chances of 2L SA with 3.0-3.2 GPA from Penn? Forum

[Anonymous User]

You'll get offers, just cast your net widely, both in main and secondary markets. I'm at a lower T-14, GPA was 3.1 after the 2nd semester and I went through OCI last summer. I got a couple offers, one paid market but I passed it because of the people I met at the office. Took an offer that pays $180k in a secondary market.

I avoided a lot of NY firms, though, I wasn't very open to move there. but if you're open to NY transactional you should have an easier time.

I'll say don't waste your time on pickier/popular firms. Apply directly to firms that don't go to OCI early, too

I saw a comment above that Skadden isn't grade selective. IME it is, but that might just be my school situation. I did notice that the people I know who accepted offers there do either moot court or law review

[Anonymous User]

As others have indicated, it is not an enormously bad deal. I was in a similar predicament (second semester grades cratered due to personal issues at a lower T-14 and ended up with a 3.2. Just as with any GPA, you just have to be smart about applying. Consider the relevant stats
- GPA (so stay around the range of firms that accept candidates in this GPA range)
- URM (if you're in this category, realize you're more attractive)
- Geographical ties (I had zero relevant geographical ties aside from HK, which meant that my best shot by fa was going to be there and NY (who doesn't care); other markets will be a lot harder)

Also, just network. All my callbacks were the result of me having already put in the work by having had a phone call with an associate or partner prior to applying and interviewing. Just set up the calls, try and learn a bit whilst being a charming person, and thank them. That's already more than 75% is going to do. Which helps, if 75% has better grades than you. But above all, remember: you're in like the top 5% of all law schools. And that is the most important part.