Will a perfect score on the LSAT compensate for a 2.8-3.2 GPA when applying to Law School?

Question

Will a perfect score on the LSAT compensate for a low 2.8-3.2 GPA at a mediocre undergrad college when applying to a 1st tier Law School?

Answer 1

Yes, if you scored a 180 on the LSAT you could easily get into a top tier law school; even a top 14 school wouldn't be too much of a reach. Most law schools put more emphasis on LSAT than on GPA. If you had some really good soft factors and went to a difficult undergrad university, you'd have at least a 25% chance of even getting into Harvard. Check out this site to see for yourself; it's run by the Law School Admission Council and is the "Official Guide"

Answer 2

Will it compensate? Yes. Enough for all first tier schools? No.

Why is that? Because the kids who get into the top first tier schools have the high GPAs from prestigious undergrads to go along with perfect or near perfect LSAT scores.

You should be able to get into a lower to mid range first tier school with a that GPA and a 180 LSAT, but not the top ones like Harvard or Stanford. Competition is too great at that point.

I know it's tempting, but unless you scored a 170+ on your first practice test ever, don't expect to get that 180. Don't get your hopes up too high. A 170 is impressive enough. Get a 170, and you still have a good chance at getting into some first tier school.

Answer 3

It will be a sufficient enough score to act as a stepping stone. First, apply to your "second choice school". Once you're there for a couple of semesters and you've consistently earned a 3.5 or better, your High School grades are really a moot point, and you can feel free to apply to any school you want with your near-perfect LSAT and your honors-level GPA.

Answer 4

yes - as long as you can pass yourself off as the wild and crazy fun guy ..