Terrible GPA, 178 LSAT, 3 Years In-Field... Can I Get In? Forum

[CyreneUS]

So, as the title says, I ended up with a 2.13GPA in undergrad. Started off my first year with a 4.0, finished my last semester with a 4.0, but in between I had two family deaths and had to work 35 hours a week junior and senior year to sustain. My GPA suffered immensely. I managed a 178 on my LSAT, and I have been working as a commercial litigation paralegal for 3 years with strong references from my attorneys and academic advisor from undergrad. Is it possible for me to get in anywhere worth going?

[talons2250]

Apparently WashU Law has some sort of option in the application to redact your UGPA. That's the obvious answer here. Not a T14 but a good school with a decent national reputation.

[CanadianWolf]

"anywhere worth going" is relative to your career goal.

Do you plan to return to your current law firm ? If yes, then consider a low cost ABA accredited regional law school.

Many law schools will accept you due to your LSAT score and 3 years of related, post undergraduate work experience.

However, if your career goal is biglaw, then you face challenges getting into a highly ranked law school. Nevertheless, you have a compelling story regarding your undergraduate GPA, therefore it would be wise to apply to a dozen law schools ranked among the top 40. You need to focus on affordability & placement into the market that you desire.