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Hello,

I am considering applying to law school and wanted honest feedback on whether or not this is a realistic option before I spend a significant time (and money) pursuing this option:

I went to Brown and graduated with a 3.5 gpa as a social sciences major in 2012. The big question on my transcript, however, is my second semester of my second year. To graduate from Brown you need to pass 30 courses total, and the school expects you to have 15 by the end of the second semester of your second year. I was in a course I was not doing well in and, due to Brown's policy that dropped classes don't show up on the transcript, I thought it was better to drop it than get a C. I spoke with a dean who gave me incorrect information that all I needed to do was pass 16 classes in my second half of my college career and I'd be fine (I did that, hence graduating on time). Therefore, I ended that semester with only 14 passed classes. I admit that it was an incredibly stupid decision just to listen to the dean, as I was shocked when I received a letter in the summer saying I was on academic probation (despite having about a decent GPA at the time and receiving all As in my other classes that semester). But I can't go back in time and have to play with the card that I dealt.

I consistently score in the high 160s on the LSAT and believe I can get to the mid 170s with some hard work. Given the tough state of the legal market, I'd only go if I get into either a top 20 school or a top 50 school with a significant scholarship. Given my information, is that a realistic goal? Also, should I write an honest addendum about what happened or would that look kind of stupid on my part? Unfortunately (or fortunately?) there's no obvious pattern on my transcript- in fact I'm sure someone not used to Brown's transcripts (though I'm sure admissions knows their policy) would probably be confused as to how I received a warning at that time. My grades the next few semesters were mostly As, and my worst semester after that was my last one where I received 2 Bs. It's hard to claim "personal hardship" or generic things like that when I received 3 As the semester I went on warning...

As additional information, since leaving college I have worked at an international nonprofit for 2 years and a major law firm for 2 years (still there).

I'd love to hear people's thoughts. Be nice

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I wouldn't worry about it. I received a similar warning early on in my undergraduate career and my LS admissions cycle went how my numbers said it would. Just focus on doing as best as you can on the LSAT and with a 170+ it is all but guaranteed that you will have solid options within the t14.

Thank you for these encouraging words! While I loved Brown, their advising left a lot to be desired...

It probably won't hurt you but you should disclose it in an addendum (and the schools' applications will probably request the same).

I'm not sure how exactly this would even be captured in a LSAC standardized transcript. Don't sweat it. The common advice is that law schools care very little about your transcript outside of the GPA number they will have to report.