Top Law Schools

Typical splitter in many ways. The only 'oddity' is my first 60 hours of college was pre 2008 with a 2.33 GPA and my last 90 hours(not all my old credits transferred) were at a different college with a 4.0 GPA while working full time. Owned a small business with 10 employees for 3 years and have worked the past 4 years in insurance. I am mid 30's with a kid, so non-trad.

I was hoping the turnaround from my first round of college as a dumb kid to my second round would help offset the low GPA, but my research is indicating the LSAC doesn't care about such things!

I had no compelling reason for my poor grades pre 2008 - just immaturity. I would say the birth of my daughter is the motivator that let me get a 4.0 in my second round of school. Worth an addendum?

My dream school would be Cornell - but it looks like my #'s would put me at around a 25% chance with $0 - and in today's law market I think getting money to offset the cost and minimize debt is going to be a big deal.

I would like UT - simply for its geographical location and strong reputation in TX (where I would like to end up) - but they are not very splitter friendly and seem to heavily favor high GPA. So, essentially, I am wondering where should I focus my application fee and energy to maximize value.

My goals are to spend a few years getting experience in a mid to large size law firm and then move toward government/politics.

What are my chances of getting money at a place like UT or in the lower half of T14?

If you're from Texas then you would get a boost at UT, since they have a quota of instate students they have to matriculate.

I wouldn't count yourself out from T14, including Cornell. Your lsat score is above the 75ths for several schools, which combined with your story should go a long way towards mitigating your GPA.

Good luck!

I think you may want to consider doing ED to Northwestern. Work experience helps and you have an outside shot at the 150k early decision scholarship there.

I have very similar numbers to you and was accepted to the majority of the T14 this cycle including some T6 schools.

However this was a good cycle for high LSAT scores and I don't know if next cycle will be as great, but you should still have a shot at T14 with some money.

Apply broadly. PM me if you want more info.

Thanks for the replies! It is encouraging that I might have a little more options than I considered with my low GPA. I might increase the number of schools I am applying to and see what doors open.

Apply early.

I would definitely encourage you to apply broadly. I would imagine you should get quite a few fee waivers, but even if you don't, I think it has to be worth the 100 or so dollars to apply to a T20 school as long as it gives you more options and then from there you can choose your sweet spot on the debt to prestige line.