3.18/165 URM with Strong Upward GPA Trend Forum

[lmse]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering what my chances of acceptance to a Top 50 looks like with these stats. I will be retaking in October (unfortunately, I can't in June) and will be applying as soon as the scores are reported. I averaged a 3.9 GPA my last year and a half of undergrad and am seriously considering applying early decision to either Michigan or UCLA. I am a Southern California native and would like to stay in California, however because of ties to the Midwest, I thought I would throw in some apps to Michigan (loved the school) and Northwestern. Obviously, Michigan, Northwestern, UCLA and USC would be my reach schools, so what other schools should I be considering? I am African American, have decent softs, and I'm hoping to break 170 next time around. I have already looked at lawschoolnumbers, but because of my splitter and URM status, it was difficult finding other profiles with similar stats. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[dowu]

Northwestern will need some work experience, as most of their students have at least 1 year under their belt.

Your chances of hitting a top 50 school are great. I do, however, believe that one of the mentioned schools (UCLA) has a GPA floor. This might not be the case for URMs, as many people have stated before.

Check out this link on being a successful splitter: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=162680

Further, I think that a 170+ will tremendously help your chances of admission to top programs, so work hard!

Did you get the fee waiver? If so, you should just apply to a fuck ton of schools so that you can use schools acceptances/schollys for leverage.

Good luck

[Nelson]

AA male? You should blanket T14 from CCN on down. You will get multiple bites.

[billyez]

AA male? You should blanket T14 from CCN on down. You will get multiple bites.

Speaking from experience, this is the credited response. That low GPA will hurt you and your cycle will be unpredictable, but that GPA trend is strong and your LSAT is good.

[bne]

Oops, wrong thread.

[Nova]

Oops, wrong thread.

Haha I was about to say...

FWIW, OP, Im a URM with very similar stats (2.9/167) and I got into T20 with $$. You have a great shot at some solid schools. Your in at several T1 easy.

Also, consider retaking in June or October if you want to sure up your chances at the best possible school.

[TMC116]

USC and UCLA have GPA floors so that will be difficult. NU requires we and your GPA is too low for UMich. You'll get wait listed there. (not bc of your LSAT, your GPA is killing you)

I think you should throw an app at Georgetown, you'll have a solid shot to get in there. You'll also get $ from CA schools below UCLA/USC. Those are solid safeties

If you retake and get 170+, I think you'll break into T10. If you also take a year off, you'll nab NU

[lmse]

Thanks for all of your responses. I knew my GPA would kill me - it is low due to some unfortunate circumstances in my earlier years of undergrad regarding my health. Would ED help my chances at all?

[TMC116]

Where do you want to ED?

Remember, an ED won't help w NU bc they give full rides to EDers. Those are reserved for 173+, 3.7+ (for the most part)

If you retake, get a 170 and ED then you're into UVA, maybe Michigan, Georgetown, and almost anything outside the T14.

(Michigan likes splitters but not super splitters, thats why I say "maybe UM". Just ask Tiago Splitter about that)

[alpha kenny body]

I would say good shot at Georgetown and Northwestern w/ work experience. ED UVA and enjoy the T-14.

[lmse]

I was thinking of applying early decision to UCLA and regular decision to some of the lower T14 as reach schools. I would like to stay in California, so my list is CA heavy:

Michigan
Northwestern (maybe not b/c I lack work experience)
Cornell
Georgetown
UWash
UCLA
USC
UCI
LMU
UCD
Pepperdine

Any thoughts? Reaching too high? By the way, I'm not a huge fan of UVA so I didn't add it to the list.