2.94, 175, and 2 year break Forum

[Murphy'sLaw]

I'll spare the details as to why my GPA is so low (been through lot of personal struggles and family sickness and deaths throughout college, plus I am fully self supporting and help out family back home). I just want to know what my chances are with a 2.94 and 175 LSAT as well as 2 year break in between graduating undergrad and going into law school. currently 25 so it puts me at 27 if I get in somewhere decent, plus I work currently for a university and looking into applying to a law firm as a legal assistant/paralegal. I don't know if any of that helps.

[The Lsat Airbender]

Jobs in the next two years won't matter too much, although getting any work experience at all is a good idea since it will help distance you from your college grades.

You have decent chances at T14 schools (edit: by this I mean you probably have a double-digit percentage chance of getting at least 1 T14 admission) but, as I'm sure you're aware, "sub-3.0" is a tough selling point and you could end up getting boxed out.

Depending on your career goals (?), WashU could be a decent option - they like to throw big scholarships at high LSATs regardless of whatever else is going on.

[QContinuum]

First, kudos on making it through what sounds like very tough personal circumstances, and congrats on your terrific LSAT score!

I generally echo LSAT Airbender's post above. I do think that your situation is a case where softs can play an important role, so definitely pay extra attention to your personal statement, why X essays, and rec letters. (And consider whether your personal issues might merit a compelling GPA addendum.) And, of course, be sure to apply early when you apply (i.e., before Nov. 1 ideally, and certainly before Dec. 1).

Based on your numbers alone, you have decent odds at UVA and Northwestern, and should send apps to Penn, Michigan and Duke too. (Probably no need to apply to Berkeley or Cornell, which are idiosyncratically GPA-selective.) Be sure to include compelling Why X essays for each of those schools; Penn, Mich and UVA especially care a lot about a tailored Why X, and it can't hurt with the other schools either. Beyond the T13, it looks like you should blanket the T20: Georgetown, UT, UCLA, WUSTL at the least. (Maybe leave Vandy and USC out, unless you're particularly interested in CA.)

Best wishes and feel free to ask any additional questions!

[Murphy'sLaw]

Thank you for the help you two I really appreciate it. Sorry for the late replay it's been a crazy year/ and semester considering the pandemic. I was wondering if you could re evaluate my chances since there have been some changes. my final GPA stands at a 2.89 (difficult pill for me to swallow, since I started off my college career well and then teetered off because of personal hardships). If either of you two can give me a general list of any decent schools that would accept me (or am I bordering on a law school pipe dream?). What are the schools that at aren't GPA heavy? (I don't Know if that is the correct phrasing for it). I am also considering University of Florida, what are your thoughts on that? the LSAT score is still the same, and still taking a 2 year break. Additionally, what are your general thought's on part time law school programs like Georgetown Laws evening program? and Finally considering the economic downturn would any of you predict higher Law school applications within the next few cycles. I know during the 2008 recessions there was a spike in applications and I'm wondering if it will be similar this time around because of the pandemic. Would this lower my chance of getting in anywhere? sorry if this is a dumb question.

[QContinuum]

my final GPA stands at a 2.89 (difficult pill for me to swallow, since I started off my college career well and then teetered off because of personal hardships). If either of you two can give me a general list of any decent schools that would accept me (or am I bordering on a law school pipe dream?).

My previous post in this thread gave you this list. The list hasn't changed. A 2.89 and 2.94 are functionally identical for law school admissions purposes.

At a minimum, you should apply to UVA, Northwestern, Penn, Michigan and Duke in the T13, and Georgetown, UT, UCLA and WUSTL in the T20. It looks like WUSTL may well be your best bet overall, both in odds of getting in and in merit aid.

I am also considering University of Florida, what are your thoughts on that?

Why are you considering UF? What are your career goals?

Additionally, what are your general thought's on part time law school programs like Georgetown Laws evening program?

Why would you want to do an evening program instead of day school? What would you be doing during your days?

and Finally considering the economic downturn would any of you predict higher Law school applications within the next few cycles. I know during the 2008 recessions there was a spike in applications and I'm wondering if it will be similar this time around because of the pandemic. Would this lower my chance of getting in anywhere? sorry if this is a dumb question.

That's entirely possible, but what can you do? Your GPA is what it is. Your LSAT is already sky-high.

If applications soar, you may get less money at WUSTL than historical data predicts, but you should still get in.

[AdieuCali]

Q is correct - despite your low GPA, you are still an attractive candidate at several schools in the T13 and T20.

But on the personal front, it sounds like life has really been putting you through the wringer. You should not matriculate at any law school before you are mentally and emotionally in a good place. Your first year of law school will be incredibly stressful and high stakes. It takes a toll on almost everyone’s mental well-being. Make sure you have a good counseling/treatment/therapy plan as well as a good logistical plan for dealing with any family emergency-type situations before you put yourself through 1L.

[plurilingue]

Q is correct - despite your low GPA, you are still an attractive candidate at several schools in the T13 and T20.

But on the personal front, it sounds like life has really been putting you through the wringer. You should not matriculate at any law school before you are mentally and emotionally in a good place. Your first year of law school will be incredibly stressful and high stakes. It takes a toll on almost everyone’s mental well-being. Make sure you have a good counseling/treatment/therapy plan as well as a good logistical plan for dealing with any family emergency-type situations before you put yourself through 1L.

I strongly agree with everything said in this thread. I would emphasize that there will be particular concern about your GPA so your GPA addendum has to convincingly address the admissions committee's concerns and demonstrate that these issues are firmly in the past and are being managed.