3.8 / 171 --but bad last semester. Chances at t14? Forum

[NorCalBruin]

Hey friends,

Thanks in advance for replying. I have a 3.8 overall GPA (from UCLA as a philosophy major) and a 171 LSAT. However, my major GPA is only 3.3 in my major AND my last quarter GPA at school (UCLA is on the quarter system) was 2.8. The bad grades during the last half of my senior year were in part due to some family issues but mostly due to senior burnout. In other words, I don't have a great excuse.

What are my chances at the bottom of the T14 schools (I'm specifically hoping for Cornell, Duke, or Michigan)... and what about at UCLA and at USC?

I've seen some people say that grades trends and major GPA aren't really as important as the overall number itself, but some seem to think otherwise.

Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.

[PostHawk]

It won't hurt you much if at all... The law schools are mostly interested in your final GPA and LSAT score. You have a decent shot at most of the t14 and definitely in at USC or UCLA.

[Shaggier1]

It won't hurt you much if at all... The law schools are mostly interested in your final GPA and LSAT score.

If I were the applicant, I would hesitate to take this advice at face value. While the final GPA and LSAT are certainly what speak to the law school "bottom line," schools are also concerned with admitting students that will do well at their school. A downward trend is an immediate red flag in this sense--it screams burnout.

I would recommend writing an addendum about the family issues. Try to give the school a reason to justify assuming that you didn't just simply get tired of school.

[clintonius]

Jesus balls. Yeah, write the addendum, but also don't worry too much. A 3.80 and 172 got me into NYU three weeks after I sent in my application. You're ok.

[whymeohgodno]

In at Cornell, Michigan, Duke.

Too lazy to look up info for others in t14.

But go to lawschoolnumbers.com and see.

GPA trend doesn't matter btw.

[am060459]

In at Cornell, Michigan, Duke.

Too lazy to look up info for others in t14.

But go to lawschoolnumbers.com and see.

GPA trend doesn't matter btw.

it does matter

[IAFG]

In at Cornell, Michigan, Duke.

Too lazy to look up info for others in t14.

But go to lawschoolnumbers.com and see.

GPA trend doesn't matter btw.

it does matter

no.

[$1.99]

if you are not an adcomm of a t14 school, your opinion does not count.

[romothesavior]

Are people ITT implying that a downward trend at the end will have some negative effect on a 171/3.8's chances at the T14?

[IAFG]

if you are not an adcomm of a t14 school, your opinion does not count.

/entire site

[whymeohgodno]

if you are not an adcomm of a t14 school, your opinion does not count.

You are not an adcomm of a t14 school. Thus your opinion does not count. Thus the statement that not being an adcomm of a t14 school translates into ones opinion not counting, does not count?

[sundance95]

if you are not an adcomm of a t14 school, your opinion does not count.

You are not an adcomm of a t14 school. Thus your opinion does not count. Thus the statement that not being an adcomm of a t14 school translates into ones opinion not counting, does not count?

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