This, by far, has been the most insightful and beneficial article in this entire module so far. I had no doubts that the practical test advice would be solid, but this one article has given me a lot of food for thought on what lies beyond the LSAT. Appreciate you including this in an intro module!
Greetings! My name is Lex, I'm a non-trad from the Silicon Valley and planning to take the November LSAT for the first time. I lost my decade long cybersecurity job 2 years ago while in a coma, following a fire that left me disabled (and nearly un-alived).
After wasting the last year applying to literally thousands of jobs, having countless dead end interviews, and otherwise doing everything to find a new job - I realized my skills are quickly becoming obsolete and need to go back to school one way or another.
I've always dreamt of being a lawyer and making a positive difference in the lives of others. So here I am, turning 35 next month, and shooting for a 170+ for a chance to attend USF, USC, Stanford, UCLA, USD, Hastings, SCU, Davis, Berkeley, Pepperdine or Irvine. UGPA is 3.1 so I know its quite the ambitious goal, but hey "you miss 100% of the shots you never take"!
At first I was really intimidated thinking I have to get a perfect score and have a perfect GPA to be admitted. This made me feel a little relieved, to know that is not necessarily true.
I'm really smart, I'm going to THRIVE in law school, smack the bar exam right out of the testing room, and be the kind of detail-oriented ultra-logical lawyer that will make my school proud!!!!
I'm trying to figure out if cum laude is enough to be a splitter or just enough to qualify in general? I hope it means I'm a splitter because Lord knows I'm horrible at standardized test 😭 (it's the timed stress)
Amazing and impeccable explanation, I have been wondering for some time what the medians mean in the Law school application process. Wish you the best everyone!
I graduated college in 2022. I had rushed to take my LSAT when I really was not prepared for it. I took it 3 times and was never happy with my score and got waitlisted or denied, never accepted. I finally built the courage to begin studying again. I am now 25 and feel like it is too late and often get discouraged. I did well in college (3.7 gpa), worked in a. law office for 8 years and have been a certified paralegal for 3 years, yet I still feel like my history of poor lSAT scores will drag me down!
@victoriaisstudying I think you'll be okay. Maybe talk to someone at 7Sage, or another program, to see if they believe submitting an addendum with your application will help. And if so, just own being young and not trying and highlight how you've grown over the years.
If it's too late for you, then I'm frickin' cooked, lol! I'm 42! But they're going to have to tell ME that it's too late! If this is something you want, you should go for it. You might not get in anywhere again, but don't allow fear to be the reason you don't get where you want to be. Make them deny you, don't cut yourself out of the running. Also, when you apply, make sure to apply to schools that you might have thought were beneath your resume. Yale and Southwestern Law school students who pass their state bar are all called the same thing: "attorney at law."
@APBookninja Still trying to decide. I'm leaning towards all-online, but I'm worried that will limit my law school experience, getting to know my cohort, who could all be important contacts in the future... However, I'm also worried about paying bills every month, and know that I kneed to keep working full time to make sure that happens.
@CallMeEric I understand that. Unfortunately with a mortgage and young kids I have no choice but to do online, at least for the 1st year. I think I'll wait until after that to decide if I want to switch to in person at one of the law schools in the slightly nearby vicinity.
@CallMeEric@APBookninja hey y'all, I am 34 and honestly I have debated this question too as I know for sure I will not have the option to do a full-time program because of life and responsibilities. But as I am finishing my masters up, online, I do think that I would want my law school experience to be in person. I am not sure where you are located, but I am in CT and there are some programs in both CT/NY that have part-time "night" classes. Not sure if this is something you looked into, but it is worth giving it a try.
Also Eric, thank you for your words! I had this convo with a classmate earlier this week regarding doubting myself. I have done many things and have been fortunate enough to not only have an educational but lived and work experience, but I still doubted finally taking this step. She said the same thing, don't take yourself out of the game and instead fight to find your seat. I am a firm believer that it will work out as it should and I am also winging it (with my trust and faith) that I will be in law school soon.
@Dpolanco I live in North FL so I unfortunately don't have an option for part time or nights nearby. The couple schools in my area require you to only work 20 hours per week and the only part time anywhere near is in Miami which is like a 6-7 hour drive each way so that isn't possible. Therefore my only option is online or online for one year then switch to in person, if I am able. I'm glad you have a local option nearby you. It definitely opens up more possibilities.
@APBookninja whew, that is rough! Honestly, going to school full-time was something that deterred me before I knew I had a part-time option because I knew it would not be realistic. Miami seems so far away, would you have better luck crossing over to GA (if there is anything close up your way). I am grateful that overall CT is very small so if I have to dry north an hour to stay "local" that is okay, but thankfully since I am closer to NY the train in also isnt that bad. When I did my undergrad there were times I would just drive into Fordham, but granted I was zooming from work to class and that program was also part-time.
@Dpolanco I checked GA and anything there is too far. My realistic options are the new law program at Jacksonville University or UF. Possibly FSU but that would be a very long commute. But I couldn't attend any of those until year 2 since they all have the 20-hour work week restriction for year 1. It's lucky you all have the train option up there. They were talking about building one down here, but it got shot down which was a huge disappointment for many of us.
@CallMeEric this makes me feel so much better! Though it is entertaining to see all the kids write about being 25 and 'too old' heheh. We don't disintegrate at 29.... Also looking for mostly online myself - I run a company and wow is even just studying the LSAT a whole new beast! I am thinking of doing an animal law program as well though, so could get some experience through other education in person.
It's interesting that the four buckets are (from what I understand, correct me if I'm wrong) only competing agaisnt each other - I'm actually really pleased with that!
This part of the LSAT introduction have been the most enlightening. As someone who is a little nervous about both the LSAT score and GPA requirements it's refreshing to see that there are options.
What happens when you already have a master's degree, and thus two GPAs? My undergrad was pretty bad (I was pretty sick with a chronic illness back then) but my grad GPA is quite good. Do law schools consider both GPAs?
@JaredKebbell Hey ! So from my understanding on the LSAC website, is that they will request all your transcripts, so I assume that includes your masters. I am also finishing up my program, I have a capstone in February, but I am also hoping they add it because undergrad was a wild time in my life (personal life struggles).
@JaredKebbell I think Dean Z talked about this in the A2Z podcast. From my understanding of what she said, the LSAC GPA is calculated using just undergraduate credits. So in terms of which bucket you are in, they'll use your undergraduate. But your master's will also play a factor in painting a bigger picture, and the admissions process, will take account all the factors as a whole, which is why they ask for all transcripts.
Hi Ethan. I am in a position where at the time I apply I will have a 3.90 GPA. However, I am confident I can bring it up to 3.93 when I graduate. If I pair that with a 172 LSAT score, and rich extracurriculars where does that have me stand. What if I am at 170 LSAT score, then I am under median for almost all T-14's. Am I considered at the same consideration level as the rest in that bucket?
I’m scared to take the LSAT, and I’m worried about my score. What LSAT score do schools typically accept during the application process? If I have a good GPA but a low LSAT score, would law schools still accept me? I’m planning to take my LSAT in June 2027.
100 comments
This, by far, has been the most insightful and beneficial article in this entire module so far. I had no doubts that the practical test advice would be solid, but this one article has given me a lot of food for thought on what lies beyond the LSAT. Appreciate you including this in an intro module!
Gpa, age, work history be damned. These law schools will see how great I am and they'll beg me to apply 😤
I'm applying to schools as a splitter; I graduated undergrad with a 3.0 due to several factors. So, my plan to try to get a 170+
Greetings! My name is Lex, I'm a non-trad from the Silicon Valley and planning to take the November LSAT for the first time. I lost my decade long cybersecurity job 2 years ago while in a coma, following a fire that left me disabled (and nearly un-alived).
After wasting the last year applying to literally thousands of jobs, having countless dead end interviews, and otherwise doing everything to find a new job - I realized my skills are quickly becoming obsolete and need to go back to school one way or another.
I've always dreamt of being a lawyer and making a positive difference in the lives of others. So here I am, turning 35 next month, and shooting for a 170+ for a chance to attend USF, USC, Stanford, UCLA, USD, Hastings, SCU, Davis, Berkeley, Pepperdine or Irvine. UGPA is 3.1 so I know its quite the ambitious goal, but hey "you miss 100% of the shots you never take"!
@LexMilana Don't forget Loyola
so if i have the correct LSAT score but not the GPA, I could still get in.
@katelynkroll this is great because I have not the best GPA.
At first I was really intimidated thinking I have to get a perfect score and have a perfect GPA to be admitted. This made me feel a little relieved, to know that is not necessarily true.
I'm really smart, I'm going to THRIVE in law school, smack the bar exam right out of the testing room, and be the kind of detail-oriented ultra-logical lawyer that will make my school proud!!!!
@LorynAlston thats the attitude
Maybe I can get in as a bronze bucket lol
@Ainsley OFC not maybe lol
I'm trying to figure out if cum laude is enough to be a splitter or just enough to qualify in general? I hope it means I'm a splitter because Lord knows I'm horrible at standardized test 😭 (it's the timed stress)
@Tombee64 I got magna cum laude and am the exact same haha
Aiming for that Silver Bucket because my Gpa is not amazing
What kind of questions do they ask about reverse splitters?
Amazing and impeccable explanation, I have been wondering for some time what the medians mean in the Law school application process. Wish you the best everyone!
I graduated college in 2022. I had rushed to take my LSAT when I really was not prepared for it. I took it 3 times and was never happy with my score and got waitlisted or denied, never accepted. I finally built the courage to begin studying again. I am now 25 and feel like it is too late and often get discouraged. I did well in college (3.7 gpa), worked in a. law office for 8 years and have been a certified paralegal for 3 years, yet I still feel like my history of poor lSAT scores will drag me down!
@victoriaisstudying I think you'll be okay. Maybe talk to someone at 7Sage, or another program, to see if they believe submitting an addendum with your application will help. And if so, just own being young and not trying and highlight how you've grown over the years.
@victoriaisstudying
If it's too late for you, then I'm frickin' cooked, lol! I'm 42! But they're going to have to tell ME that it's too late! If this is something you want, you should go for it. You might not get in anywhere again, but don't allow fear to be the reason you don't get where you want to be. Make them deny you, don't cut yourself out of the running. Also, when you apply, make sure to apply to schools that you might have thought were beneath your resume. Yale and Southwestern Law school students who pass their state bar are all called the same thing: "attorney at law."
@CallMeEric I'm 36 and just starting this journey. Are you going to do an online law program or are you able to attend a local law school?
@APBookninja Still trying to decide. I'm leaning towards all-online, but I'm worried that will limit my law school experience, getting to know my cohort, who could all be important contacts in the future... However, I'm also worried about paying bills every month, and know that I kneed to keep working full time to make sure that happens.
@CallMeEric hello! I'm 42 as well. We are not cooked, at least, I hope not. LOL
@CallMeEric I understand that. Unfortunately with a mortgage and young kids I have no choice but to do online, at least for the 1st year. I think I'll wait until after that to decide if I want to switch to in person at one of the law schools in the slightly nearby vicinity.
@CallMeEric @APBookninja hey y'all, I am 34 and honestly I have debated this question too as I know for sure I will not have the option to do a full-time program because of life and responsibilities. But as I am finishing my masters up, online, I do think that I would want my law school experience to be in person. I am not sure where you are located, but I am in CT and there are some programs in both CT/NY that have part-time "night" classes. Not sure if this is something you looked into, but it is worth giving it a try.
Also Eric, thank you for your words! I had this convo with a classmate earlier this week regarding doubting myself. I have done many things and have been fortunate enough to not only have an educational but lived and work experience, but I still doubted finally taking this step. She said the same thing, don't take yourself out of the game and instead fight to find your seat. I am a firm believer that it will work out as it should and I am also winging it (with my trust and faith) that I will be in law school soon.
@Dpolanco I live in North FL so I unfortunately don't have an option for part time or nights nearby. The couple schools in my area require you to only work 20 hours per week and the only part time anywhere near is in Miami which is like a 6-7 hour drive each way so that isn't possible. Therefore my only option is online or online for one year then switch to in person, if I am able. I'm glad you have a local option nearby you. It definitely opens up more possibilities.
@APBookninja whew, that is rough! Honestly, going to school full-time was something that deterred me before I knew I had a part-time option because I knew it would not be realistic. Miami seems so far away, would you have better luck crossing over to GA (if there is anything close up your way). I am grateful that overall CT is very small so if I have to dry north an hour to stay "local" that is okay, but thankfully since I am closer to NY the train in also isnt that bad. When I did my undergrad there were times I would just drive into Fordham, but granted I was zooming from work to class and that program was also part-time.
@Dpolanco I checked GA and anything there is too far. My realistic options are the new law program at Jacksonville University or UF. Possibly FSU but that would be a very long commute. But I couldn't attend any of those until year 2 since they all have the 20-hour work week restriction for year 1. It's lucky you all have the train option up there. They were talking about building one down here, but it got shot down which was a huge disappointment for many of us.
@CallMeEric this makes me feel so much better! Though it is entertaining to see all the kids write about being 25 and 'too old' heheh. We don't disintegrate at 29.... Also looking for mostly online myself - I run a company and wow is even just studying the LSAT a whole new beast! I am thinking of doing an animal law program as well though, so could get some experience through other education in person.
@Dpolanco I'm 34 as well, love to see it
So what I'm hearing is that we're all going to be okay :)
It's interesting that the four buckets are (from what I understand, correct me if I'm wrong) only competing agaisnt each other - I'm actually really pleased with that!
That was interesting... I'm wanting to stay local... helpful to know to look at the school's median LSAT scores so I know what I need to make.
This was comforting, in a way. I always thought my GPA was good then when I saw the median for most law schools it made me really discouraged.
This part of the LSAT introduction have been the most enlightening. As someone who is a little nervous about both the LSAT score and GPA requirements it's refreshing to see that there are options.
the median gpa at the law school my friend is at is 4.0.......... bruh
What happens when you already have a master's degree, and thus two GPAs? My undergrad was pretty bad (I was pretty sick with a chronic illness back then) but my grad GPA is quite good. Do law schools consider both GPAs?
@JaredKebbell Hey ! So from my understanding on the LSAC website, is that they will request all your transcripts, so I assume that includes your masters. I am also finishing up my program, I have a capstone in February, but I am also hoping they add it because undergrad was a wild time in my life (personal life struggles).
@JaredKebbell I think Dean Z talked about this in the A2Z podcast. From my understanding of what she said, the LSAC GPA is calculated using just undergraduate credits. So in terms of which bucket you are in, they'll use your undergraduate. But your master's will also play a factor in painting a bigger picture, and the admissions process, will take account all the factors as a whole, which is why they ask for all transcripts.
What questions do they ask reverse splitters? Curious since i have a 4.0 GPA
@Tyson.manis@gmail.com Haha ditto. Scared as hell of the LSAT though.
@Tyson.manis@gmail.com was thinking this too, was kinda upset the video did not talk about it.
Hi Ethan. I am in a position where at the time I apply I will have a 3.90 GPA. However, I am confident I can bring it up to 3.93 when I graduate. If I pair that with a 172 LSAT score, and rich extracurriculars where does that have me stand. What if I am at 170 LSAT score, then I am under median for almost all T-14's. Am I considered at the same consideration level as the rest in that bucket?
I’m scared to take the LSAT, and I’m worried about my score. What LSAT score do schools typically accept during the application process? If I have a good GPA but a low LSAT score, would law schools still accept me? I’m planning to take my LSAT in June 2027.
Super helpful insight!!
I've got a GPA of 3.98, but I'm so nervous about the LSAT. But I'm glad that I have at least one thing in my favor.