<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>Im a long time CC reader but first time poster who is wondering if anyone knows whether military service will provide a small bump in the admissions process for law school. </p>
<p>I graduated from a (bottom-half) top-ten university and commissioned into the Armed Forces as an officer. My GPA is certainly not stellar (3.5 almost exactly), and my double majors (History and Poli Sci) are pretty darn fluffy.</p>
<p>I havent taken the LSAT, but since the earliest Ill be able to attend school is several years down the line, I will have a moderate amount of time to sharpen my skills and prepare for the test. With the proper preparation, I dont think a 171-174 would be out of the question. </p>
<p>Regardless of whether I stay in the service for 4 years or 34 years, my continuing academic advancement will be critical to my military or non-military career. </p>
<p>Do I stand a chance of getting into a T-14 with my weak GPA, or should I hang up my dreams and focus more on B-school, where it will matter less and my military experience will matter more?</p>
<p>You can play with your numbers [url=<a href=“http://www.lawschoolpredictor.com/wp-content/uploads/Law-School-Predictor-Full-Time-Programs.htm]here[/url”>http://www.lawschoolpredictor.com/wp-content/uploads/Law-School-Predictor-Full-Time-Programs.htm]here[/url</a>]. With a 3.5 you’ll need a score in the 170s to make law school worth attending. However, you should only go to law school if you actually want to be a lawyer. If business school is more your speed, you should look into it.</p>
<p>First, your LSAT score is going to make all the difference, and it isn’t worth attending law school unless you get into a top ranked school.
Second, why do you want to law school? You seem ambivalent at best, and are also considering b school. Only get involved in the whole LSAT/application etc cycle if you really want to be a lawyer. It’s a way too expensive and time consuming endeavor if you’re uncertain you want to practice law.</p>
<p>In today’s economy (with a huge drop in apps from high testers), a 170+ would definitely get you some looks from T14. Northwestern loves work experience. Heck, a 171+ might even get NYU interested. (Several ~3.6/171’s have been accepted this year.)</p>
<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. At this stage in the game I have a lot of time to weigh my options, so I really appreciate your input.</p>
<p>Just from personal observation, it seems like most mid-grade military guys seem to have a leg up on the competition with business schools, primarily because of their management and leadership experience. I’ve always felt that law school was more my speed, but if the military would give me a substantial boost in B-school applications either as a civilian or as an O-3 pursuing higher ed, then it would make sense for me to follow my strengths.</p>
<p>To summarize, I’d prefer to go to law school, but if a T-14 isn’t a viable option, I’ll have to consider my alternatives.</p>
<p>Go take a practice LSAT under real test conditions. If you score 155 or better, you can probably crack the 170s.</p>