| Topic Name: |
Getting into top schools with low GPA |
| Message Name: |
speaking in generalities |
| Date Posted: |
10/26/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hello
I am in this fearful process of applying for Law schools. My case is somewhat special, as I am a foreign lawyer applying for a LLM, but I am sure the admission depts consider the same factors, and any answers to my questions could also help others. Well, in a nutshell, the pros and cons of my application are:
Cons:
Not really good transcripts (we do not have GPA, but ranking top 15-20%) from a prestigious local law school.
Pros:
169 LSAT (98%).
Good work experience ( 4 years work experience in Corporate Dept. of a major European firm).
Dual qualified (i.e. admitted to practice in two European countries, after the appropriate exams etc. This is not common).
Class representative; founder of the alumni association of my law school.
Good rec's (partner of my firm and dean of the University).
Obtained a good, well-known fellowship for these studies (is this an advantage for admissions?).
Latino woman (I assume this is not an issue. Almost everybody must be of an etnicity in LLM's)
My question is: would this credentials and the good LSAT outweigh my poor GPA (let's call it so) and get me in a top school? If so, could it also be the very top (top 10)? If I am daydreaming, I would like to be awaken.
I am full of questions and this board seems full of people capable of providing answers, could anyone help?
Many thanks.
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| Message: |
Although LLM programs are somewhat competitive at top schools, my understanding is that they are much less competitive than JD admissions. I do not see anything to be sad about in your credentials, whether GPA, LSAT or otherwise. It's just going to be a function of "luck of the draw" of who is applying for an LLM at the schools up against you. In your place, I'd aim for top 10 LLMs and for second ten LLMs. I'd put in a safety school or two, but in general, I think you should go ahead and aim high.
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