High LSAT/Low GPA - Advice?! Forum

[rn2012]

Currently (meaning as of last semester), I have a 3.0 GPA. I took the Feb. LSAT and did pretty well and got a 176. My Top Two Schools have always been NYU and Northwestern.

With these stats, what are my chances looking like for either school?

Another question: I was originally planning to submit my applications extremely early, however, I have been also thinking about submitting my applications in December (after I finish the next semester). I am somewhat on the cusp of a 3.1, but I don't know how much that will help.

[Clemenceau]

I highly doubt 3.1 will make a difference vs. a 3.0. Definitely apply early.

If you really like Northwestern, you should apply early decision there. Although I wouldnt hold your breath about actually being accepted, they might defer you to regular decision and accept you later on.

Edit: Just did 2+2 and realized you're coming straight from college. I would consider taking some time off and working ft if possible. Law school is likely to be extremely expensive for you with a 3.0, and should probably only be approached after checking out other available career alternatives.

[shump92]

You are a huge splitter so it really depends on the rest of your application. No one can really say for sure. Mylsn data is pretty bad for splitters but your LSAT is high so congrats on that.

If I were in your position, I would be spending as much time as possible on all of my relevant essays: PS, DS (if applicable) and why x essays for schools that will want them. Make sure you have a good number of readers and be as pedantic as possible in getting to the final versions. A lot of TLSers don't think softs really matter, but for splitters they certainly could help make up for the relatively low GPA. You could possibly have a lot of the early writing work done before school starts and then do edits some in your free time to have apps in before Thanksgiving. That would still put you in the early window for most schools and wouldn't mean you would have to sacrifice studying time for your UG course load.

At this point, as long as you get your apps in before the holidays you should be fine. Keeping an upward trend for your GPA would help so that should be the priority, as any retakes wouldn't matter. Make the rest of your app as strong as possible and hope for the best.

[rn2012]

I highly doubt 3.1 will make a difference vs. a 3.0. Definitely apply early.

If you really like Northwestern, you should apply early decision there. Although I wouldnt hold your breath about actually being accepted, they might defer you to regular decision and accept you later on.

Edit: Just did 2+2 and realized you're coming straight from college. I would consider taking some time off and working ft if possible. Law school is likely to be extremely expensive for you with a 3.0, and should probably only be approached after checking out other available career alternatives.

I realize that getting any $$$ would be tough with my GPA. However, being a lawyer is something that I really want to do. It's something that I've wanted to do since I was 13. I would rather not waste time doing something in some other career, when this is really what I want to do.

[rn2012]

You are a huge splitter so it really depends on the rest of your application. No one can really say for sure. Mylsn data is pretty bad for splitters but your LSAT is high so congrats on that.

If I were in your position, I would be spending as much time as possible on all of my relevant essays: PS, DS (if applicable) and why x essays for schools that will want them. Make sure you have a good number of readers and be as pedantic as possible in getting to the final versions. A lot of TLSers don't think softs really matter, but for splitters they certainly could help make up for the relatively low GPA. You could possibly have a lot of the early writing work done before school starts and then do edits some in your free time to have apps in before Thanksgiving. That would still put you in the early window for most schools and wouldn't mean you would have to sacrifice studying time for your UG course load.

At this point, as long as you get your apps in before the holidays you should be fine. Keeping an upward trend for your GPA would help so that should be the priority, as any retakes wouldn't matter. Make the rest of your app as strong as possible and hope for the best.

Okay. I do have a solid reason for why my GPA is so low. I just don't know if I should include that as a part of my application. I don't want it to seem like I am making excuses for anything.