Charting a path to law schools
Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:28 am
Hi all,
I am entering my last year at a HYPS (really don't mean to show off here, just thought it could be relevant information to get better advice from you all. In fact, I have nothing to show off given my GPA) with a low GPA that will probably end up around 3.2. I had some personal difficulties but probably nothing extenuating enough to justify my GPA with the admission officers. I am not applying to law school straight away but instead getting a job for about 2-3 years. Now I wouldn't orient my entire life (i.e., forcing myself to do things that I hate) just so that I could get into a good law school, but there's no harm in keeping my eyes on the target and doing what I can to put myself in the best position possible. I understand that most of my efforts should be put toward acing the LSAT, but besides the obvious, how do law schools look at soft factors like potential, work experience, public service works, other activities (e.g., freelance writing for newspaper, magazines, etc.)? Can they potentially offset my low GPA? What else during those 2-3 years could boost my case?
If it's any help, I'm hoping for Columbia or NYU. I assume 175+ LSAT and ED would give me a fighter's chance?
Appreciate any advice.
I am entering my last year at a HYPS (really don't mean to show off here, just thought it could be relevant information to get better advice from you all. In fact, I have nothing to show off given my GPA) with a low GPA that will probably end up around 3.2. I had some personal difficulties but probably nothing extenuating enough to justify my GPA with the admission officers. I am not applying to law school straight away but instead getting a job for about 2-3 years. Now I wouldn't orient my entire life (i.e., forcing myself to do things that I hate) just so that I could get into a good law school, but there's no harm in keeping my eyes on the target and doing what I can to put myself in the best position possible. I understand that most of my efforts should be put toward acing the LSAT, but besides the obvious, how do law schools look at soft factors like potential, work experience, public service works, other activities (e.g., freelance writing for newspaper, magazines, etc.)? Can they potentially offset my low GPA? What else during those 2-3 years could boost my case?
If it's any help, I'm hoping for Columbia or NYU. I assume 175+ LSAT and ED would give me a fighter's chance?
Appreciate any advice.