•If you have a low GPA and high LSAT –A high LSAT score can make up, to some extent, for a lower GPA. However, you need to be very careful that your GPA is not so low that it alone puts you into the “presumptive deny” pile regardless of your LSAT. Generally, you will want your GPA to at least be at or around the 25th percentile GPA of the school. Keep in mind that if you have an outstanding LSAT score (several points above the school’s 75th percentile) you might be able to be accepted even with a GPA below the 25th percentile. •If you have a high GPA and low LSAT –Unfortunately, the LSAT is generally given much more weight than the GPA so even if you have a very high GPA it will not compensate that much for a low LSAT. Generally, if your LSAT score is below the 25th percentile, even though your GPA is above the 75th percentile, you are unlikely to be accepted. However, if your LSAT is at or around the 25th percentile, a very high GPA at or above the 75th percentile might be enough to compensate. •Either way… –If you have discrepant scores, the biggest thing you need to do is make sure to spread yourself out in applying to schools. Make your safe schools safer than others might and make your dream schools higher than others might, realizing that your high score (whether GPA or LSAT) might be able to make up for your low score (whether GPA or LSAT). But also make sure, when you are applying to your safety schools that your low number is well in the range (at least 25th percentile, but generally 50th percentile+), even if this means that your high number is well above even the 75th percentile range. |