What are my chances of getting into a top law school? Forum

[vurberel]

I'm a 32 year old latino software consultant that makes $160k a year in the midwest. My undergraduate GPA was 3.23, but my master's GPA was 3.59. They were both in computer science. I have passed the patent bar.

I have about 8 years of work experience. However, the only leadership experience is three failed startups.

With my GPAs, would it be possible to get into a top law school with a scholarship? What LSAT scores would I need to get into a top law school? Considering the imputed costs of attending law school on a full time basis is it worth it?

[Birdnals]

I'm a 32 year old latino software consultant that makes $160k a year in the midwest. My undergraduate GPA was 3.23, but my master's GPA was 3.59. They were both in computer science. I have passed the patent bar.

I have about 8 years of work experience. However, the only leadership experience is three failed startups.

With my GPAs, would it be possible to get into a top law school with a scholarship? What LSAT scores would I need to get into a top law school? Considering the imputed costs of attending law school on a full time basis is it worth it?

If you are making 160K and you don't HATE your job, then I wouldn't go to law school.

That said, you would need a ~ 170 to get into a top 14 law school because your master’s GPA means didly to them.

[rinkrat19]

With a high enough LSAT, you could certainly get into one or more of the T14. (Which and how many depends on, among other things, what sort of Latino you are. Not all kinds get a boost.) If your grades at law school aren't horrible you could probably get a job. Already having passed the patent bar is a good thing.

But I bet most people here are going to tell you you're better off where you are. You'd be giving up 3 years of making $160k...for a middling-to-decent shot at making $160k.

[CyLaw]

I'm a 32 year old latino software consultant that makes $160k a year in the midwest. My undergraduate GPA was 3.23, but my master's GPA was 3.59. They were both in computer science. I have passed the patent bar.

I have about 8 years of work experience. However, the only leadership experience is three failed startups.

With my GPAs, would it be possible to get into a top law school with a scholarship? What LSAT scores would I need to get into a top law school? Considering the imputed costs of attending law school on a full time basis is it worth it?

1) Yes. But depends on LSAT score.
2) 168+ for top schools. 170+ to feel more secure.
3) Why are you thinking about law school? I'm assuming you want to do patent work, but wanted to check. If it is patent work you want to do, what do you think you would like better about being a patent lawyer compared to your current option as a patent agent? Considering your current income, do you plan on paying for this from savings?

[071816]

I'm a 32 year old latino software consultant that makes $160k a year in the midwest.

Shit. Why do you even want to go to law school? Sounds like more trouble than it's worth for you.

[vurberel]

Frankly, I HATE my current job. I'm burned out on software and need to change. I cannot see myself hitting 40 and continuing in this profession. At this point, it's a tossup between the MBA and the JD. I have already taken the GMAT and scored 790.

I know the undergrad/grad GPAs were low, but I was a slacker back then and things have changed.

While I can pay for law school, I would prefer to get a scholarship to help reduce the costs.

How does the income for a patent agent compare to that of a patent lawyer?

[Veyron]

Frankly, I HATE my current job. I'm burned out on software and need to change. I cannot see myself hitting 40 and continuing in this profession. At this point, it's a tossup between the MBA and the JD. I have already taken the GMAT and scored 790.

I know the undergrad/grad GPAs were low, but I was a slacker back then and things have changed.

While I can pay for law school, I would prefer to get a scholarship to help reduce the costs.

How does the income for a patent agent compare to that of a patent lawyer?

You won't be able to get a scholarship anywhere that will have good employment prospects with that GPA. This ain't b-school, doesn't matter if "things have changed" the numbers (specifically UGPA and LSAT) are all that matter. If that makes you uncomfortable, law is not the profession for you since everything in it operates off similarly foolish and unreasonable rules. You'll need to cop an LSAT in the low to mid 170s to have a good shot at a top school.

Basically, go to b school you daft punk.

[2014]

First of all what kind of Latino? If Mexican or Puerto Rican you get an admissions boost, if Central American, Cuban, etc you don't.

Also given your WE and GMAT would you not be competitive for Wharton, Harvard and the like? You would almost assuredly be in better shape coming out of there than grinding away at law school where best case scenario is making the same thing you are now while working more hours.

[vurberel]

I'm a latino from a Caribbean country. So, it seems that quitting my job to go to law school full time would be a bad decision. What about a part time law degree? Are those worth pursuing?

[chem]

Enjoy Northwestern with a 169+

[sparty99]

You would be an idiot to go to law school when you already make $160,000.....The only reason why people go to law school is to be criminal attorney's, help the poor, or make $160,000.

[CanadianWolf]

Get your MBA at Stanford, Harvard, Northwestern, Penn, MIT or Chicago. Both Northwestern & Chicago offer part-time programs.

Is your curent job in a major city ?

If you are determined to attend law school, then score in the 170s on the LSAT & ED Northwestern for a $150,000 (# years worth of tuition) scholarship.

[Doorkeeper]

Apply to the top 14 law schools and the top 10 business schools in the fall. See where you get in. Make your decision from that.

[CanadianWolf]

@Doorkeeper: Minor point, but top (9) nine business schools at the most. OP will be admitted to several T-6 business schools with a 790/800 GMAT & 8 years substantial work experience.

[vurberel]

My current job is in Minneapolis, and the best school in the area would be the University of Minnesota. I did my undergraduate work there. I'll take the LSAT in October.

[2014]

I'm a latino from a Caribbean country. So, it seems that quitting my job to go to law school full time would be a bad decision. What about a part time law degree? Are those worth pursuing?

They can be, especially if it is somehow possible to hold your current job and if you have a tangible plan for how you want to use the law degree.

I still think going to an elite MBA program and working for a company that you like more would be a better option.

[lawyerwannabe]

I would go MBA route if I were you. They care less about GPA, it is only two years long instead of three, you killed the GMAT, and you have solid WE.

Maybe the MBA could help you get an upper management position in a software company?