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I spent my first year at a college that was a horrible fit for me. GPA: 3.1

I then transferred to a private college (nationally ranked top 100) where I graduated second in my college class of just over 2000, with a GPA of 3.98.

My transcript states I ranked second in my class, but of course this will get lost in the LSAC GPA calculation (as will my wonderful 3.98)

Should I work my class rank into my Personal Statement? Include it on my resume? Let my academic adviser include it in his recommendation letter?

I don't want to look like I am bragging, yet I know this is no time to be humble!

Any suggestions?

This is definitely something to include in the resume; only use it in the PS if it relates to your message - don't find a way to somehow get it in there. Having it on your resume will suffice.

Include it in an addendum explaining the huge difference in gpa from your two undergraduate institutions.

Don't send in the transcript for the 3.1GPA. Then you will have a 3.98 instead. Have fun.

dissonance1848 wrote:Don't send in the transcript for the 3.1GPA. Then you will have a 3.98 instead. Have fun.

Untill its on the 2nd transcript as xfer credits.

What a stupid question...

LSAC will now this. When they get your transcript they also get an estimate of your class percentage. No need to include an addendum explaining that you were #2 in your "Top 100" school.

Good luck!

gdane5 wrote:What a stupid question...

LSAC will now this. When they get your transcript they also get an estimate of your class percentage. No need to include an addendum explaining that you were #2 in your "Top 100" school.

Good luck!

I beg to differ. If OP's combined gpa is considerably lower than the 3.98 earned at the second school, then some explanation of the 3.1 at the first school is in order.

CredoUtIntellegam wrote: I beg to differ. If OP's combined gpa is considerably lower than the 3.98 earned at the second school, then some explanation of the 3.1 at the first school is in order.

Only if the 3.1 is due to something legitimately addendum-worthy (i.e. death in the family, major illness, etc). If not then there is no reason to write one. The schools will see your LSAC GPA and calculate based on that. It sucks but it is how things are.

dissonance1848 wrote:Don't send in the transcript for the 3.1GPA. Then you will have a 3.98 instead. Have fun.

Also, you can't do this. They require a transcript of everywhere you've gone to school, and you'll get in serious trouble if you just don't send in that transcript.

oshberg28 wrote:This is definitely something to include in the resume; only use it in the PS if it relates to your message - don't find a way to somehow get it in there. Having it on your resume will suffice.

This. Since your first year of college will significantly pull down your LSAC overall GPA be sure to put this class rank stat in your resume, since it shows how you are truly a top caliber student.