how much does columbia care about undergrad gpa and lsat Forum

[splittergal83]

Hi guys,

I am currently having a panic attack. I go to a t3 law school in NYC ranked ~ top 2%. I am applying to CLS, NYU and Fordham. I did really bad in undergrad because of health problems ~2.8 GPA and a 155 LSAT score. Do you guys think CLS really takes into consideration UGPA and LSAT CLS is my dream law school. I worked so hard to turn everything around. UGHHHH.

[Joscellin]

Generally speaking the only thing that matters is your 1L grades and school.

The only way I can imagine UG gpa really getting a consideration is if it had other red flags along with it, such as academic discipline - and even that can be explained.

I would imagine you have a good shot.

[KijiStewart]

Generally speaking the only thing that matters is your 1L grades and school.

The only way I can imagine UG gpa really getting a consideration is if it had other red flags along with it, such as academic discipline - and even that can be explained.

I would imagine you have a good shot.

Columbia couldn't care less for UGPA or LSAT at the transfer level. Just take my word

[NotSkadden]

I was top 2% at a NY TTT and got into Columbia. LSAT was a 154. But UGPA was a 3.5. FWIW.

[lollollol]

Don't really think CLS cares these two, but if u r still worried (I think w/ ur 1L GPA you r fine), try to follow up w/ them to update ur L. Rev. & pre-OCI interviews for the NY market (if ur school allows that). Best of luck!!!

[aj1221]

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[DolnaRay]

I don't think UG GPA and LSAT matter in 1L transfers. Problem is a lot of people from GWU, Brooklyn, Fordham, Cardozo etc will be vying for Columbia as well and they will have great 1L GPA and great UG GPA.

I also don't know if factors like URM status etc also matter here....

Anyways, don't worry much. You have done what you could and have achieved a grand turnover. I so hope my doubts are proved wrong and a non URM with kickass 1L scores, great prof recommendations etc does make it to Columbia with sub par UG GPA.

Apply to Georgetown as well if region is not a big deal to you.

P.S : I suggest you apply to transfer to GW, Fordham UCLA, UC Davis, UC Irvine as well. You should have a safety net. God forbid , if Columbia does not work out, you will at least have one T1 option to fall back upon. Having plan B and plan C is always beneficial if you have a dent in your past, when it comes to competitive programmes.

[DolnaRay]

Edited - of course was proven wrong this morning. Yes definitely seems like gpa/lsat doesn't matter ( <2.5 uGPA).

Congrats.

By the way I am curious - does URM/Non URM and other softs matter when it comes to Law School transfer? Or is it just the 1L GPA, Prof recommendations etc.

Once again, congrats. You made a grand turnaround!

If you can, can you share your OL and 1L prep strategy?