Ways to compensate for low GPAs? Forum

[jubilee777]

I attended US ranking ~30 undergrad and have a very low gpa, say ~2.5 because of initial intention to go to a med-school. But because of some family circumstances, I had to divert my energy to my family and also increased my hours of working at my part-time job throughout college years. Upon graduation, I did not think anything else but focused on landing a full-time job so I could pay off the loans.

I worked as a research analyst for a market research company for couple years and had a chance to work with corporate laws/compliances where I find myself really engaged with what I was doing. Now I am burdened to go to a law school to leverage my researching and analyzing skills but somewhat held back because of a very low gpa. I am just hoping to get into any top50 schools in US.

Are there any ways to make up for a not-strong gpa and would work experiences compensate for it?

Thanks a bunch. I am pretty desperate to get into any schools, so any encouragement or tips would help. Thanks!

[swampman]

High LSAT.

[ilikebaseball]

I attended US ranking ~30 undergrad and have a very low gpa, say ~2.5 because of initial intention to go to a med-school. But because of some family circumstances, I had to divert my energy to my family and also increased my hours of working at my part-time job throughout college years. Upon graduation, I did not think anything else but focused on landing a full-time job so I could pay off the loans.

I worked as a research analyst for a market research company for couple years and had a chance to work with corporate laws/compliances where I find myself really engaged with what I was doing. Now I am burdened to go to a law school to leverage my researching and analyzing skills but somewhat held back because of a very low gpa. I am just hoping to get into any top50 schools in US.

Are there any ways to make up for a not-strong gpa and would work experiences compensate for it?

Thanks a bunch. I am pretty desperate to get into any schools, so any encouragement or tips would help. Thanks!

LSAT

[jk148706]

A good score on the Law School Admission Test

[jubilee777]

Sure thing. haha

[TheSpanishMain]

High LSAT, but keep in mind that while some schools are known to be friendly towards splitters (high LSAT, low GPA) they might admit but not give any scholarship money. So unless you have some outside source of funding, I wouldn't necessarily put all your eggs in the law basket.

[NoLieAbility]

Sure thing. haha

Not sure why you're laughing. Law school admissions are driven by two primary factors: GPA and LSAT score. If one of those factors lacks strength, the other needs to compensate. This isn't a situation where a great personal statement or killer letters of recommendation will move a committee to forget what you did in four years of college.

[jubilee777]

Sure thing. haha

Not sure why you're laughing. Law school admissions are driven by two primary factors: GPA and LSAT score. If one of those factors lacks strength, the other needs to compensate. This isn't a situation where a great personal statement or killer letters of recommendation will move a committee to forget what you did in four years of college.

You are right and I am on the same page as you. I just felt stupid that I asked a question which I already know an answer to. I guess, I was seeking more of confirmation on importance of lsat. All your comments are appreciated.

[RCinDNA]

High LSAT. You can try to craft your PS or an addendum to incorporate the reasons why your GPA was on the low end. But the LSAT really gives you a boost that can encourage admissions folk to overlook any deficiencies in your app.

[bananasplit19]

As others have noted, high LSAT. Another, albeit very minor, factor is having a few years of decent work experience (2+ years) to distance yourself from your UGPA.