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So I spent way too much time partying 17 years ago and my UG GPA sucks, but.... Since that time I've established a successful banking career in regulatory compliance/legal. I'm currently a VP at my bank, w/ professional certifications, excellent recommendation letters, etc. Got a 167 on my LSAT in June.

Do I have any chance at IUB or Nothwestern? Any other suggestions for where I should apply?

Thanks in advance!!

A lot of people are going to ask you why on earth you want to leave a successful banking career for a career in law that is anything but guaranteed. Also, given the way that USWNR / law schools look at GPA your old grades will be a big strike against you.

I need the law degree to further advance my career. I've reached a plateau where I can't go much further up without some type of post grad degree, and I'm not interested in an MBA. With the way banking regulation has increased over the past few years, job opportunities abound for experienced candidates w JDs.

Then you might seriously look into some kind of part-time programs in your area if you don't need the prestige of the grad degree to get you into a firm. A law degree would certainly help you in understanding regulation, but I think for what you are looking towards getting ( a grad degree to go further in the banking industry) you are better off not leaving your current job unless you have a guaranteed spot when you are done with school. I would look into some kind of part-time programs in your area. Plus, a JD is one of the more/most expensive graduate degrees out there.

Good point on the part time law option. Thanks for the response.

IUB gave out full rides with 166+ people last cycle, so that looks good. However, I have no idea how that GPA will affect you. You have pretty much done all the best things to distance yourself from your gpa, and there really isn't that much more you can do. 17 years and a great career will hopefully be enough to make up for that number. Based on your LSAT you're good, and I hope that IUB is TRULY holistic when they look at your app good luck!

btw, idk about nw, but you are a low for them on both ends of the spectrum, although they love work experience. Would the prestige of Nw make that much of a difference given that you are trying to climb in a company where you are already established?

No, but my company isn't based in a city with a LS, so I'm going to have to move. Chicago has good opportunities for my field, and I would love to live there long term. Bloomington would be a cheaper in-state option for me, plus I would have cheap housing available due to family in nearby Indianapolis. I am looking at some lower tier options, too, but based on my research, I thought IUB and NW would be the highest schools that I might have a chance (slim - but a chance of getting in.

I think you've got a good handle on things. But are you going to commute from Indy to Bloomington? That's a little far...

Almost no chance at getting NU: http://northwestern.lawschoolnumbers.com/stats/1011/
but if you really want to get a JD and Chicago is your primary marked you can check out any of the part time programs (Loyola, Kent, Depaul).

I got dinged with a 166/3.2 from IUB last year.