Grad school question?

Question

I am a first year student at UCSB and have been doing the bio type major for the first couple of quarters but I have decided I do like chemistry and suck at it and want to do something in the social science department instead. Possibly a Psychology/Sociology tandem. But what I want to know is I have gotten 3 C's so far, 2 in chem, and 1 in calculus (2nd part of Calculus I raised to an A+) I want to go to law school and was wondering how much law school and other graduate schools factor in freshmen year and if I start doing well now, can I still get into a decent law school or graduate school? Thanx

Answer 1

My brother goes to UCSB ...

Don't worry about the crappy grades in math and science. It seems like everybody at that school gets bad grades, unless you are a bookworm that is touched by an angel.

... That means that A's are seldom ...

You stand every chance of getting into lawschool, with C's in math ...

1. It is a highly respected school.
2. They have nothing to do with Law School.

Good luck

Answer 2

Grad schools do care about your grades but they also consider how much you have improved your grades in college. Ultimately they will look at your total GPA not your term GPA so don't worry.
Other qualities besides good grades that grad schools are interested in are your involvement in college activities.
I suggest you go to your school's website and look at all the clubs on campus. Join one or two of those clubs and try to get elected as an officer. This shows the admission committee of the grad school that you are involved in a number of causes and are not a one dimensional person that only studies. It also shows leadership and that you can work well in a group setting.
Admission to law school is highly competitive so besides good grades you should have extracurricular activities to stand out.

Answer 3

I did horribly my Freshman year (2.31 during my first semester and 2.5 during the second). However, I was on the Dean's List and VP's list during by other three years. I would have graduated with honors had I not had a horrible first year.

I now have an MBA from Duke and a PhD from Berkeley.

In your admissions essay, you have the opportunity to explain your bad grades during your first year. I am proof that schools will consider you if you show vast improvement.

Answer 4

Grades your freshman year do count. Unlike grad school, law school places much more consideration and weight on the results of your LSATs. (Law school admissions test). Grad school places greater weight on the results of your GPA, letters of recomendation, and GRE. Hope this helps.