Could you chance me? Fairly unique case.

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>For a long time I was thinking about going to graduate school, however I recently realized my talents and interests would be best served by a JD. I've always wanted to go to Stanford or Berkeley, but I know choosing the legal path has made that a lot less possible. It would be wonderful to get into Yale or Harvard, but those are major stretches. Realistically I'm looking at UCLA or UT, both of which are schools I've always loved.</p>

<p>Education
Majored in Government and Political Communications
University of Texas at Austin (First year at UTSA)
3.88 cumulative on +/- without option for A+ (not sure if that matters)
Senior Fellow in Communications
Honors Thesis in Communications
Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Chance
Also, not sure if I should include this on my personal addendum but the biggest reasons my GPA took a hit are 1) my freshman year I developed a degenerative physical disability and had to learn how to do well in college without full use of my hands, and 2) my junior year I learned my disability was likely fatal and had a lot of trouble dealing with that. It was later refuted that summer, and now I've got things under control. All things considered, I think pulling a 3.8 both of those years is rather impressive. </p>

<p>On that note, schools will already know I have a disability because LSAC will indicate that I got accommodations on the LSAT. Is it a good idea to disclose on my application or leave it thick in the air?</p>

<p>Extracurriculars
2 years Student Government (member)
2 years Liberal Arts Council (member)
1 year assisting graduate student with research project</p>

<p>Professional
Intern in Governor Perry's Office
Intern at an alt-weekly newspaper
(Hoping to get a few more in here, it's been difficult to get impressive internships because I have to work full-time to pay my school/medical bills).</p>

<p>LSAT
Haven't taken it yet, but let's assume I score between a 165-175</p>

<p>I know this isn't the most impressive application, but do you guys think I have a shot?</p>

<p>Thanks for your expertise!</p>

2

<p>Those are some soft factors you don’t see very often, so I’m not exactly sure how the schools will view them. A 3.8 is a really solid GPA, no matter the circumstances…If you can crush the LSAT, HYS are within reach. The difference between a 165 and a 175 is huge. 3.8/175 and you have a shot at Harvard, maybe not Yale and SLS. You should be in at that point for everything Columbia/Chicago/NYU down. 3.8/165 and you will have trouble sneaking into the T14 unless schools weigh soft factors heavily (Law School admissions is generally a straight numbers game). You could swing Cornell or Georgetown but your best bet in that situation would be to aim for the 15-30 ranked schools and hope for some money. As an in-state resident, I think a 165 would get you into UT. Apply early.</p>