<p>I'm a sophomore at Cornell (A&S) studying economics and minoring in international relations.
I was cruising at a 3.9 but took a really bad hit this semester from personal/family issues and now have a 3.61 on my hands. Cold LSAT was 165, but I'm willing to torture myself with whatever it takes to get a 175+...</p>
<p>The problem here is that I'll be studying abroad for a full year, and abroad grades don't factor into the cumulative GPA. If I got a 4.0 my senior year, depending on # of credits I'd be at 3.73~3.78.</p>
<p>I won't be changing my plans to study abroad, but can't help but wonder...what do law schools think of studying abroad/grades while abroad? Since I'll essentially have no American record for my entire junior year...To note, I'll be studying at a respectable institution in France and presumably attain fluency/high proficiency in French. I won't be partying away my time contrary to popular belief about studying abroad -_-</p>
<p>Ideally what I want to do is work in finance for a few years, then go for a JD/MBA degree. Anyone know how work experience in finance bodes for law admissions?
I'd want to get into NYC Biglaw/Consulting for a while, but long-term career goal would be working with an intergovernmental organization. (Not interested in clerkship)</p>
<p>Accordingly, that makes Columbia is my current favorite, but I'd like to try for Harvard as well.</p>
<p>I don't know if the rumor is true that the SAT matters too but mine was
M: 750 C: 790 W: 800.</p>
<p>Sorry if this was long-winded, and there are so many variables haha. I just want to know what I can hope for realistically. Thanks for your time!</p>