Hello,
I am in need of some advice/guidance, as I would be considered a non traditional applicant. I have worked in corporate nearly 14 years, and I am currently pursuing my Doctorate degree in Business at the University of Florida. I would like to attend law school after completing the program. I am also a recently divorced mother of two. So that self doubt is trying to take over. I am a bit nervous as to how admission boards will view me, especially considering my gpa for undergrad was a 3.12. My GPA for my dual masters is 3.65, and currently have a 4.0 in my doctorate program…….with time, came wisdom. I know that the undergrad gpa is what’s counted, so how heavily will it be held against me? Also, are there any school suggestions that may align better with my situation?
Thanks in advance.
8 comments
The quick answer here is that the undergrad GPA is one component of the application but it really is just one component. A 3.12 will be below the medians for every school. However, admissions officers are going to look at the context of that stat (when did the person go to college, what did they major in, any blips in their academic record and/or extenuating circumstances?). Admissions officers are also looking at everything else in your file - grad work, resume, LSAT, etc. Applicants can still be competitive for admission if one area of their app is weak but the others are strong enough to compensate for it.
Thank you. I am attending the forum in Atlanta on Friday, and wonder how or if I should address my UGPA while speaking to the schools. I don’t have a good reason. It was 20 year Stefanie was focused more on fun than school. Now, of course 37 year old Stefanie has changed, but not sure how to make that explanation sound good.
I'd really just leave this to the addenda on the app! Use your time at the Forum to learn more about the schools, admission, job outcomes, and all that!
Will do! Thank you!
Can't comment on the GPA question but I am also a mom and non-traditional student. I am applying to online/hybrid courses since not working for a full year is impossible in my situation. There are about 20ish of those programs available, some that require travel to campuses here and there and others that have no such requirements. They do tend to be lower ranked law schools tho, if you're wanting to attend a higher ranked institution.
@APBookninja I am prioritizing schools that will best fit my schedule over ranking. Would love to connect to discuss programs.
No problem. Just message me and we can work that out. I can also send you the link later tonight for the list I found of all hybrid/online law programs.
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/accreditation/approved-law-schools/distance-education/distance-education-jd-programs/
This is the list of all Hybrid ABA approved Law Schools