Law school

elkpark · Jan 25, 2008

Like everywhere else in academia, the more competitive/prestigious the school, the higher the GPA you would need, but there is a wide range of accredited law schools out there, and many of them are what is politely referred to as "non-competitive" (i.e., not very picky).

Have you taken the LCAT yet? Many people take it more than once to improve their scores, and it's only offered on specific dates so multiple takes eats up a lot of time. The schools will look at both your undergrad GPA and your LCAT score (among other things, but those are the two biggies), and they can balance each other out (i.e., with a high GPA you can get away with a lower LCAT, or vice versa).

I had a boyfriend a while back who had a GPA of 2.4 but got a v. high score on the LCAT (a combination which, to me, just screams "smart but lazy") who got into law school. Granted, it was a fourth-tier law school that probably would have been just as willing to accept my dog if the dog could come up with the tuition money -- but it's a legit, accredited law school and my ex is now a practicing attorney.

If you are willing to spend the time and effort to get your best LCAT score and shop around for a school (and relocate wherever to attend school), there is most likely a school out there for you whatever your GPA.

lindarn · Jan 25, 2008

Like everywhere else in academia, the more competitive/prestigious the school, the higher the GPA you would need, but there is a wide range of accredited law schools out there, and many of them are what is politely referred to as "non-competitive" (i.e., not very picky).
Have you taken the LCAT yet? Many people take it more than once to improve their scores, and it's only offered on specific dates so multiple takes eats up a lot of time. The schools will look at both your undergrad GPA and your LCAT score (among other things, but those are the two biggies), and they can balance each other out (i.e., with a high GPA you can get away with a lower LCAT, or vice versa).
I had a boyfriend a while back who had a GPA of 2.4 but got a v. high score on the LCAT (a combination which, to me, just screams "smart but lazy") who got into law school. Granted, it was a fourth-tier law school that probably would have been just as willing to accept my dog if the dog could come up with the tuition money -- but it's a legit, accredited law school and my ex is now a practicing attorney.
If you are willing to spend the time and effort to get your best LCAT score and shop around for a school (and relocate wherever to attend school), there is most likely a school out there for you whatever your GPA.

The name of the test that has to be taken to apply to law school, is the LSAT, not LCAT.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

elkpark · Jan 25, 2008

Thanks for catching my boo-boo. It's been quite a few years since I had to think about it (thank goodness)!

JD1106 · Mar 20, 2008

I graduated from law school almost 2 years ago. My undergrad GPA was 3.67 and my graduate GPA was 3.85, my LSAT score was ok - certainly not stellar. I only took the LSAT once, but I know that many people do take it at least twice. My advice is if you have a pretty good GPA and you get a score within the range that the school accepts, then don't take it more than once.

When I started school I was 25 and considered one of the older students. Because so many people are applying to law school it is becoming more competitive no matter which tier the school falls under, so it is important to be well rounded. Yes, your GPA and LSAT are still important, but your personal statement and extracurricular activities can make a huge difference. Good luck!!