Chances at Northwestern with PhD? Forum

[stugots26]

Graduated in August with a PhD in (Organic) Chemistry. Have research publications, including a journal cover article, and a thesis. Graduate GPA 3.84, interested in Patent Law.

My undergraduate GPA is from UPenn, but it's class of 2002 and around 3.00

I'm taking the LSAT in October and averaging 166 on the Preptests.

Does having a PhD significantly improve my prospects?

[dissonance1848]

My understanding is that NU loves WE, no idea about research. Also, for LSAC GPA, its going to be 3.0. Granted, being out a while will reduce its weight somewhat. The grad stuff will help some, no idea how much. For NU, you would need at least a 170, preferably a 172+ with ED for a strong shot/lock.

[stugots26]

I'm 30, so it's been 8 years since that undergraduate GPA. Is that even going to come into consideration given all that I've accomplished since? Does a PhD make up for a poor undergrad GPA?

[09042014]

Graduated in August with a PhD in (Organic) Chemistry. Have research publications, including a journal cover article, and a thesis. Graduate GPA 3.84, interested in Patent Law.

My undergraduate GPA is from UPenn, but it's class of 2002 and around 3.00

I'm taking the LSAT in October and averaging 166 on the Preptests.

Does having a PhD significantly improve my prospects?

You'll need a 170 minimum. 172 would be better. ED helps but only above 170.

[dextermorgan]

Have you ever actually worked (in the traditional sense of the word)?

[stugots26]

Ouch - that was kind of condescending.

I was a Teaching Assistant all throughout Grad School and a pseudo-teaching assistant in college. As a doctoral candidate, my research was my job. I worked in a lab getting scientific results and analyzing the data.

Now, while preparing for the LSAT, I'm working as a professor teaching chemistry.