Q: "I am a double chemical engineering and chemistry major and want to go into patent law. As a chemical engineering student, I do not have a 4.0 but am aiming for, at absolute worst, a 165 on the LSAT.
Let’s say I have a 3.1 or 3.2 GPA and a 170 LSAT. Does this make my dream of NYU Law impossible? What New York law schools would you think I have a shot at? I have a chart of the law schools I am aiming for but it’s hard to paint a good picture using their averages as their average applicants are social science/humanities majors. I have heard they give some leverage for STEM major GPAs. Is this true?"
A: … Law schools are enthusiastic to receive applications from STEM majors, so your background and experience could serve as assets." …
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/law-admissions-lowdown/articles/2018-03-12/law-school-q-a-stem-applicants-first-generation-students-with-low-gpas
What the author should have said, is yes, with a 17x, NYU is possible, but expect it to be full pay, and thus, not worth attending.
Plus, they can’t report your major to USNWR and therefore don’t care.
I would submit that law schools do care, on the way out margin. A physical science major who is interested in patent work can be readily employable, and since LS’s care about their employability number (thanks to LST), major can be a small plus factor, but ONLY after the big two numbers: GPA+LSAT.
It’s possible that they care out on the margin, but I haven’t seen any data to confirm that. It certainly can’t hurt.
I am just impressed by the fact that this person has double majored in the most logical manner.
With a 3.2 GPA & A 165 LSAT score, the applicant would be well below both medians at NYU and, therefore, an unlikely admit without URM status.
If the LSAT score is above NYU’s median, then as a splitter a supplemental statement along with biglaw employers seeking qualified patent attorneys, then the applicant might well be admitted–especially in light of LST ratings.