Studied abroad for an entire year - could this be a problem? Forum

[username08]

Hi,

I have a 172 LSAT / 3.8 LSDAS GPA (top 15 UG) but my school covers our freshmen year first semester grades and I also studied abroad during my entire junior year, meaning that I only have 3 semesters of graded credits.

I submitted all my applications a couple of weeks ago but Duke, one of my dream schools, just requested my fall grades (Priority Track).

I'm not worried about my fall grades per se, although I am a little concerned about the fact that I'm only taking 4 classes because that's all I need to graduate this semester and 1 of them pass-fail.

I know there's nothing I can do at this point but work hard and get good grades this fall, but could this be a problem with my other applications too? I had an amazing experience so I don't regret having studied abroad for a year, but I'm really hoping this won't be a recurring issue.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[arez]

Did you write an addendum explaining your circumstances? Perhaps if you know your grades from first semester freshman year and from your year abroad you could include them in the addendum? It wouldn't be official but even more self-reported info could help schools better assess your academic record.

[username08]

Did you write an addendum explaining your circumstances? Perhaps if you know your grades from first semester freshman year and from your year abroad you could include them in the addendum? It wouldn't be official but even more self-reported info could help schools better assess your academic record.

Thanks for the reply.

No, I didn't write an addendum but I emailed them and offered to send my study abroad transcript, and they told me they still want my fall grades but it'd be nice if I sent my overseas grades too. My grades abroad are actually slightly lower than my school GPA at around 3.6-3.7, but I think I'm going to send them anyway.

[freestallion]

Hm, I think you should be ok, but be aware that Stanford requires you to send them your study abroad transcripts. I studied abroad for an entire year and since it was in the UK, there was some serious grade deflation going on there. I did not send my study abroad transcripts to LSAC for that reason -- and I have only 3 years worth of grades on my LSDAS transcript as a result.

I have gotten into Michigan, UVA, and Georgetown so far on basically the first day of acceptances for each so I wouldn't worry if I were you! You should be fine!

ETA: One thing though I waited until I graduated to apply so I'd have 3 years of classes. You might want to do the same if things don't work out this year.

[username08]

Hm, I think you should be ok, but be aware that Stanford requires you to send them your study abroad transcripts. I studied abroad for an entire year and since it was in the UK, there was some serious grade deflation going on there. I did not send my study abroad transcripts to LSAC for that reason -- and I have only 3 years worth of grades on my LSDAS transcript as a result.

I have gotten into Michigan, UVA, and Georgetown so far on basically the first day of acceptances for each so I wouldn't worry if I were you! You should be fine!

ETA: One thing though I waited until I graduated to apply so I'd have 3 years of classes. You might want to do the same if things don't work out this year.

I feel better after reading your post. Thank you so much!

I am planning on starting law school next fall, though, so hopefully some schools will give me a chance based on my LSAT and 3 semesters of grades!