WTK: Univ WI - Madison chances for non-traditional student Forum

[mikekw]

Hello!

Here are the basics:

Wisconsin resident;
33 years old;
3.37 GPA (could be a 3.31, don't remember) with BBA: Business Management background;
LSAT to be taken;
Attended law school in Indiana for half of one semester approximately five years ago and left WELL before any grades released due to personal problems (never gave up on the dream of a legal career, just was forced to leave to handle matters).

If that's not enough, my career experience since school involves firearms sales, being a residential landlord, and being a real estate broker/auctioneer.

Any thoughts on my chances at Madison?

[blurbz]

Come back with an LSAT score.

Good luck on the test.

[mikekw]

Come back with an LSAT score.

Good luck on the test.

Thank you- I'll need it!

Perhaps a better question is what score I should seek if I want in at Madison.

[wisc14]

Your gpa is low and not impressive, so you will need a LSAT score in the top 75% to be competitive (i.e. 165 or higher.

Outside of that, you will need a strong personal statement and will have to show the committee why are you trying to go to law school at age 33....

[WannaGo]

With your GPA slightly below UW's 25%, you're going to want to do everything you can to get as high of an LSAT score as possible. Looking at the current and past cycles, your GPA isn't a show stopper but it does put you at a disadvantage. Also, your circumstances attending a different law school and leaving warrants a thoughtful "why Wisconsin" essay.

If you haven't yet, check out the following sites:

http://wisconsin.lawschoolnumbers.com/a ... ,6&type=jd
It appears this cycle, applicants with your GPA who were accepted at UW had anywhere between a 164-169. (Babyblue originally identified himself as a URM so I didn't include his stats.)


Play with the law school predictors below - it's where the majority of the 'TLS experts' get their information anyway:
http://www.lawschoolpredictor.com/wp-co ... ograms.htm

http://www.hourumd.com/


A high LSAT score and a strong application package (LORs, PS, etc), yes you have a shot but it's going to require a solid LSAT and polished package. But hey, if UW is really where you want to go, apply and see what happens.

[rad lulz]

.

[mikekw]

Thank you both!

I'm just starting on my LSAT prep now. Hopefully I can raise things up! In 2001, I earned a 158 with little study. In 2006, I earned a 160 with a moderate/middle amount of study. I'd love to get a 170, though I don't know how realistic of a goal I've set for myself.

Mike