AA Male URM 2.6/150 chances at southern top 50 schools? Forum

[quietstorm44]

Do I have a chance at any top 50 schools, particularly in the South? If so, which ones might give me a chance?

AA Male
2.6 cumulative GPA (3.7 degree GPA, after transferring schools my academics turned around quite a bit)
Small public Tier-2 institution
2 years public sector work experience


I realize that an even better suggestion would be to re-take the LSAT and apply next cycle, but unfortunately my GPA is still going to suck. Even if I did Would I have a chance even with a 160 and still my 2.6gpa?

[bk1]

http://www.lawschoolnumbers.com

A 160's LSAT would definitely change things. Your GPA will always suck, but some schools will look past it for the chance to admit a URM with a good LSAT (e.g. NU, WUSTL, GW, SMU, etc).

[anglemerchant]

haha, seriously?! Do NOT go to law school with those scores......it will be more miserable than usual.

[PDaddy]

While you should be commended for improving your grades - a point you need to highlight in an addendum - you need to come up about five points just to have a decent shot at the lower top-100. Right now, you would probably struggle to gain admission even at a T3. If you want to be a legit candidate for the lower half of the top-50, raise your score to 160.

Contrary to popular belief, URM admissions aren't that forgiving anymore, and you need to make the numbers. If you are under 30, consider getting a masters degree or at least going back to take some additional courses for a year.

Take a full load of tough courses every term and get all A's! While doing that, study the LSAT like hell for a year. If you do that, you can present yourself as a different candidate.

At the least, you need a 160 on the LSAT to give yourself a chance at the lower half of the top-50. Even some schools in the lower top-25 (Minnesota, N.D., GWU) will give you a look if you have great softs and essays to go with the new score and/or grades.