My undergrad GPA sucks at 3.29. I got a double major in political science and economics, a math minor, and a pre-law concentration. I had to work (tutoring math, physics, chemistry and english) to pay my tuition all through undergrad, and to pay off some family debts because my family had financial difficulties. I also did a lot of community service, volunteering to tutor underprivileged high school kids for free (if that's at all relevant).
I got a scholarship to do a one year graduate program free. I did it in environmental science, and got a GPA of 3.63 (still not great, but it's an improvement).
I had known I wanted to be a lawyer since 8 or 9 (it was because my family had a financial crisis, and got screwed over by horrible lawyers. we went from rich to hovering around poverty line), and had done a lot of internships in law during college. I think this is the topic for my personal statement.
I live near NYC, and my dream is to go to Columbia law or NYU, because my fiancé is working here, so it's difficult to relocate. Is it still possible? I'm willing to do anything to get in at those schools. What schools should I apply at?
Would it help if I took the LSAT again in December and got 178ish (if I really work hard at it, it may be possible)?
Thank you so much for your advice!
