Too late to fix GPA? + Next cycle concerns Forum

[throwitawaynow]

Hi all - posting on a burner account so as not to out myself.

I'm at 175 (one take remaining) with a 3.6 in policy studies from a top three undergrad, non URM, graduated in 2014. Average to above average softs (unique graduation recognition, founded some on-campus orgs, rebuilt a defunct 501c3 post-grad).

I applied late-ish this cycle (complete mid-Jan), and have had some good results (several T6 acceptances), but feel that I've underperformed, both in terms of admissions (waitlist at several places I had hoped for outright) and scholly money (1/2 & 3/4 tuition at two schools in the bottom of the T-14, otherwise nada).

After visiting schools, I've been tempted to take one more year to build up more substantive work experience (for my own sake and for that of my apps), and reapply much earlier in the next cycle, with the goal of having better outcomes. I have access to family loans that would make paying sticker at CCN at the bottom edge of tolerable, but I'm still relatively young and could also wait if better outcomes were possible. Would love people's opinions on the following questions:

1. Has anyone gone this route (sacrificing T14 acceptances at schools you really like in order to strengthen and reapply for better scholly outcomes)? If so, how'd it go?

2. Is there any legitimate way to boost my LSAC GPA, despite already having my bachelor's? Say, picking up another semester or two of relevant coursework (philosophy/poli sci/sociology/as close to law as I can get) from a summer session at a reputable college? (specifically, considering NYU summer, as I'm based in NYC) Would this matter - say, if I could get my 3.6 to a ~3.7?

3. Would landing 1 year of relevant legal work experience (without having time to reflect much on it in my app) come off as shallow? I want to work in the public interest, and could find something in NYC through my undergrad network - I legitimately think I'd benefit from the experience outside of the appearance on my app, but also wouldn't want to *not* benefit from it on my app...

Totally appreciate any insight here. Thanks.

[Catsinthebag]

Hi all - posting on a burner account so as not to out myself.

I'm at 175 (one take remaining) with a 3.6 in policy studies from a top three undergrad, non URM, graduated in 2014. Average to above average softs (unique graduation recognition, founded some on-campus orgs, rebuilt a defunct 501c3 post-grad).

I applied late-ish this cycle (complete mid-Jan), and have had some good results (several T6 acceptances), but feel that I've underperformed, both in terms of admissions (waitlist at several places I had hoped for outright) and scholly money (1/2 & 3/4 tuition at two schools in the bottom of the T-14, otherwise nada).

After visiting schools, I've been tempted to take one more year to build up more substantive work experience (for my own sake and for that of my apps), and reapply much earlier in the next cycle, with the goal of having better outcomes. I have access to family loans that would make paying sticker at CCN at the bottom edge of tolerable, but I'm still relatively young and could also wait if better outcomes were possible. Would love people's opinions on the following questions:

1. Has anyone gone this route (sacrificing T14 acceptances at schools you really like in order to strengthen and reapply for better scholly outcomes)? If so, how'd it go?

2. Is there any legitimate way to boost my LSAC GPA, despite already having my bachelor's? Say, picking up another semester or two of relevant coursework (philosophy/poli sci/sociology/as close to law as I can get) from a summer session at a reputable college? (specifically, considering NYU summer, as I'm based in NYC) Would this matter - say, if I could get my 3.6 to a ~3.7?

3. Would landing 1 year of relevant legal work experience (without having time to reflect much on it in my app) come off as shallow? I want to work in the public interest, and could find something in NYC through my undergrad network - I legitimately think I'd benefit from the experience outside of the appearance on my app, but also wouldn't want to *not* benefit from it on my app...

Totally appreciate any insight here. Thanks.

Whether you can "afford" to wait is going to depend on your financial circumstances that you briefly mentioned. Would you be saving up money during this year-long employment to where if you had same results next time you'd be in a better position? Can't speak to question 1. Not sure on question 2, but I don't think taking extra classes post undergrad will move your undergrad GPA.

Re: 3, what is the job you'll be doing for that year? You said relevant. Is it public interest? If it's not public interest, it may perhaps help you get in, but I don't really think so. Work experience in many instances demonstrates maturity/stableness/growth on an application. Your job description matters less. That's why you see folks from all walks of life entering law school (okay, not all, but definitely varied). That being said, again, is it public interest? Because once you get into law school and are applying for public interest in/externships and jobs, *they will* be looking at your job description. They want "dedication" to the public interest.

Whether it's shallow depends on the optics. Did you go from being a startup CEO or barista or financial analyst to working for one year at the Neighborhood Legal Services then apply to law school talking all about how you've always wanted to help people? Maybe. Otherwise, I don't think it would look "shallow," though.

[throwitawaynow]

RE: Affording to wait - For sure yes. Worst case is I break even on the year (thanks to a side freelance business); real payoff would be in (hypothetical) enhanced scholly results from making the aforementioned tweaks and having a better cycle in 16-17 than I had in 15-16. Basically, I'd be gambling opportunity cost of getting to my legal career 1 year sooner for potentially having either a substantially cheaper or more preftigious JD.

RE: Q3/Job - Totally hypothetical/TBD. I transitioned from nonprofit arts work to freelancing this year while my cycle played out, but am *just now* fully appreciating how much better off I might be with legal work experience in terms of personal development (and for my hypothetical future-app), largely from meeting folks at ASWs and researching schools more deeply. I am in contact with folks regularly hiring for paralegal/research assistants in PI practice areas I want to explore, and am confident I could land a placement within a reasonable search period.

[Clearly]

Your lsac gpa is locked in already, you could take 5000 credits and you're a3.6 for law school purposes.

[throwitawaynow]

Your lsac gpa is locked in already, you could take 5000 credits and you're a3.6 for law school purposes.

Figured as much. Thanks for the response.

[Mikey]

For question 2, LSAC won't count your credits/grades that you get after you've be awarded your bachelors.

[kcdc1]

1/2 & 3/4 tuition at two schools in the bottom of the T-14, otherwise nada

Wait, what? You have a $120k scholarship to a T14 school. What is the issue here?

[rpupkin]

3. Would landing 1 year of relevant legal work experience (without having time to reflect much on it in my app) come off as shallow? I want to work in the public interest, and could find something in NYC through my undergrad network - I legitimately think I'd benefit from the experience outside of the appearance on my app, but also wouldn't want to *not* benefit from it on my app..

No, landing one year of relevant work experience would not look shallow. However, if you're going to take some time off, why not take two or three years? Not only will it make you a stronger job candidate down the road, but it will give you more time to think about whether you really want to become a lawyer. It will also give you a couple more years to enjoy your youth.