Chances for SMU Forum

[jlb2957]

I am a U4 at Texas A&M right now and plan on applying to law school for Fall 2011. I was applying for the coming year, but decided last minute to put it off for hopes at better choices(I did get accepted to St. Mary's though, being the only app that went out before making my decision).

My dream school would be SMU. I am from Dallas, have lived there all my life, and want to make my career there. My biggest dilemma is I only have a 2.16 GPA at the moment. That will most likely go up a bit before I send out my apps for next year, but I don't see it going over a ~2.3. My LSAT score is a 158, but I am taking a light load next semester in order to properly prepare for the December LSAT. I know schools like SMU will consider lower GPA's if it offset by very good LSAT scores and a well written personal statement.

My question is this, what LSAT score would I need to have a shot at admission to SMU? If you are a current student there, and don't mind showing your stats, I would really like to know what they are. (especially if you are like me in the C range).

Thanks and Gig 'em

EDIT: I should also mention that I didn't really study at all for the LSAT last time. Just some brief look overs.

[FuManChusco]

their 75th lsat is a 165 I believe. You'd have to have above that to have a chance, but with that gpa, you probably need at least a 170. I mean you could get rejected with a 180. nothing is a sure thing with a <2.5 gpa.

[MoS]

I would say there is not sure recipe for a low gpa high lsat for admissions. It's all a guessing game. But I would guess 165 or higher. If you look at LSN people with 2.X gpas did get in. You might have a better chance if you apply for the part-time program.

[kalvano]

Definitely over 165.

[jlb2957]

I figured over a 165. I was just wondering if there was anyone on here who was in the same boat I am and if they were able to get in. I feel confident in my ability to reach at least a 165 with the proper studying.

I also understand there is a lot more to the application than just these raw numbers. Personal statement, letters of recommendation, and addendum explaining your previous academic record and such. All of which will effect my application.

Thanks for the input.

[CanadianWolf]

A 164 with a very sincere & convincing application assuming that you are a full pay student.

[Thirteen]

I'll be a 1L in the fall. I have a GPA in your range and C&F issues, but scored a 169 on the LSAT. If you hit above a 165, you should be good to go. Make sure you write an convincing Why SMU essay.

Hook 'Em, btw.

EDIT: According to the data in the official ABA guide to law schools on lsac.com, 188 people who scored a 165 or above applied to SMU for the 08-09 cycle. 185 were admitted.

[jlb2957]

I'll be a 1L in the fall. I have a GPA in your range and C&F issues, but scored a 169 on the LSAT. If you hit above a 165, you should be good to go. Make sure you write an convincing Why SMU essay.

Hook 'Em, btw.

EDIT: According to the data in the official ABA guide to law schools on lsac.com, 188 people who scored a 165 or above applied to SMU for the 08-09 cycle. 185 were admitted.

Thanks for the info...even though you are a t-sip.

EDIT: did you by any change receive any kind of financial reward with a 169?

[emkay625]

Is it financially viable for you to stay at A&M an extra year and pick up a minor or another major? If so, I would recommend staying another year to help pad that GPA. A year full of A's would go a long way - boost that GPA to somewhere more near a 2.5 (hopefully over) and also show an upward trend, which schools like to see.

[fathergoose]

The LSAT is a magic bullet. If you can own it, doors will open, if not you are probably looking at STCL, St. Mary's or Tech.

Also PM'd you

[Thirteen]

I'll be a 1L in the fall. I have a GPA in your range and C&F issues, but scored a 169 on the LSAT. If you hit above a 165, you should be good to go. Make sure you write an convincing Why SMU essay.

Hook 'Em, btw.

EDIT: According to the data in the official ABA guide to law schools on lsac.com, 188 people who scored a 165 or above applied to SMU for the 08-09 cycle. 185 were admitted.

Thanks for the info...even though you are a t-sip.

EDIT: did you by any change receive any kind of financial reward with a 169?

No problem, always glad to help. Take a look at Pithypike's LSAT Study Guide, which can be found here: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =6&t=41657. Also, I highly recommend using Powerscore's Logic Games and Logical Reasoning Bibles. They can be found for like 40 bucks on Amazon, and they helped me improve my score greatly in a few weeks.

I received a scholarship of $25,300 per year. For SMU, it is critical that you apply relatively early in the cycle (before the end of December).


Feel free to send a PM if you have any other questions.

[cafloyd12]

I got in with a 2.51/164. I applied early action to the part-time program. I had a GPA addendum and 4 years of full-time work experience (undertaken during my undergraduate studies), so I'm not sure how much GPA forgiveness I received in light of this, but my guess is that if you have a substantive reason for that GPA, make it clear in an addendum, and get a 164+, you probably have a good shot.