2.81 GPA and 171 LSAT Forum

[Oznomal]

I graduated with my B.S. In computer engineering last year and have been working as a software engineer at a management consulting company, I decided to pursue Patent Law and received a 171 on my LSAT. I was originally hoping to get into GW being that I graduated with a 3.1 ....... Then I found out about the LSAC calculations and realized my 3.1 is actually a 2.8. Additionally, I am a URM (AA Male). I'm basically wondering what are my chances of getting into GW? And if that just isn't an option with my GPA what are some other programs I should consider or should I just throw in the towel and forget about law school. I'd hate to spend the money to go somewhere sub par and have trouble landing a job after finishing.

Also, do schools take your major into account when looking at GPA's? Computer Engineering is no walk in the park if you know what I mean.

[oil]

I graduated with my B.S. In computer engineering last year and have been working as a software engineer at a management consulting company, I decided to pursue Patent Law and received a 171 on my LSAT. I was originally hoping to get into GW being that I graduated with a 3.1 ....... Then I found out about the LSAC calculations and realized my 3.1 is actually a 2.8. Additionally, I am a URM (AA Male). I'm basically wondering what are my chances of getting into GW? And if that just isn't an option with my GPA what are some other programs I should consider or should I just throw in the towel and forget about law school. I'd hate to spend the money to go somewhere sub par and have trouble landing a job after finishing.

Also, do schools take your major into account when looking at GPA's? Computer Engineering is no walk in the park if you know what I mean.

You'd almost certainly be in with a full ride at Wash U. I'd have to imagine GWU would be in with a bit less money as well.

[totesTheGoat]

I graduated with my B.S. In computer engineering last year

IME, you should think about getting a bit more work experience in order to 1) improve the money you'll get during admissions and 2) become a good candidate for the best patent law jobs. If I were you, I'd shelf the law school idea for at least a year. Then, in a year, take the patent bar and start looking for patent agent jobs. If you can find a patent agent job, work that for a year and then go to law school. If you can't, apply to law school once you've passed the patent bar.

You can probably get admitted into GWU this round, and you won't have a problem getting a job if your grades are decent, but there are 2 types of patent law students, and the world is your oyster if you're the first type. The first type has significant work experience (3+ years) in engineering/patents and has the best opportunities, no matter their grades (besides completely bombing everything). The second type has limited work experience (0-2 years) in engineering/patents, and still needs to get good grades in order to be considered for the best jobs.

[Poldy]

I had very similar numbers to yours and an engineering degree (not URM though) and was accepted or waitlisted at every school I applied to from 12 on down. Typically with decent money. I think it would be a mistake in your position not to apply to the lower 1/3 of the T14. I wish I had applied more broadly in that range and followed up with the optional essays/etc.

That said, some work experience would definitely be helpful from what I've seen. I have a fairly limited experience with the whole thing though so take all my advice with a grain of salt.

[Mullens]

As a black male you can probably get into much better schools than GW. I would apply from CCN on down in the T14 and see what offers you get.

[Clemenceau]

AA male with 171 will crush it for admissions purposes (even with a 2.8 ). T14s with solid $$ i Imagine. I think it would be a mistake not to blanket the t14. A full ride to gw would be fine and all too I guess. I'm not sure how IP secure gw comp sci students are, nor do I know much about WE needed for IP, so I dont have much input there.