Charleston School of Law- 2.82 GPA/156 LSAT Forum

[MeghanNC]

I guess I am writing to hear about ANY possible feedback regarding Charleston, since there isn't much out there...

Law school has always been something I was interested in, but quite frankly, when I was in college I didn't think I was smart enough/dedicated enough to make it happen. As you can see from my GPA, (particularly my first 2 years at college) I was more concerned with my social life. Well, 2 years working in the real world was quite the eye opener--and not to sound conceded, but I realized I am truly a lot smarter than a lot of people in our work force these days-- so last fall I decided to move home, tackle the LSAT and apply to school for enrollment this fall. I studied for the LSAT for about a month (didnt take a class) and I was actually doing a lot better on my preptests (160-163) but the testing center I went to had quite a few distractions.

Anyways, I have absolutely fallen in love with CSOL and I was hoping to hear from others who:
a) want to attend
b) will be attending or
c) currently attend Charleston

Additionally, I know their criteria for enrollment is growing more and more competitive so I wanted to get some input regardling my likelihood of acceptance (particularly since I just submitted my app this past Friday, just 2 weeks before the deadline). Since college (I graduated with a BS in business admin- finance concentration) I have worked for a law firm in NYC for 6 months, then moved back to NC and got a job selling insurance for State Farm and did that for about a year. My 2 recommendations are from a college professor (who is not only writing on behalf of my low GPA, but also as someone who sits on the board of admissions at my undergrad institution and likely knows what to write-if you know what I mean) and a previous employer.

I think that about sums it up! thanks in advance for any input...

[Green Crayons]

Charleston is awesome. The city, that is. My advice:

Study some more (read the Bibles, take practice tests), retake the LSAT, get 160+, apply next cycle and if you still really want to go to CSOL they should throw some money at you. I'm assuming you're wanting to work in SC, so I'm not going to cover the "go to a T1 school!" mantra because, the fact of the matter is, plenty of SC lawyers have a USC JD. That does not discount the cold hard fact of the matter that jobs are pretty scarce for everyone. I'm assuming you know how hard it is for anyone freshly processed through the law school machine to get a job - even Harvard JDs are having issues with finding legal jobs. I would take a moment think about why you want to become a lawyer and if it's really want you want to do - especially considering the fact that you already have real world experience in other business areas, which means you can already start yourself on an established career without the three year time/money sink to get you into an already bloated profession.

But let's assume you really want to become a lawyer for whatever reason. That leads me to: try to think about why you're choosing CSOL over USC. Assuming your performance at both schools is equal, SC firms would probably take the USC alum over CSOL. USC is just more established, the partners probably graduated from USC themselves, etc. The only reasons why I would suggest CSOL over USC is if 1) you have a connection to some legal work in Charleston which you can work for over the summer/step right into after graduation or 2) CSOL is willing to throw more money at you than USC. Like, globs and globs and globs. There's this notion that CSOL is really working hard to bump up its standings in the rankings (and I have every confidence that the movers and shakers of CSOL are diligently working towards this goal), but 1) it isn't akin to Emory where it has this huge resource of money to throw at professors/high #'s/etc. to help boost those rankings at an accelerated rate and 2) even if it does break past USC in terms of rankings ten years down the road that doesn't really help you when you graduate.


Anyways, as for your likelihood of acceptance, I would say that it really depends on their reliance on LSAT or GPA numbers. The fact that you hit their 75th percentile for LSAT but fall below their 25th for GPA is worrisome. Not to mention the fact that you waited this long in the cycle to apply. In essence, I'd give you a big fat "Maybe." Just a forewarning: You're really going to need to hit the upper tier of your class at CSOL or USC if you want to be enticing to firms - even in SC. If you find yourself flagging behind at the end of your first year/don't have personal connections to a law firm, I would take a long, hard look at what you're doing and decide if you want to continue on down the path you're taking.

As for the school itself, I know several people who have attended and a few professors (none of which are still teaching at that specific school, I do believe). They all spoke well of CSOL when I asked about it, so take that for what you will.

[APimpNamedSlickback]

dont go.

you're welcome in advance.

[Green Crayons]

dont go.

you're welcome in advance.

Also what this guy said.

[APimpNamedSlickback]

dont go.

you're welcome in advance.

Also what this guy said.

i'm not even being a jackass btw. i just am not sure that, even with a full scholarship, going would be worth the three year opportunity cost ite

[deadpanic]

I think you may get in due to your LSAT. But, I really wouldn't recommend going. The school is brand new so they don't have any scholarship $ to give out. Tuition alone is around 32K/year I believe; and of course, the COL in Charleston is pretty high. It is not a very good investment.

What I do recommend is retaking the LSAT and trying to attend USC. They tend to be fairly LSAT heavy, so they will look over your GPA if you score above their 75th percentile on the LSAT. You will have much better job prospects and be in less debt (they are better with scholarship $).

[eandy]

Charleston is really new, and almost all lawyers in SC went to USC.

Get the LSAT up and go to USC. They have the alumni network you need in SC(this comes from professional experience in law firms in SC btw).

Charleston is not that exciting. You can do it all in one day. You'll thank us all later.

[GentlemanJim]

"and not to sound conceded, but I realized I am truly a lot smarter than a lot of people in our work force these days"

^^ Did no one else pick up on this? LMAO.

[Green Crayons]

"and not to sound conceded, but I realized I am truly a lot smarter than a lot of people in our work force these days"

^^ Did no one else pick up on this? LMAO.

Yeah, I caught that. I thought maybe a troll, but what the hell. Future Charleston School of Law students probably browse these forums just like everyone else. They might learn something or another.

[GentlemanJim]

Truth.

As someone who went to CofC undergrad I can tell you that it might almost be worth going to Charleston Law just to be able to live in the Holy City. Wonderful place, I tell you.

[jihrie]

Yeah, whoever said Charleston wasn't that cool was clearly only there for the one day that he covered it in. I went to CofC and have lived there for the past five years. Charleston is amazing. Beach right there, downtown nightlife is awesome and very convenient, COL is not as high as others have said, although it is higher than Columbia (where USC is).

I am considering CSOL as well, but I worked my ass off to get a 3.5 undergrad and a 161 LSAT and I'm not sure if I would be wasting my hard work just to stay in Charleston. On top of that, Charleston didn't even give me any money!!! BS!!! They're too young to have any funds. Every other school that accepted me has given me something except for them. In fact, I even wrote an email to them explaining my financial situation and the fact that I am being forced to look at other schools because they are giving me money. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hoping that they will at least match some other schools...Anyways, yeah CHARLESTON IS AWESOME...THE GIRLS ARE AWESOME...CSOL IS NOT AWESOME. But i wish they were.

[Janus]

I've been waiting to hear from CSOL since mid-Feb. I'm 3.5+, 162+ (numbers fudged). I'm kinda surprised I haven't heard anything, especially since I thought I would receive some type of merit aid.

[deadpanic]

I've been waiting to hear from CSOL since mid-Feb. I'm 3.5+, 162+ (numbers fudged). I'm kinda surprised I haven't heard anything, especially since I thought I would receive some type of merit aid.

I wouldn't count on it. CSOL is brand new and really doesn't have a lot of $ to give out to attract high #s.

You may get some from them (like 7,500-10K according to last year on LSN), but USC should give you that much if not more and is a better option for working in Charleston anyway.

[Janus]

I've been waiting to hear from CSOL since mid-Feb. I'm 3.5+, 162+ (numbers fudged). I'm kinda surprised I haven't heard anything, especially since I thought I would receive some type of merit aid.

I wouldn't count on it. CSOL is brand new and really doesn't have a lot of $ to give out to attract high #s.

You may get some from them (like 7,500-10K according to last year on LSN), but USC should give you that much if not more and is a better option for working in Charleston anyway.

Yeah, I looked at past year's numbers on LSN and the aid that was reported (which is only a snapshot of the full applicant pool). I was thinking maybe even $15,000. I also looked at CSOL's profile on LSAC. I'm in at USC already with merit aid. The problem is I own a home in the area and have a toddler (and also a 5 year+ relationship I'm trying to salvage where partner is not willing to relocate). So, I was hoping to not have to make a difficult decision. Looks like I will be rethinking things...

[pez0182]

Yeah, whoever said Charleston wasn't that cool was clearly only there for the one day that he covered it in. I went to CofC and have lived there for the past five years. Charleston is amazing. Beach right there, downtown nightlife is awesome and very convenient, COL is not as high as others have said, although it is higher than Columbia (where USC is).

I am considering CSOL as well, but I worked my ass off to get a 3.5 undergrad and a 161 LSAT and I'm not sure if I would be wasting my hard work just to stay in Charleston. On top of that, Charleston didn't even give me any money!!! BS!!! They're too young to have any funds. Every other school that accepted me has given me something except for them. In fact, I even wrote an email to them explaining my financial situation and the fact that I am being forced to look at other schools because they are giving me money. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hoping that they will at least match some other schools...Anyways, yeah CHARLESTON IS AWESOME...THE GIRLS ARE AWESOME...CSOL IS NOT AWESOME. But i wish they were.

My numbers are similar and I received a scholarship letter a few days ago. However, I am withdrawing so maybe you will get my $10,000.

[alexc]

I'm a student at CSOL, so maybe I can provide some insight.

The school itself is fine. The professors, facilities, resources, etc., are all perfectly adequate.

The alumni that I know have paid jobs in the legal industry.

However--I scored a 164 on the LSAT, almost 10 points above the median score. So I'm comfortable with my position at this law school. If you're struggling to hit the mid 150s, and you think you might end up in the median, grade-wise, you should re-think law school.

[eandy]

However--I scored a 164 on the LSAT, almost 10 points above the median score. So I'm comfortable with my position at this law school. If you're struggling to hit the mid 150s, and you think you might end up in the median, grade-wise, you should re-think law school.

lol@thinking your LSAT has anything to do with your grades

[Sandro]

i hit a 157 first time round with 3x more studying than you and then went up 10 points retaking. Retake k thx bye.

[kblackwell]

So charleston school of law's financial aid department isn't that great? I'm working hard to make as good a gpa as I can. I would like to go to a top tier law school. Yes I work a part time job and am definately getting my education. I'm a lawyer as soon as someone thinks their something their that. I'm not sure where I'm going to law school though. I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I will be applying to Charleston and South Carolina. If accepted by both I would choose South Carolina. However the LSAT guide suggest choosing at least 7 schools to apply to. I have chosen 2 reach schools, 3 good bet schools, and two safety schools and right now Charleston is one my safety schools. In the event that my gpa when I graduate with my Bachelors Degree isn't as good as I think it will be I will make up a couple of hypothetical list of less selective law schools to apply to. I will definately stick with now matter how long it takes no matter how high the unemployment rate. You more likely to get a decent paying job if you have the education. When you graduate law school go to the career services office and they will help line you up with a job. The median score LSAT is 156 and there are law schools that accept people who have made below that Charleston being one of them. I wouldn't let one low LSAT score stop me or make me rethink my plans. Just based of careful analysis the only drawback to Charleston would be that there are no residence halls or meal plans and there J.D. program is simply the standard J.D. program, there is no intellectual property law for example. There are no dual degree programs either. The positive is the tuition is about the same as at University of South Carolina and since its the standard stuff we should call it a bang for the buck. You can get your J.D. and then pass the bar. I would really like to go to Duke School of Law and if I do then I am going to do a J.D./M.B.A. dual degree and if I don't I make it in to a lower tier law school like Charleston then I'll just get my J.D. and pass the bar and even then I will still feel that I have prospered.

[JoeFish]

Wow... that's one hell of a first ever post.

I'm a lawyer as soon as someone thinks their something their that.

Umm... What?

You more likely to get a decent paying job if you have the education. When you graduate law school go to the career services office and they will help line you up with a job.

So all the people who graduate from Third and Fourth tier schools who don't get jobs (a lot of them) just forgot to stop by the career services office?

he only drawback to Charleston would be that there are no residence halls or meal plans and there J.D. program is simply the standard J.D. program, there is no intellectual property law for example.

I think it's pretty clear that those aren't the only drawbacks...

The positive is the tuition is about the same as at University of South Carolina

The positive is that it's as expensive as a better school?!

[swinger]

So charleston school of law's financial aid department isn't that great? I'm working hard to make as good a gpa as I can. I would like to go to a top tier law school. Yes I work a part time job and am definately getting my education. I'm a lawyer as soon as someone thinks their something their that. I'm not sure where I'm going to law school though. I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I will be applying to Charleston and South Carolina. If accepted by both I would choose South Carolina. However the LSAT guide suggest choosing at least 7 schools to apply to. I have chosen 2 reach schools, 3 good bet schools, and two safety schools and right now Charleston is one my safety schools. In the event that my gpa when I graduate with my Bachelors Degree isn't as good as I think it will be I will make up a couple of hypothetical list of less selective law schools to apply to. I will definately stick with now matter how long it takes no matter how high the unemployment rate. You more likely to get a decent paying job if you have the education. When you graduate law school go to the career services office and they will help line you up with a job. The median score LSAT is 156 and there are law schools that accept people who have made below that Charleston being one of them. I wouldn't let one low LSAT score stop me or make me rethink my plans. Just based of careful analysis the only drawback to Charleston would be that there are no residence halls or meal plans and there J.D. program is simply the standard J.D. program, there is no intellectual property law for example. There are no dual degree programs either. The positive is the tuition is about the same as at University of South Carolina and since its the standard stuff we should call it a bang for the buck. You can get your J.D. and then pass the bar. I would really like to go to Duke School of Law and if I do then I am going to do a J.D./M.B.A. dual degree and if I don't I make it in to a lower tier law school like Charleston then I'll just get my J.D. and pass the bar and even then I will still feel that I have prospered.

favorite post ever.

[beach_terror]

However--I scored a 164 on the LSAT, almost 10 points above the median score. So I'm comfortable with my position at this law school. If you're struggling to hit the mid 150s, and you think you might end up in the median, grade-wise, you should re-think law school.

lol@thinking your LSAT has anything to do with your grades

[Sandro]

So charleston school of law's financial aid department isn't that great? I'm working hard to make as good a gpa as I can. I would like to go to a top tier law school. Yes I work a part time job and am definately getting my education. I'm a lawyer as soon as someone thinks their something their that. I'm not sure where I'm going to law school though. I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I will be applying to Charleston and South Carolina. If accepted by both I would choose South Carolina. However the LSAT guide suggest choosing at least 7 schools to apply to. I have chosen 2 reach schools, 3 good bet schools, and two safety schools and right now Charleston is one my safety schools. In the event that my gpa when I graduate with my Bachelors Degree isn't as good as I think it will be I will make up a couple of hypothetical list of less selective law schools to apply to. I will definately stick with now matter how long it takes no matter how high the unemployment rate. You more likely to get a decent paying job if you have the education. When you graduate law school go to the career services office and they will help line you up with a job. The median score LSAT is 156 and there are law schools that accept people who have made below that Charleston being one of them. I wouldn't let one low LSAT score stop me or make me rethink my plans. Just based of careful analysis the only drawback to Charleston would be that there are no residence halls or meal plans and there J.D. program is simply the standard J.D. program, there is no intellectual property law for example. There are no dual degree programs either. The positive is the tuition is about the same as at University of South Carolina and since its the standard stuff we should call it a bang for the buck. You can get your J.D. and then pass the bar. I would really like to go to Duke School of Law and if I do then I am going to do a J.D./M.B.A. dual degree and if I don't I make it in to a lower tier law school like Charleston then I'll just get my J.D. and pass the bar and even then I will still feel that I have prospered.

favorite post ever.

[scammedhard]

So charleston school of law's financial aid department isn't that great? I'm working hard to make as good a gpa as I can. I would like to go to a top tier law school. Yes I work a part time job and am definately getting my education. I'm a lawyer as soon as someone thinks their something their that. I'm not sure where I'm going to law school though. I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I will be applying to Charleston and South Carolina. If accepted by both I would choose South Carolina. However the LSAT guide suggest choosing at least 7 schools to apply to. I have chosen 2 reach schools, 3 good bet schools, and two safety schools and right now Charleston is one my safety schools. In the event that my gpa when I graduate with my Bachelors Degree isn't as good as I think it will be I will make up a couple of hypothetical list of less selective law schools to apply to. I will definately stick with now matter how long it takes no matter how high the unemployment rate. You more likely to get a decent paying job if you have the education. When you graduate law school go to the career services office and they will help line you up with a job. The median score LSAT is 156 and there are law schools that accept people who have made below that Charleston being one of them. I wouldn't let one low LSAT score stop me or make me rethink my plans. Just based of careful analysis the only drawback to Charleston would be that there are no residence halls or meal plans and there J.D. program is simply the standard J.D. program, there is no intellectual property law for example. There are no dual degree programs either. The positive is the tuition is about the same as at University of South Carolina and since its the standard stuff we should call it a bang for the buck. You can get your J.D. and then pass the bar. I would really like to go to Duke School of Law and if I do then I am going to do a J.D./M.B.A. dual degree and if I don't I make it in to a lower tier law school like Charleston then I'll just get my J.D. and pass the bar and even then I will still feel that I have prospered.

Thanks to be ABA and its lax policies, I bet this person will get into a law school. He/she perfectly illustrates why there is a glut of unemployed/underemployed lawyers: These days ANY DONKEY can become a lawyer.

[swinger]

they cant become a lawyer until they think [they're] that.