2.8 LSAC GPA but 4.00 undergraduate GPA + ~150 LSAT — realistic chance at law school? Hopefully in NYC

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some honest insight from people familiar with law school admissions, especially anyone who has experience with applicants whose LSAC GPA is significantly lower than their undergraduate GPA.

My situation is a little weird:

LSAC GPA: ~2.8 Undergraduate GPA: 4.00 (BA Honours) Current LSAT practice scores: around 150 Goal: I’m hoping to continue increasing my LSAT score before applying.

I also completed an advanced diploma at a college before my bachelor’s degree, and some of those grades are contributing significantly to my LSAC GPA.

The first year of my college program was during COVID, and I was also dealing with significant immigration issues and some health/personal circumstances at the time. My academic performance during that period was much weaker than it was later on. It was just a super bad year.

I eventually completed my BA Honours with a 4.00 GPA, so there is a pretty significant upward academic trend. I also completed the degree pretty quickly and performed consistently well in my upper-level coursework.

I’m trying to be realistic about my chances rather than just hear “apply and see.” With a 2.8 LSAC GPA, 4.0 undergraduate GPA, and an LSAT currently around 150, how would admissions committees likely view my application?

A few questions I’d especially appreciate insight on:

- How much does the 4.0 undergraduate GPA/upward trend help when the LSAC GPA is 2.8?

- Would the circumstances surrounding my earlier grades be worth addressing in an addendum, particularly COVID and immigration issues?

- If I can raise my LSAT into the 155–160+ range, does that substantially change my options?

- Are there particular types of schools where someone with this GPA/LSAT profile might still have a realistic shot? If anyone has had a similar low LSAC GPA but strong later undergraduate performance, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience.

I’m planning to apply broadly and am willing to be realistic about school selection. I’d just like to understand whether the 2.8 LSAC GPA is going to be an automatic barrier despite the 4.0 BA GPA.

Thanks in advance for any honest advice!