2.9/180 - crazy to hope for scholarships? Forum

[Trekkie]

LSAC GPA: 2.9
LSAT: 180
URM: AA female
Current location: DC
Preferred locations after law school: DC > NYC > TX
Post-Law school job: Let's just say biglaw. I am interested in other things (like criminal law) but have not researched them thoroughly.
College WE: 1.5 years of interesting stuff
Post-grad WE: 2 years non-profit (not law related), 2 years DC biglaw firm which is my current job (not a secretary, legal assistant or paralegal).

Main question is: Do you guys think I have any chance for scholarships with a 2.9? I am worried about the debt I'd have if I paid sticker. I have searched in LSN but I can't tell if a lot of people aren't putting in money information or if the schools I'm looking at just don't give out much money.

My plan at the moment is to apply to T4-T20 minus the California schools. Also thinking of doing part-time for Georgetown and/or GW instead of full-time. But should I apply to lower ranked schools as well? For example, I'm not sure if I should bother with George Mason or American.

Btw I would be applying next cycle.

So I guess I am asking: is my list of schools to apply to realistic with my stats and what do you think my chances are at getting money from those schools?

[RCSOB657]

If you really have a 180, why do you think you won't get full rides or at least admission to any school you apply to?

[Clemenceau]

URM with a 180?

I have absolutely no real knowledge of your chances, but if I had to speculate, I bet you get into harvard and everywhere below

Scholarships are anyone's guess, but I have a hard time believing you wouldn't get hefty t14 offers

[Clearly]

When did you take the lsat?

[mvp99]

enjoy H w/o money... 600 students? they won't care about your 2.9

[sundontshine]

What in the world were you doing during undergrad to get such a low GPA when you clearly are pretty smart?

[Rigo]

Super splitters like yourself have wildly unpredictable cycles. A 180 URM is truly exceptional though so I think you'll get some great options.
I would apply to the T14 + George Washington + WUSTL (for scholly negotiation) + UT (since you mentioned texas).
I would take a crack at Harvard. You may even be a special enough snowflake for Yale. It's really hard to say since you are such a unique applicant.

Don't bother with George Mason or American.
It's hard to predict scholarships for you, but I foresee you getting a really great offer at a quality school that will make law worthwhile.
GOODLUCK & awesome job on the LSAT!

[sparty99]

A 180?! Well christ....

[Kratos]

What in the world were you doing during undergrad to get such a low GPA when you clearly are pretty smart?

Having fun probably.

[Trekkie]

If you really have a 180, why do you think you won't get full rides or at least admission to any school you apply to?

I thought having a sub 3.0 GPA meant I had no chance at certain schools and very little chance for money, which was my main concern. From reading the other threads I guess I mistakenly came to the conclusion that GPA was more important, for scholarships especially.

When did you take the lsat?

I took the LSAT for this score a year ago. It was my second time taking it.

What in the world were you doing during undergrad to get such a low GPA when you clearly are pretty smart?

Having fun probably.

I did have some fun, actually. But stuff happened with family and finances that screwed up my last two years. I had to prioritize and school was at the bottom of the list.

I'm surprised. I was thinking I would be lucky to get into Georgetown and you guys are mentioning Harvard. I need to recalibrate.

[mt2165]

This is ridiculous. I'm not sure like any AA's have gotten into H with sub-3 GPAs, but if anyone would, it would be you. I still don't think you have a great chance, but this is crazy. I would blanker the T-14 for sure, especially ED at NW, that would be a pretty good outcome but who knows the schollies you'll snag. I say this in part because once you get above 172-174, there are so few AA's that I'm not sure that the difference between 172-180 is going to drastically change the ball game, you're way above every 75th LSAT and below 25th GPA. If I were you I would focus on milking the LSAT and targeting the mid and lower t-14's and just go wherever you get the most money (obviously dependent on goals, but still).

[Dog]

Super splitters like yourself have wildly unpredictable cycles. A 180 URM is truly exceptional though so I think you'll get some great options.
I would apply to the T14 + George Washington + WUSTL (for scholly negotiation) + UT (since you mentioned texas).
I would take a crack at Harvard. You may even be a special enough snowflake for Yale. It's really hard to say since you are such a unique applicant.

Don't bother with George Mason or American.
It's hard to predict scholarships for you, but I foresee you getting a really great offer at a quality school that will make law worthwhile.
GOODLUCK & awesome job on the LSAT!

I pretty much agree with this post 100%. I think there is definitely a chance you could get into H or get some $$$ in the top 14. It's really tough to predict with your rare stats so applying to GW and UT could make sense too. This is complete guesswork, but I'd predict you end up with something like one of these:

- Harvard
- Northwestern ED ($150k)
- $$ (80-120k) at some school in the mid-lower t14 via regular decision

All good outcomes.

[notactuallyposting]

Harvard at sticker? That doesn't make sense. Harvard is needs based only. If OP gets into harvard their grant will be decided using the same formula as the 4.0/174 folk. And if OP comes from a poor family, that would be their best outcome.