<p>I had a 3.75 in my previous (third tier) college and was voted #1 in my major by the faculty. I also had a very strong upward trend. I killed the LSAT and got into a top 10 law school. But while it's an amazing place, and I'm lucky to have gotten in, the career and culture just aren't for me. I realized belatedly that I really wanted to do academia, but (despite the great LoRs) the lack of academic prestige from my UG will hold me back from getting into a program worth going to. </p>
<p>Given all this--and the fact that finances aren't an issue--I'm considering doing a second bachelor's degree. I'm wondering what kind of schools I could get into (assuming near-perfect SAT/ACT scores) and whether my shit high school grades would have an impact. </p>
<p>I know lots of people who teach at law schools. It’s possible to be both a lawyer and an academic. But if you don’t want to study law, figure out what do you want to study. Spend a couple of years working in that area before you even think about going back to school. Then do well on the GMAT and get yourself into a masters program. If that school isn’t prestigious enough then reapply to a different school’s PhD program. </p>
<p>My H teaches in a top-rated department. They get lots of great graduate applications from kids who went to mediocre schools and went on to do really interesting things. They make very strong applicants. Move on, and build on what you’ve got. </p>
<p>Far better to just move on to the best master’s program you can get into. Many of the top-rated undergrad schools will not even look at you if you already have a bachelor’s, plus a second bachelor’s is often just as much work as a master’s and you’ll have gained little.</p>
<p>Personally, getting into a top law program and then aiming to teach at a law school may be your best route. Certainly easier than getting a Ph.D, and probably pays better as well.</p>