So, I am a sophomore in college majoring in Business Management. I have always wanted to be a lawyer since I was 7 or 8 years old. My GPA right now is a 3.5, and I am so mad at myself. During the first semester of my freshman year, I had teachers whose teaching styles didn't match my learning style, plus it was my first time in college, so my GPA was a 3.2. But I managed to climb it up to a 3.5.
At best, when I graduate, I think I could get a 3.7 or maybe a 3.8. I don't think I can reach a 3.9, so I have decided to bet all my chances on the LSAT. I am aiming for a 180, and I have given myself 13 months—1 year and 1 month—to prepare.
Let's say I get a 175, which is the minimum score I will allow myself to get after those 13 months.
Come on, now tell me—what are my chances? The schools I want to go to are Columbia, NYU, WashU, and Cornell. And then there's Yale, the school I can't even fathom getting into, even in my dreams.
8 comments
The majority of every school's enrolling class are LSAT splitters (high LSAT/low GPA) and GPA splitters (high GPA/low LSAT). That's just how medians work! So isolating things just to your stats and not taking into account your resume, written pieces, school fit, etc etc etc, a 3.7/175 combo is - on the surface - in a competitive range for all schools based on their present medians.
wait really majority are splitters and gpa splitters if this is the case this means they need both. also thanks
Yes, the majority of EVERY enrolling school's class are GPA and LSAT splitters. Just consider the logic here:
If everyone was high on both stats, the medians would be a 4.0/180, right...?
If everyone was high on both stats, our law school would be dead broke. Why? Because I have to give those high stats admits A LOT of merit scholarship money to induce them to attend my school over a more highly ranked / prestigious school. So, I kinda/sorta don't want too many of these people because I'd like to bring in some revenue via tuition.
And back to the previous bullet, the reality of matters is that if a student is above on both medians, they're likely getting admitted to schools ranked higher than mine. And when that happens, a significant majority of those students will opt to attend the more prestigious school. That's just the circle of life.
Which brings us back to the top level point - the majority of every law school's enrolling classes will be GPA and LSAT splitters!
hahaha the explanation was spot on lol thanks professor JacobBaska
As someone who is a splitter applicant as well, I think you have solid chances - especially if your softs/PS reflect your growth. When writing your statements/addendums, be sure not to blame professors etc. You can mention that their teaching styles were something for you to adapt to, but make sure you take accountability as well. That factor in itself is more important - law schools will want to see your ability to take accountability and responsibility :) With your scores and LSAT goal score, I truly believe the holistic part of your application is what will make the biggest difference.
OHhh my god thank youuuuuuuu
You’re very welcome (: stay the course and give yourself grace
lol i'll try