a strog LSAT score.

probably not, but having multiple drinking-related issues on your record will require some splainin'.

[kwais]

Well, here's the point. Is it even worth my time to spend the next three months studying for the LSAT, when my record will automatically dq me from any worthwhile schools?

I guess my question is more like this, will my record dq me if I have a strog LSAT score.

No, your record will not dq you. It will make it harder and require a stronger LSAT, stronger addenda and stronger everything else. Kill the LSAT, send perfect apps and you can go to a law school worth going to. Others might disagree, but probably more in relation to GPA than record.

[Mazerj]

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate your candor.

[09042014]

Take some time off school and your GPA won't smell as bad.

[Bildungsroman]

Well, here's the point. Is it even worth my time to spend the next three months studying for the LSAT, when my record will automatically dq me from any worthwhile schools?

I guess my question is more like this, will my record dq me if I have a strog LSAT score.

People with worse records have gotten into good schools, but it's definitely going to hurt you. I know one person with multiple violations who was dinged at a T14 for which they had 75th percentile numbers, and considering everyone else in their #s range got in or at least WL, it seems like those violations may have hurt them.

[Stringer Bell]

One thing also to keep in mind is that different schools require different levels of disclosure. You can do some research yourself and look at each school's application you are targeting. Some schools only require convictions to be disclosed so you may not have to worry about the marijuana related arrest at those. Some schools require every incident of arrest to be disclosed.

[dlpelletier]

3 DUIs a 2.5 LSAC GPA (200+ credit hours basically did college failed out joined Marine Corps went back later and redid college) 4.0 in Major GPA and 3.9 last 90+ credits. 173 LSAT. Applied early in the cycle which helps got into 3 Top 50 Schools and wait listed at 2 Others. So there is hope especially if you can lock that LSAT score in the 170+ and with your GPA over 3 vs my 2.5 I think you have more than a fair shot. Feel free to pm if you have any questions or want specifics. I'm headed in the fall to a school I'm more than comfortable with wasn't my dream school but I understood my limitations and accepted that.

[CanadianWolf]

If you are not willing to spend 3 months preparing for the LSAT, then law school may not be the best path for you.

Drinking & drug related offenses within the past several years are almost certain to raise concerns. Whether or not those concerns lead to rejections may well depend on the content of your application essays & recommendations---assuming that your numbers are competitive.