Top Law Schools

I don't know what to think of my chances in the Top 10.

My GPA isn't great, but I majored in a hard science, and worked most of my way through college in biomedical research laboratories. I'm a published co-author on several peer-reviewed papers, and I want to practice genetics & bioethics law, possibly IP.

Especially interested in UPenn, because of its Center for Bioethics, if anyone can provide insight into that.

Thank you for any tips/advice on this!! I'll be applying for 2012 admission.

Enjoy Columbia Law school...

As a 3.5/178 with an EE research background all I have to say is Good Luck!

I imagine you have a good shot at Columbia or NYU, but with the 3.4 I think those are far from guaranteed. Probably the same holds true for Chicago. Congrats on pwning the LSAT! If you put in a bunch of T10 apps you should get good results. Knowing Berkeley's affection for GPA, I'm not sure how you would fare there, but your very high LSAT may make up the difference even at a non-splitter school like Berkeley. HY and S are likely out because of the GPA, but IMO it might still be worth a shot.

I think you are basically in at Northwestern, though I'm not sure if it's top 10? Of the top 10, though, you stand a good chance at Columbia.

Should be set from NYU on down, and your odds at Columbia would be pretty good as well. Unfortunately, your low GPA will prevent you from getting Yale, Stanford, or Harvard.