Law School...?

Question

I graduated from H.S. in 2001, since then I have been in and out college. I have always wanted to go to law school but I didn't want to spend alot of time or money on school. I started taking classes for nursing. Well I came to my senses and decided to just focus on finishing school and then applying to law school. My problem is that now I have about 2 1/2 more years of undergrad to bring up my GPA and take the LSAT. Would it matter that I didn't do so well in the first two years of undergrad? I'm currently 24 now and I'm going back to school this coming fall. I want to take about 16 credit hours and come out with a really high GPA. Is this even possible. I'm thinking about majoring in business with a minor in finance or major in political science with a minor in criminal justice. Any thoughts on how to better my chances of getting into a good law school. I'm in NC now and if I don't pull up my GPA or get a high LSAT score, then I have to go to North Carolina Central University.

I'm not saying anything bad about North Carolina Central University, it's just that it's not one of my choices to go to. It's not even recognized on any list of best law schools to attend. I worry about cost too, but I know that if I do well these couple of years and excel on the LSAT then I could probably get a scholarship. Is this even possible? I don't want to have to give up my dream of attending law school, but I know that I didn't do right straight out of H.S. Any insight from current or fellow law students would be helpful.

Answer 1

Law schools also look at work experience if it is "professional" or shows some kind of direction. For example, I worked as a social worker before applying to law school for about 8 years. I also had a advanced degree that was taken into account.

Bottom line with law school is that it is EXPENSIVE!!! There are scholarships to be had, don't get me wrong, but in my experience there was very little money at the schools I really wanted to attend. Then it becomes a question of money vs. ranking/perception of the school and where you want to go. That combined with the fact that you cannot work (or can only work very few hours) means that you spend a lot of money while in school. Textbooks and suppliments are also VERY expensive, much more so than undergrad.

For now, concentrate on getting the best grades you can and study for the LSAT (order the books through the LSAC). Take it early so you can take it again if you feel that you need to. All of the schools will have posted on their websites the averages of their previous class profiles and some have a chart to help you determine if you are likely to get in. That can also help guide your decison.

Answer 2

Law Schools not only look at g.p.a and test scores... they look at improvement. If they see you didn't start out so good, but eventually raised your grades, they'd probably applaud you. They know college can be tough... and I think if you stick it out for the next 2 years, and do what you have to do... you'll definelty make it. Right now, try taking some practice LSAT tests online. They have some free-sites, you just gotta find them. But don't stress your-self, as long as you making progress. Hope you make it girl! Good Luck to ya

Answer 3

The big issue now is whether or not you will pull up your GPA and whether or not you score high on your LSAT's. Just keep up the momentum and work really hard.

Good Luck!!!