Should I even apply to law school? Forum

[cjp2157]

Hi, new here. I'm a senior at Columbia University and was hoping to apply to law school next year after I finish my credits summer 2011.

However, the problem is I'm 23 and had a lot of personal issues that killed my grades and make me take a year off twice. I went from dean's list with a 3.7 GPA to my current GPA of 2.94.
I will probably finish my last 52 credits (summer 2010-summer 2011, i already have 9 credits of A's from this summer) with A's and B's which will bring me up to 3.05-3.15 (at best).

I'm a really brilliant student. All my professors have applauded and liked my work, my ideas and my ability of analysis. I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs.

But even with a 170, would law school be worth it? I really want Fordham, UPenn(reach i know), BC, BU, George Washington, Georgetown or bust really. I know my chances are shot at almost all top 14 schools but I still would like to go to a quality law school on the East Coast.
Do I have a chance?

[bk1]

If you can manage a 170+ then your best bet would be ED to UVa.

[Kobe_Teeth]

If you get a 170+ and some nice letters of rec. you might be surprised. Go for it. See what happens. If you don't like your options...don't go.

[neonx]

I think you should definitely give it a shot! A 3.0 from Columbia University and a decent LSAT score will definitely give you a chance at a lot of schools.

If you end up with a 3.0/170, look into Cornell, George Washington, Boston University, Emory and Fordham (if you're interested in the East Coast.)

[cjp2157]

Thanks guys I guess my best bet is to get started on practice tests and then really push myself to prepare for the LSAT early.

Was just feeling really bummed about such a low GPA

[2014]

I'm a really brilliant student.

Nice!

[bk1]

Thanks guys I guess my best bet is to get started on practice tests and then really push myself to prepare for the LSAT early.

Was just feeling really bummed about such a low GPA

As long as you have at least a 3.0 and 170+, the T14 is definitely possible. It sucks, but it is not an insurmountable hole to climb out of as long as you can perform on the LSAT.

[Hajek]

"I'm a really brilliant student..... I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs."

LOL

[mindybluehammer]

realistically believe......

lolwut

[NU_Jet55]

"I'm a really brilliant student..... I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs."

LOL

THIS. At the very least take a timed recent practice test (like one in the late 40's) to gauge where you are before asking these questions.

[whymeohgodno]

Hi, new here. I'm a senior at Columbia University and was hoping to apply to law school next year after I finish my credits summer 2011.

However, the problem is I'm 23 and had a lot of personal issues that killed my grades and make me take a year off twice. I went from dean's list with a 3.7 GPA to my current GPA of 2.94.
I will probably finish my last 52 credits (summer 2010-summer 2011, i already have 9 credits of A's from this summer) with A's and B's which will bring me up to 3.05-3.15 (at best).

I'm a really brilliant student. All my professors have applauded and liked my work, my ideas and my ability of analysis. I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs.

But even with a 170, would law school be worth it? I really want Fordham, UPenn(reach i know), BC, BU, George Washington, Georgetown or bust really. I know my chances are shot at almost all top 14 schools but I still would like to go to a quality law school on the East Coast.
Do I have a chance?

[pocket herc]

I'm in a bad mood so...
There are a lot of people who can score a 170
There are even more people who "realistically believe" they can score a 170
There are not so many students lauded by their professors for their "ability of analysis"...

[JennBNYC]

"I'm a really brilliant student..... I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs."

As soon as I read this I knew OP was going to be ripped apart. Oh, TLS...

[beachbum]

Well OP, I guess you've learned your lesson: any hint of arrogance or ignorance will be torn to shreds on TLS. But with that said, the most important thing you can do right now is to a) destroy the LSAT and b) get your GPA over the 3.0 hump. If your personal issues are legit (and you can write an effective addendum), then even more weight will be put on your LSAT score. Needless to say, that 170+ you're shooting for will go a long way. With a 170/~3.0, your best bet is to ED to UVA, followed by an ED to GULC PT and RD from GW on down. Good luck.

[DreamShake]

I'm a really brilliant student...I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs.

hehehahahaha...




edited for the delicate sensibilities of delicate individuals.

[DoubleChecks]

"I'm a really brilliant student..... I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs."

As soon as I read this I knew OP was going to be ripped apart. Oh, TLS...

lol i thought the same thing, but man come on...

...im surprised the first few responses were legit replies!

[mst]

OP, are you URM? I ask because the grammar in your post seems rather lacking for somebody lauded as a brilliant student.

What the hell kind of comment is that? URM's are not retarded just because they are under-represented.


OP: Get over the 3.0 hump, get a decent LSAT in the 170s and you'll be in decent shape at some decent schools. But in all honesty, I really doubt you have ANY shot at the t14 regardless... unless your academic letters of rec are freaking awesome AND an add. comm actually forgives your numbers long enough to give to the letters and the rest of your application a fair look.

[Jackson Pollock]

OP, are you URM? I ask because the grammar in your post seems rather lacking for somebody lauded as a brilliant student.

--ImageRemoved--

[Jackson Pollock]

Hi, new here. I'm a senior at Columbia University and was hoping to apply to law school next year after I finish my credits summer 2011.

However, the problem is I'm 23 and had a lot of personal issues that killed my grades and make me take a year off twice. I went from dean's list with a 3.7 GPA to my current GPA of 2.94.
I will probably finish my last 52 credits (summer 2010-summer 2011, i already have 9 credits of A's from this summer) with A's and B's which will bring me up to 3.05-3.15 (at best).

I'm a really brilliant student. All my professors have applauded and liked my work, my ideas and my ability of analysis. I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs.

But even with a 170, would law school be worth it? I really want Fordham, UPenn(reach i know), BC, BU, George Washington, Georgetown or bust really. I know my chances are shot at almost all top 14 schools but I still would like to go to a quality law school on the East Coast.
Do I have a chance?

And to be helpful: yes, OP. Study your ass off for the LSAT and you have a good shot at most of those schools except maybe Penn.

[JennBNYC]

"I'm a really brilliant student..... I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs."

As soon as I read this I knew OP was going to be ripped apart. Oh, TLS...

lol i thought the same thing, but man come on...

...im surprised the first few responses were legit replies!

Oh, I'm not saying I disagree with people giving OP a hard time, I just didn't bother to sign in to comment, lol. Knew other people would take care of it

[reasonable_man]

Hi, new here. I'm a senior at Columbia University and was hoping to apply to law school next year after I finish my credits summer 2011.

However, the problem is I'm 23 and had a lot of personal issues that killed my grades and make me take a year off twice. I went from dean's list with a 3.7 GPA to my current GPA of 2.94.
I will probably finish my last 52 credits (summer 2010-summer 2011, i already have 9 credits of A's from this summer) with A's and B's which will bring me up to 3.05-3.15 (at best).

I'm a really brilliant student. All my professors have applauded and liked my work, my ideas and my ability of analysis. I realistically believe I can pull off a 170 for LSATs.

But even with a 170, would law school be worth it? I really want Fordham, UPenn(reach i know), BC, BU, George Washington, Georgetown or bust really. I know my chances are shot at almost all top 14 schools but I still would like to go to a quality law school on the East Coast.
Do I have a chance?

Normally, I would say "its your decision" just make sure you know what you are up against. But in this case, since you're brilliant, I'd say just go for it without even pausing.

[09042014]

He got into Columbia which means hes probably smart enough for 170 to be his realistic goal.

[JennBNYC]

He got into Columbia which means hes probably smart enough for 170 to be his realistic goal.

::Shaking head::

(Edit: Adding clarification that I don't intend that to be shaking my head in agreement)

[09042014]

He got into Columbia which means hes probably smart enough for 170 to be his realistic goal.

::Shaking head::

(Edit: Adding clarification that I don't intend that to be shaking my head in agreement)

A smart person who puts in the effort can easily hit 170.

[JennBNYC]

He got into Columbia which means hes probably smart enough for 170 to be his realistic goal.

::Shaking head::

(Edit: Adding clarification that I don't intend that to be shaking my head in agreement)

A smart person who puts in the effort can easily hit 170.

The LSAT doesn't measure specific knowledge, more of a way of thinking. A person going to a community college could muster up a 170, just as someone going to Columbia could not surpass 165. Just because you go to Columbia doesn't mean you have the aptitude for the LSAT. Just because OP thinks he's "brilliant" doesn't mean he is.