Law School GPA requirements?

Question

Is an 3.0 - B - enough to be accepted at a average Law School? Or do I need to hit the books more? I know there are other criterias but I'm specifically asking about the GPA scenario.

Answer 1

As a law professor, I frequently see the "did I do enough to get an A" question, which is what you are essentially asking. Is a 3.0 enough to get in?

I would say, like the other answer, you haven't given enough information. If you have a 3.0 GPA and a 180 LSAT, along with a recommendation letter from the dean of the law school you are applying to, it would be enough. We frequently see lower GPA's in certain majors, like engineering and science, and don't weight them as much as we do GPA's in Philosophy.

It is a combination of GPA and LSAT. The other answer stated that she had a 151 LSAT, which is below the median but by no means "low." Her husband's LSAT of 168 is on the high side, but by no means off the chart. We frequently see many LSAT scores in the 170's, probably enough to fill 3/4 of the class, so your focus should not only be on raising your GPA but on scoring very high on the LSAT.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi,
I just graduated law school at Arizona State University, it's a public law schoool. As you stated the GPA is only part of the requirements so it's difficult to tell you just based on your GPA. This is how it works. Your GPA, LSAT (exam to enter), personal statement and letters or rec are all considered together. Some schools use the LSAC program which literally takes your GPA, LSAT and other factors and creates a composite number which the schools uses to weed out certain students. That being said.
I had a 3.9 GPA from the University of Arizona, and a 151 on my LSATS. I believe my high GPA carried my LSATS which are pretty low. My husband, also a recent law school grad, had a 4.0 with a 168 LSAT. These are both very good.
Basically, every law school has different criteria. A smaller private law school may take people with lower GPAs, while law schools like Yale and Harvard are almost impossible to get into even with a really high GPA and almost perfect LSATs.
For an "average" law school without knowing if you had really great LSATS I'd say no, but can you get into any law school with that GPA most definitely! Try California - they have many law schools that can be a little more forgiviing. I hope this isn't too harsh, because I definitely don't mean it to be. I'm just trying to be candid and answer your question! Good Luck!

Answer 3

The advice presented by the previous individuals should be taken into consideration. Excellent !! However keep in mind the issues of the GPA. LSAC will leverage (reformulate) your GPA after they receive a complete set of your transcripts upon your graduation from college. Your leveraged GPA will provide you with your overall standings amongst all other candidates.

And with the DOJ (case no# DJ 169-73-0) having a detailed proposal in place in resolving law school admissions, the LSAT test score may no longer have a direct factor for your admissions into law school.

DO match your leverage GPA with the law schools that will permit you to excel within their programs. Keep your educational expenses under control. Remember, your future clients have to be able to afford your services should you elect to practise law within your community.