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I'm currently an MTS (Masters of theological studies) student at Harvard Divinity School and I'm hoping to pursue a dual degree at the law school (JD). I don't have the numbers for the law school (undergrad gpa) but I'm hoping my current student status at Harvard and my holistic application will help me with my weaknesses.

Undergrad GPA: 3.55
Grad GPA: 4.0

LSAT: 173

My personal statement will focus on translating my passion about religion and ethics (specifically Islamic law) into social change through the law. I'll also have Harvard recommendations including one from a professor at the law school. I have lots of community experience and 3 political internships ranging from the State Department to the Hill. What do you think of my chances?

And I'm also a Boren and Fulbright Scholar. Does Fulbright help at all?

Thanks!

Your softs are good, and may make up for the GPA. Based on LSN I don't like your chances based on numbers, but you have some stuff that could make you a good candidate to overperform. If nothing else, you'll have some nice T14 options with $$$.

You seem to have significant softs and an Ivy UG can help (though this is debated on TLS). You're still a splitter:

http://www.mylsn.info/

You'll get into several T14's and should get significant scholarships somewhere. Competitive for CCN on down (not Boalt, and NW might be hard w/o WE). HYS is probably out.

ETA: Scooped

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Op: where did you go for undergrad?

Honestly, I don't think your softs are that great, so you may need to pull that lsat up a bit.

Softs are nice, but you've got to help at least one of their medians or it probably won't matter.

Your chances are better than the average applicant with your numbers, but you're still more likely out than in. Getting your LSAT above their median, at their 75th, or above their 75th would be progressively more helpful to your chances.

Your softs aren't going to save your from being below the HYS GPA floor.

Nelson wrote:Your softs aren't going to save your from being below the HYS GPA floor.

Likely correct on the result, but H's GPA floor has always been the lowest of the three, and it has softened up a bit over the last two cycles. With a 175+ LSAT, OP would have an outside shot.

Ti Malice wrote:

Nelson wrote:Your softs aren't going to save your from being below the HYS GPA floor.

Likely correct on the result, but H's GPA floor has always been the lowest of the three, and it has softened up a bit over the last two cycles. With a 175+ LSAT, OP would have an outside shot.

Yup, I know someone who got in this year with a 3.5/177. So, it's possible.

Retake, then you have about a 1/10 shot. Nothing else for you to do about it.

cinephile wrote:

Ti Malice wrote:

Nelson wrote:Your softs aren't going to save your from being below the HYS GPA floor.

Likely correct on the result, but H's GPA floor has always been the lowest of the three, and it has softened up a bit over the last two cycles. With a 175+ LSAT, OP would have an outside shot.

Yup, I know someone who got in this year with a 3.5/177. So, it's possible.

I HATE whoever that was.

I'm not saying there's not a chance, but a 3.5 is Lloyd Christmas territory.

What is Harvard's floor been looking like this year? I know there are exceptions but if I pull my GPA above 3.6 and have a LSAT over their 75%, do I have a shot applying next year?

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I don't think the question needs its own one.

phillywc wrote:What is Harvard's floor been looking like this year? I know there are exceptions but if I pull my GPA above 3.6 and have a LSAT over their 75%, do I have a shot applying next year?

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I don't think the question needs its own one.

Yeah, you'll have a shot:

Ti Malice wrote:

phillywc wrote:What is Harvard's floor been looking like this year? I know there are exceptions but if I pull my GPA above 3.6 and have a LSAT over their 75%, do I have a shot applying next year?

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I don't think the question needs its own one.

Yeah, you'll have a shot:

*picture taken out because I don't have 100 posts*

I've seen LSN, I thought that might be a bit optimistic. Maybe with dropping applications they really need those 176s..

Lumieres wrote:Op: where did you go for undergrad?

Honestly, I don't think your softs are that great, so you may need to pull that lsat up a bit.

Just out of curiosity, what is a great soft in your opinion?

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Thanks everyone!

Yeah I'm planning on retaking the LSATs, I'm sure I can pull it above 75% if I study hard. Any recommendations on the best T14 options outside of HYS? Obviously none of them can open doors like HYS but do any schools come close?

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bee wrote:

iblisean wrote:Thanks everyone!

Yeah I'm planning on retaking the LSATs, I'm sure I can pull it above 75% if I study hard. Any recommendations on the best T14 options outside of HYS? Obviously none of them can open doors like HYS but do any schools come close?

Obvious answer would be CCN with serious money, but it really, really depends on your goals after law school.

I'm leaning towards international law. Starting out with private sector (to pay off loans) and then maybe switching into governmental work.

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bee wrote:

iblisean wrote:

bee wrote:

iblisean wrote:Thanks everyone!

Yeah I'm planning on retaking the LSATs, I'm sure I can pull it above 75% if I study hard. Any recommendations on the best T14 options outside of HYS? Obviously none of them can open doors like HYS but do any schools come close?

Obvious answer would be CCN with serious money, but it really, really depends on your goals after law school.

I'm leaning towards international law. Starting out with private sector (to pay off loans) and then maybe switching into governmental work.

1. Are you being serious?
2. If you're being serious, do a board search for international law. It's become a joke on TLS for a vast variety of reasons. What exactly do you mean when you say "international law"? Human rights? Cross border M&A? Simply saying you want to go into "international law" is like saying you want to prosecute space pirates. To the extent that international law even exists, it exists as a few very, very, very, very, VERY small and specialized fields that almost certainly require extensive prior work experience with a relevant organization. Do you have this experience? Do you know EXACTLY what you want to do and how you plan to do it? If you don't, I suggest seriously reconsidering your goals.

Oh, I had no idea. I guess I have to look into it more; I'm new to TLS and law school research. I was thinking I would work out a specialization when I'm in law school after meeting professors and other students. The first thing that inspired me to consider studying law was civil rights law so I think I'd be leaning towards that field. Still need to do more research this summer though.

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