<p>How are (positive) grade trends seen by law schools? My friend recently got his BA from UCLA and he's considering law, but his GPA is somewhat of a problem (we think). He spent about 3 years due to personal problems at CC and he's got a couple of F's, a few C's, several B's, and a few A's. </p>
<p>But here's the good part: as soon as he transferred to UCLA he got straight A's (except for one B) and he's got a great EC record. What do you think? If there's still hope, what should he do? </p>
<p>I believe his GPA is 3.3 or 3.4, but I think it's lower (3.2?). I told him he has to include ALL of his grades during his calculation, not just the UC-applicable ones.</p>
<p>How did he even get in UCLA with F's, C's, and several B's?</p>
<p>Because some of the courses he failed were not UC-eligible and the UC-eligible courses he did fail he retook and got either A's or B's. His grades also improved substantially as his three year experience was ending :)</p>
<p>In a way, CC's and UC inflate your grade a lot :)</p>
<p>The upward grade trend for your friend is a good thing. There are lots of schools that accept people with a 3.4 GPA, and the paradox that his best grades were at the toughest school should attract some attention from admissions committees. Much will depend on his LSAT score, of course. If he does well on the LSAT, I would probably advise him to apply to more than the usual number of reach schools.</p>
<p>I've heard that most top 15's look at GPA trends, but not to the degree that they do for overall G.P.A.</p>
<p>So here's a theoretical question: can you get into Harvard Law with this kind of 3.4 and a great LSAT score?</p>
<p>Sure. You get that particular type of 3.4, a 180, and cure cancer, and I'm sure Harvard wouldn't mind taking you.</p>
<p>In all seriousness, go study the LSAT, take the LSAt, get a good LSAT score, and readdress the issue of where to apply at that point. If you need to have that goal to set your sights on, yes, it wouldn't be unheard of for Harvard to take someone with that kind of 3.4 and a very high LSAT.</p>
<p>There's always hope -- depending on the LSAT score.</p>
<p>If he feels the need to explain his GPA situation he can attach an addendum.</p>