Transcript vs. GPA Forum

(Applications Advice, Letters of Recommendation . . . )
Post Reply
civlibhulk

New
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:08 pm

Transcript vs. GPA

Post by civlibhulk » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:11 pm

My GPA is high but I got to pick most of my classes -- so I took zero math and only soft sciences.

Does my 3.9 mean less than if it were from, say, Columbia?

User avatar
rnoodles

Platinum
Posts: 8465
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 5:52 pm

Re: Transcript vs. GPA

Post by rnoodles » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:13 pm

You're fine.

User avatar
shump92

Bronze
Posts: 467
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2015 5:04 pm

Re: Transcript vs. GPA

Post by shump92 » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:18 pm

I think there probably is some value given to high GPA marks from schools like Columbia versus equivalent marks from other schools. But that relates to an assumption of the rigor you put yourself through. So taking "zero math" is not necessarily bad, but it would not be the greatest if you avoided higher level classes or had way too much of a focus within one area. I doubt law schools are going to make decisions based on perceived rigor alone, but I'm sure they could easily tell if someone was just seeking easy As.

User avatar
Ron Howard

Bronze
Posts: 207
Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2015 8:01 pm

Re: Transcript vs. GPA

Post by Ron Howard » Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:29 pm

Not going to Columbia or the like for undergrad is more an absence of a soft (the soft of having gone to a prestigious undergrad) than it is a negative on your application. As for gaming your course schedule to maximize your GPA while minimizing effort, that may be seen as a negative if it abundantly clear, especially at schools like Yale and Sanford which may take disgust in such behavior. More importantly, though, you may feel unworthy, inadequate even, if you do gain admission into a prestigious school having gamed your GPA. It will probably pass, though.

User avatar
Mack.Hambleton

Platinum
Posts: 5414
Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:09 am

Re: Transcript vs. GPA

Post by Mack.Hambleton » Mon Jul 20, 2015 5:29 pm

S didn't care about my basket weaving classes

All schools care about is the number

Want to continue reading?

Register now to search topics and post comments!

Absolutely FREE!


Post Reply

Return to “Law School Admissions Forum”