<p>Let's say that i had a GPA of 3.5 in a top 40 university would that give me preference over a 4.0 in a CC if we were to have the same LSAT?</p>
<p>Well, the CC student would have done a couple of years at a state university. So no.</p>
<p>If the CC student was applying directly, with only an AA degree, the yes.</p>
<p>So wouldn’t it be beneficial to go to a low ranking state university because it would be easier to get a 4.0 as opposed to a high ranking school where the coursework would be harder…?</p>
<p>It’s not always easier. Some students do better when surrounded by high-talent peers – rising to meet the challenge, so to speak. Some students will also score higher on the LSAT thanks to peer pressure to study. Plus, some kids find it to be more fun.</p>
<p>The GPA gap might not be all that large. A lot of talented kids manage to get 3.8+ at high-ranking privates.</p>
<p>right i do get what you mean but if you are able to pull a 3.8 at let’s say princeton, wouldn’t they be more than capable to pull a 4.0 at ASU for example?</p>
<p>wouldn’t this put a 3.8 from asu on par with a 3.8 from harvard?</p>
<p>if that were the case i should have just went to a SUNY );</p>
<p>1.) Law schools give SOME weight to schooling. Not a lot, but a little.</p>
<p>2.) No. Some people would do better at Princeton than they would at ASU. Not most people, but some. Some kids always aim to do the best they can, but some (like me) need a little bit of a kick in the pants from their talented peers. If I’m getting an easy 3.7 at ASU and all my friends are have 3.4’s while scoring 155 on the LSAT, then I’m going to think my 3.7/160 is pretty solid and not bother too much. If I’m in a pool of Princeton kids who are all scrapping for 3.7’s and 170’s, then I’m going to push myself a little harder.</p>
<p>thanks for the help, time to push!</p>
<p>^ To second what bluedevilmike is saying, I would probably have a much worse GPA if I had gone to my state school. Significantly worse. The main reason for my current success is the academic environment around campus.
Motivation is a powerful thing.</p>
<p>More importantly, it’s a terrible idea to categorically decide to go to law school before you even go to college. Absolutely stupid. I mean, I’m <em>pretty sure</em> I want to go to law school, but I’m leaving myself lots of room for change at the moment. Anyway, if you’re going to go into a field like investment banking right out of UG, you sure as hell better go to a top school. Any competitive employer that only requires a B.A. would much rather hire a 3.4 from Harvard or Princeton than a 4.0 from a community college.</p>