GPA problem..

[nuissance92]

Pretty new to this site, but I needed some sort of objective advice about this situation.
I am a junior URM at an Ivy who was originally premed, but have sort of shifted my interests into law through work experience over the last couple years. What I decided to do was extend my stay at the university and attain two undergrad degrees in biology and theatre so that I would have more of an opportunity to take political/law/econ classes, and most importantly, make my GPA better. The two degrees are not separate because my university only offers a combined BA/BS if you stay five years. By the time I finish my time here after 5 years, My GPA might be around a 3.4... the issue was that I had a cancer diagnosis my freshman year that sort of grew into an anxiety problem while at college (affected academic standing for my semesters so far), but my grades have gotten better and will get better over the next two and a half years here. Clearly, I will be needing to put an addendum on my applications for the academic standing & GPA. But my GPA will be completely increased by graduation (All As and a few Bs for semester 6-10 & my two summer semesters).

Given a 171 LSAT score, will those extenuating circumstance count me out for applying to top 20 law schools? It was an issue that was pretty prevalent up until half way through this semester. I'll have my entire second half of undergrad to get better, thankfully.

Thank you for any help.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi nuissance92,

I'm going to give you a fast reply right now, and then will come back in a day or two to expand if you have any follow-up questions. The short answer is no, they will not simply discount you for the 3.4. You have a really compelling reason as to why your initial grades were low, and if you can show that thereafter they went up and ultimately were really good, they'll give you a pass on that. Add a 171 to that, and any concerns over academic ability will be assuaged.

So, keep the grades up and you'll be good

Good luck and happy holidays!

[moshei24]

Pretty new to this site, but I needed some sort of objective advice about this situation.
I am a junior URM at an Ivy who was originally premed, but have sort of shifted my interests into law through work experience over the last couple years. What I decided to do was extend my stay at the university and attain two undergrad degrees in biology and theatre so that I would have more of an opportunity to take political/law/econ classes, and most importantly, make my GPA better. The two degrees are not separate because my university only offers a combined BA/BS if you stay five years. By the time I finish my time here after 5 years, My GPA might be around a 3.4... the issue was that I had a cancer diagnosis my freshman year that sort of grew into an anxiety problem while at college (affected academic standing for my semesters so far), but my grades have gotten better and will get better over the next two and a half years here. Clearly, I will be needing to put an addendum on my applications for the academic standing & GPA. But my GPA will be completely increased by graduation (All As and a few Bs for semester 6-10 & my two summer semesters).

Given a 171 LSAT score, will those extenuating circumstance count me out for applying to top 20 law schools? It was an issue that was pretty prevalent up until half way through this semester. I'll have my entire second half of undergrad to get better, thankfully.

Thank you for any help.

With a 3.4, it might be difficult to get into HYS and Chicago; though, URM status might give you a fighting shot. Berkeley is a toss up in general. But any other T14 will likely be a shoe-in if you get the 171 with your URM. Good luck!