STEM PhD 3.0 Grad UG 170 LS previous arrest no idea where I fit Forum

[biomed123]

Hi I am a doctoral candidate in biomedical science interested in going into IP law. My gpa for both graduate and undergrad were a 3.0 and my LSAT is a 170. Three years ago I was arrested and later plead guilty to a DUI. From talking with friends who are in law school I know my arrest will hurt me but I have no idea how much. I also know my GPA will likely hold me back. For my PhD project I work on structure and Alzheimer's disease two things that I believe may be sought after in the field but I have no idea if schools will care. Any ideas of where I should be applying or looking? Or even whether my DUI may be enough to keep me out of school? All help would be appreciated.

[Hikikomorist]

WUSTL will probably be one of your better bets. How important is avoiding debt to you?

[biomed123]

I would really like to avoid as much of it as I can. That being said I would probably be willing to take on a little more to go to a school I think would set me up better for employment.

[biomed123]

Also would retaking the LSAT help much? My logic games section killed me and I think with some time studying I could probably add 4-5 points to my score.

[Mr. Archer]

The arrest probably won't hurt much or at all, just don't try to hide it. I think most law schools understand science GPAs are also lower than liberal arts. There aren't many PhDs applying so you should be a pretty solid candidate, especially with a 170. If you can retake and gain a few points, might as well give it a shot. You might also consider working a year or so to earn money you won't be making while in school and to gain experience. A

[Hikikomorist]

The arrest probably won't hurt much or at all, just don't try to hide it. I think most law schools understand science GPAs are also lower than liberal arts. There aren't many PhDs applying so you should be a pretty solid candidate, especially with a 170. If you can retake and gain a few points, might as well give it a shot. You might also consider working a year or so to earn money you won't be making while in school and to gain experience. A

They understand, but they don't really care.

[biomed123]

I have been doing some research on schools and schools and some schools that I think are on my current list to apply are UF (in state tuition) Michigan (throwing up a hail mary) and Ohio State (love the school very good research programs so exciting area to get into IP law). Based on my calculator I believe I have a good chance at both UF and Ohio state. WUSTL looks like a great school too and will likely get an application from me after I get some free time to investigate it. Thank you guys for suggestions there is not much information out there on how graduate degrees are considered. I will also likely re take the LSAT and hopefully have some free time to study for it, I had a committee meeting right before the October 3rd test and thus couldn't do much more than take some practice tests under time.