Top Law Schools

Hi,

I've seen the numbers on and read posts by plenty of other splitters but I have yet to see any whose disparity is as great as mine and I'd be interested to know if anybody has any info on how law schools will judge my apps.

I have a LSAT score of 177 and a GPA of 2.1 from a USNWR Top 20 undergrad university with a BS in Chemistry.

The admissions numbers from sites like TLS are not too helpful because my LSAT score is above the 75th percentile of every law school and my GPA is below the 25th percentile of any school I would consider going to.

I am one year out of undergraduate and have been working since graduation as a research assistant in a academic research institute. My GPA cannot be excused by some tragedy or illness and I am not a URM.

I am shooting for a school that would be top 75 but preferably top 50. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Any compelling reason for the 2.1 at all? (aside tragedy or illness as you said)

Upward trend?

Nothing in the way of a traumatizing life incident or financial hardship if thats what you mean. During undergraduate I was just not that interested in my academics and didn't appreciate the opportunity that I had and the consequences that I would face of not trying my best. I was immature and I'd like to believe that I've grown up since then, especially since graduating and being on my own and working 40 hours a week for a pretty weak salary.

There is an upward trend but not too great, my worst semesters were my 2nd semester of freshman year and my sophomore year so I did do better in the last 2 years but still not great.

Wow nice 177, some good schools will likely take a chance on you.

http://www.lawschoolpredictor.com/wp-co ... ograms.htm

I'm not sure what else to say beyond what predictors show: that you're most likely out at the t20. But it doesn't look that bad outside that. You'll need some luck, and a school that really needs an applicant with a high LSAT score (like W&L last year).

Check all the predictors. Hopefully someone else on here has similar numbers and can give some better advice.

In any event you need to spin you PS to reflect your "growing up."

Hmm I guess thats basically what I expected. I'm applying to 12 schools ranging from 20 to 75 and hoping a few of them give me a shot. I know I can be successful wherever I go, I just want to get an opportunity.

Your best bet at the T14 is to ED at Northwestern. They are known to take high LSAT and sub-3.0 splitters, but a 2.1 might be a little low even for them. I would take definitely at least take a shot at EDing there next cycle.