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How to overcome low GPA

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By Hillary Mantis

Question:

I read your article in the pre-Law Journal for Winter 2013 on whether or not to apply to law school with a low GPA. I currently have a 2.8 and I am entering my senior year in college. I can still bring up my GPA but I feel like I might fall short from most law school requirements. I would really love to attend law school but I need some advice on how I can stand out, since I might have a lower GPA than most.

D.

Answer:

Overcoming a low GPA can be tough — but fortunately there are some steps you can take to boost your application. One very concrete tactic would be to wait and apply to law school next year, so you can have your full senior year grades on record. That would give you more time to up your final GPA, and the law schools will see the upward trend. It seems to be more common for applicants to take at least a year off before law school — so give it some thought. 

If you haven’t taken the LSAT yet, that can be another clear way to offset a lower GPA. I recommend giving yourself at least six months to study if at all possible. Former pre-law students have often told me that it was the extra time to study that really helped them. Leadership activities, great letters of recommendation, a stellar personal statement, and getting in your applications as early in the cycle as possible, could also help. I know that’s easier said than done — so work with someone such as your pre-law advisor, to help you organize yourself, and answer questions about the application process.

I would caution you to be somewhat realistic about where you apply, and make sure to include some schools where your final GPA is in their application range. You don’t want to be shut out entirely. On the other hand, it wouldn’t hurt to throw in a few reach schools as well — and if waitlisted, stay on the wait list until the last minute. This past year in particular, I saw pre-law students getting admitted to the school of their dreams off the waitlist, even in August.

Best of luck,

Hillary Mantis

Hillary Mantis is a Director of Pre-Law Advising at Fordham University, a pre-law and legal career consultant, and author of Alternative Careers for Lawyers. You can write to Hillary at altcareer@aol.com.

Hillary Mantis Esq.

Hillary Mantis Esq.

Hillary Mantis consults with pre-law students, law students and lawyers. She is the Assistant Dean of the Pre-law Program at Fordham University and author of career books for lawyers. Admissions questions? You can reach her at altcareer@aol.com.
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