<p>I was an irresponsible teenager and I left halfway through a photography program at an Art Institute with a 2.1 GPA in 1997. I have spent the last 13 years raising three kids and working. I am returning to school now as an adult, as a freshman. If I were to do well in school and the LSAT will my LSDAS GPA be brought down significantly by my unaccredited art school mess from the 90s? I am planning my course for law school but I don't want to delude myself. Thanks in advance for your input.</p>
<p>I’m a law school applicant this year, too. I’m not sure about your unique case, but I think ALL undergrad grades and transcripts are included in the LSDAS GPA calculation.</p>
<p>The official LSAC site explicitly states that all transcripts from any schools attended prior to undergrad graduation need to be included ([Requesting</a> Transcripts](<a href=“http://www.lsac.org/Applying/lsdas-requesting-transcripts.asp]Requesting”>http://www.lsac.org/Applying/lsdas-requesting-transcripts.asp)). </p>
<p>There’s some more unofficial info here: [Guide</a> to the LSAC: Transcripts, GPA, and More](<a href=“Guide to the LSAC: Transcripts, GPA, and More Forum - Top Law Schools”>Guide to the LSAC: Transcripts, GPA, and More Forum - Top Law Schools)</p>
<p>Hopefully I’m wrong and someone will let you know.</p>
<p>All grades up until your first bachelors will be calculated in to your LSDAS gpa. Since law schools will get copies of your school transcripts along with the lsdas transcript, they will see what has happened over the years. In addition you can write an addendum to explain your situation.</p>
<p>If you’re still around, hopskip: </p>
<p>I think an addendum would (very) effectively “minimize” the significance of your ancient mess-up. Don’t let this discourage you from re-entering school and fulfilling your aspiration.</p>
<p>. I took 8 years off between UG and law school. I also had some unfortunate grades that really dragged down my UG GPA. LSAC will calculate and report the grades, whether you got them in 2009 or 1969. And, to be honest, from many frank discussions with law school admissions reps while I was going through the process, you’re VERY, VERY unlikely to get in the tippy-top schools, even with a great addendum. But, let’s be honest- you have a family and you’re not a gunning 21 year old anymore. The biggest advantage of going to a big-name school (T-14, for example) is to increase your chances of breaking into “Big Law” (think $200,000/yr, 100+ hr weeks, Federal clerkships, etc). I would suspect that these aren’t your motivations for going. If you just want to further your education, become and attorney and work in your local market, study hard for the LSAT, apply to all the local (ABA accredited) schools, and do your best. </p>
<p>Good luck, and congratulations to you on taking this step!</p>
<p>The unknown variable here is what role the unaccredited nature of the art school plays. You’d have to read the LSDAS guidelines to be sure.</p>