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[2Btabby]

I have more or less completely written off my chances of getting into Georgetown for law school but I'm still looking at George Washington, George Mason, College of William and Mary (instate), or possibly Washington and Lee.

I graduated with a 2.75 w/ an ME major from a top 10 engineering school (The ME major average wasn't too much higher than a 2.75 though I don't think the admission board will care much).  I have time practiced between a 165-170 on several LSATs.

I have also started working for the USPTO and plan on staying there for a few years for experience and some funds.

Do I have any reasonable chance at GW, granted I land near a 165-170.  I heard they like locals, federal workers, or engineers (rarer for law).

Any thoughts? Thanks  

[justaperspective]

I do not think you can get into a decent law school with under a 3.0.  A decent law school being top 100.  Average gpas to get into schools in CA are about 3.1 or so.   I would say you really have to crank on the lsat, maybe 168 or above.  Getting into a top 25 program is probably not going to happen unless you hit 170.

[2Btabby]

Supposively they have restricted putting websites on here for new users... anyway I wanted to refer you to a site where they show LSAT vs. GPA and acceptances/WL/rejection.  I agree with you in that I will have to get close to a 170 for a chance at GW... however I feel that you're no chance at a top 100 is completely inaccurate (I'd like to post a link to the site but can't at this time).

Anyway alot of lower tier one schools will accept any GPA once a certain lsat is met.  The sight shows this clearly.  163-166 seems like a common lower limit auto-in at this lower tier one schools.  

My question was mostly regarding whether being an engineer, working at the USPTO, or being local can curry any favor at GW.  I will probably end up trying for George Mason which is more obtainable.

[MrToodles]

you can always type in the website's address...

www dot apple dot com slash itunes

or

www . apple . com / itunes

[guest47]

I do not think you can get into a decent law school with under a 3.0.  A decent law school being top 100.  Average gpas to get into schools in CA are about 3.1 or so.   I would say you really have to crank on the lsat, maybe 168 or above.  Getting into a top 25 program is probably not going to happen unless you hit 170.

This is poor and inaccurate advice.  Also, there is a huge difference between the top 100 schools (the majority of which he would have a very strong shot at), and the top 25 schools.  

In the top 14 schools, score a 170+ and you may have a chance at splitter-friendly Northwestern, and possibly UVa.  Also, if you get a score like you think you will, definitely try for Georgetown PT, as PT admissions scores are not reported and do not affect school rankings.

Apply for GW both FT and PT.  You will stand a good chance at PT.  IMO, unless you are a URM, it is overwhelmingly a numbers game, though I have also heard the rumor that GW likes USPTO workers.

In the top 25 schools, UIUC is splitter friendly.  Most of the others are not, no matter what your major.

It sounds like you already know about lawschoolnumbers dot com.  You can also try lawschooldiscussion dot org for peer opinions.

My other thought is: you may be limiting yourself by desiring to stay in the area for a few years.  The outcome of splitter applications is very random, and you may find yourself rejected by lower local schools, and accepted to some great ones elsewhere in the country.

[2Btabby]

Thanks for the reply guest.. very encouraging.  The only reason I was considering locals was for part-time options.  However, the more I think about it, the more I think full time would be worth it.  I'm not the kinda person who would be cool with working all day/night and on weekends.  So I agree... a nationwide search would be called for.  I just moved from Wisconsin, so I'm pretty mobile.

I've got two years (or three years, whenever I decide to apply) to get the LSAT score I want.  Hearing that the LSAC has changed policy and caused most schools to take the *highest* LSAT is very encouraging to me.  Mostly because it will relieve TONS of pressure that first time.  I'll be able to take it relaxed (or more so).  

[guest1040]

Thanks for the reply guest.. very encouraging.  The only reason I was considering locals was for part-time options.  However, the more I think about it, the more I think full time would be worth it.  I'm not the kinda person who would be cool with working all day/night and on weekends.  So I agree... a nationwide search would be called for.  I just moved from Wisconsin, so I'm pretty mobile.

I've got two years (or three years, whenever I decide to apply) to get the LSAT score I want.  Hearing that the LSAC has changed policy and caused most schools to take the *highest* LSAT is very encouraging to me.  Mostly because it will relieve TONS of pressure that first time.  I'll be able to take it relaxed (or more so).  

Dude! If you just moved to Wisconsin, first get residency then to go the university of wisconsin - madison for law school:

1.  In state tuition is 12k a year for residents, which is a steal for a great T1 law school

2.  As a Madison law grad, you automatically get a law license to practice in wisconsin, no need to pass the wisconsin bar


GO TO MADISON!!!

[guest1040]

Nevermind, i just re-read your post....you moved FROM wisc, not TO wisc, my bad.


move back to wisc.

[guest47]

Thanks for the reply guest.. very encouraging.  The only reason I was considering locals was for part-time options.  However, the more I think about it, the more I think full time would be worth it.  I'm not the kinda person who would be cool with working all day/night and on weekends.  So I agree... a nationwide search would be called for.  I just moved from Wisconsin, so I'm pretty mobile.

I've got two years (or three years, whenever I decide to apply) to get the LSAT score I want.  Hearing that the LSAC has changed policy and caused most schools to take the *highest* LSAT is very encouraging to me.  Mostly because it will relieve TONS of pressure that first time.  I'll be able to take it relaxed (or more so).  

I see.  So you moved to VA for USPTO?  I guess it would be premature to quit before gaining valuable experience, and it will be good to have that much time for studying.  Study for the LSAT as much as you can, within reason.  

I am a splitter (sub 3.0) and have had a few T20/T25 options to choose from with scholarships.  Acceptances such as this are possible and quite likely given the score range you listed.  Just be prepared for some initial waitlisting/deferring.

Also, if you do still happen to be interested in GW part-time, you could always take the LSAT sooner.  As with GULC PT, GW PT scores are not reported and do not affect school rankings.

As for the other schools you listed (GMU, W&M, W&L), these are great schools, particularly the latter two, and your chances are fair at them.