171 LSAT, 3.69 GPA- What are my chances?

[djdj316]

Hey all,

Here's the deal. I got a 171 on the LSAT but have a bit of a low GPA with a 3.69. For context, I was dealing with various health issues in my first two years of college which brought my GPA down. My GPA in my last two years was in the mid 3.8s. Not sure if that context will matter to the admissions committees though. I have a master's degree in history and work experience after college. I'm not so convinced that I want a big law job but I would like to keep options open. Any thoughts on where I can get in (in terms of T-14 schools) and where I can get scholarships to?

Thanks so much!

[Claire Horan]

Hi DJDJ316,

The information you are asking for is readily available on law schools' websites. Typically, they post the 25th and 75th percentiles and median LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA of their incoming class. Also check out online calculators that predict acceptance based on your GPA and LSAT score for specific schools. Schools will generally make you aware of available scholarships as part of your application or after you've been accepted.

Since you have been out of college for a while and have work experience, many schools' admissions committees will put you in the "experienced" rather than the "straight-through" pile, usually meaning that less weight will be given to your GPA than to someone who has no work experience.

I hope this helps!

[Dave Killoran]

Hey all,

Here's the deal. I got a 171 on the LSAT but have a bit of a low GPA with a 3.69. For context, I was dealing with various health issues in my first two years of college which brought my GPA down. My GPA in my last two years was in the mid 3.8s. Not sure if that context will matter to the admissions committees though. I have a master's degree in history and work experience after college. I'm not so convinced that I want a big law job but I would like to keep options open. Any thoughts on where I can get in (in terms of T-14 schools) and where I can get scholarships to?

Thanks so much!

Hi DJ,

Based on past cycles, the top half of the T14 is going to be an uphill battle. But the bottom half gives you a number of decent options, and at many of the schools there you are looking at a 60-80% chance of admission. No locks there, but on the aggregate it would suggest you have a decent shot at getting at least one acceptance (Berkeley is one notable exception since they value GPA more than the rest of the T14). Your softs will help, and it will be up to you to nail your personal statement.

Good luck!