That in mind, here are my questions: (1) What are my chances? and (2) Do any of the following impact my chances?
1. Work experience: I am currently finishing my 2nd year at a "top-3" management consulting firm as a business analyst. I will have three years of experience by the time I enroll in law school. (I am also applying to MBA programs and wish to pursue a JD/MBA.)
2. University (academic): I attended a large state school but was in two selective honors programs that have turned out a few Harvard / Stanford law students directly from undergrad each year. In my opinion, the 3.75 is not quite your average "public school" GPA, but may not compare with an Ivy-league GPA.
3. University (non-academic): While at my university, I was a strong student leader and was heavily involved in pertinent higher education issues in the school and in the state. My senior year, I was awarded two leadership awards: one that was given to three seniors in my graduating class (5,000+ students) who have had a significant impact on my fellow students and the campus, and another that was given to two seniors who have had a significant impact in the business school. My undergraduate experience was amazing, and I really became involved as a leader and took on part-time jobs with the university to promote and represent my school. I plan to tell this story through on my resume.
4. Post-graduation work: Since graduating, I have kept busy with a few ventures outside of work including consulting separately with non-profit organizations that are working on key issues affecting my city including community development, housing, education, and food distribution to the hungry. I have also been involved with a start-up that I am helping sell niche consumer products and may help through a sale here shortly. I am also leaving my consulting firm to work (in sabbatical fashion) with education non-profits for the summer. I will be back with my firm in the fall.
5. Recommendations: I will have a good recommendation from a manager at work and will also have a choice between one of my favorite college professors who is very personally familiar with me or the university president with whom I worked and who knows me but not quite as well. (Help in deciding which recommender would also be useful.)
I'd love honest opinions as to whether these issues can compensate for my 3.75 law GPA and push me over the edge at Harvard or even Stanford (who seems to care more about GPA).
Thanks, everyone!
