zacdaniels wrote:
I applied 1/15 to Columbia and am wondering if I should look lower. I'm a non-traditional applicant: AB in Political Theory from #20 liberal arts college (GPA: 3.6), law degree from #20 law school (with a low GPA: 2.9). Have only one semester of ugrad quant work: Calc I (A). 730 on the GMAT.
Want to lead a nonprofit (currently working in the nonprofit/gov't world).
Is it likely that my Law School GPA is going to sink me at top schools? Given the low grad school gpa, which is obviously more recent than my college grades, should I forget about schools in the top 10? I've noticed that invites have gone out for R2 interviews and I haven't heard anything which contributes to my wondering if I should shoot some R3 apps out.
Thanks and congrats to the people who've heard positive news.
I wouldn't worry about your GPA in law school whatsoever. Your GMAT and undergrad GPA testify that you are smart enough, and the fact that you got a law degree testify that you are willing to study.
The first thing adcom will wonder, and your main concern should be, is why do you want a business school degree after law school? If you have a solid, thorough answer to this then you are well positioned. Applying on 1/15 does reduce your chances for admission statistically, but if you are a convincing candidate it will not be a problem.
So don't get hung up on your law school gpa and focus on your real question marks.
I know this is coming from a guy with a 2.6 gpa, but I'm being objective. I think your more significant gpa is 3.6. Or you could take some average and say your overal gpa is 3.3