UNC Law - In State, Low UGPA, Median LSAT, Graduate Degree Forum

[Se68744]

Hey Gang!

I was wondering what my chances were for UNC Law. This is my dream school and has been ever since birth. I went to a NC public university for undergrad. Because of the LSAC's gpa calculations (bad first year of college then switched schools) it appears that I will have an UGPA of 3.0 instead of the 3.3 that I finished with. My LSAT is right at their median 160, and I intended on applying during the next cycle in October. I know UNC has a 70% - 75% instate quota for admissions, and they are big on public service. I'm not a URM.

I also have a masters degree in public administration from a public university in NC with a gpa of 3.88.

I will also have three summer internships on my resume in three different North Carolina cities where I worked with city managers. I also completed some interesting projects for these municipalities.

I can demonstrate an upward gpa trend as well as working 30 hours a week during undergrad.

I can demonstrate a public service commitment to NC type of personal statement.

I also won a couple of scholarships here and there, and did the whole frat leadership jazz as well in undergrad.

So, do I have enough soft factors to make up for an average LSAT and bad GPA?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Se68744]

Oh also, I took no time off from school. So I'm in the zone as it were... I also wanted to ask what other top 50 schools could I consider? Wake?

[moandersen]

Even though your a NC resident, I would say you have pretty slim chances. Check out lawschoolnumbers.com or lawschoolpredictor.com

As for wake you would be WL or rejected

sorry - that lsat is holding you back.

[Se68744]

I appreciate the honesty, always time to retake! What score do I need btw?

[lawhawk]

I appreciate the honesty, always time to retake! What score do I need btw?

with a 3.0, probably a 165. It's hard to predict UNC where the highest score doesnt always get in.

lawschoolnumbers.com

[moandersen]

I appreciate the honesty, always time to retake! What score do I need btw?

UNC is hard to predict. But for WF, I got in with a 164 and a little higher gpa than yours....

[Nicholasnickynic]

+1.

For Wake Forest, 164 3.x will generally get you in, and 165 3.x+early app= scholly. The only way to get into wake with out 164+ is high gpa. (of course there are exceptions, but this seems like the general rule).

[Se68744]

So I'm guessing soft factors don't make up for GPA or LSAT? They just act as maybe a tie breaker with someone who had similar numbers? Which is a shame because I think having a graduate degree would prove my ability to accomplish high level work course work.

[jss1100]

So I'm guessing soft factors don't make up for GPA or LSAT? They just act as maybe a tie breaker with someone who had similar numbers? Which is a shame because I think having a graduate degree would prove my ability to accomplish high level work course work.

Correct. GPA is rather low for UNC. LSAT is doable but still a bit low.

[keg411]

I appreciate the honesty, always time to retake! What score do I need btw?

with a 3.0, probably a 165. It's hard to predict UNC where the highest score doesnt always get in.

lawschoolnumbers.com

I got WL'd at Wake with a slightly lower GPA and a 165; but my app was also pretty late.