Studying International Law? (Not good GPA)

Graduate School Law School
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<p>Hello CC,
It has been a while since I've asked a question.. Now I am graduating UCLA and I am looking into international law. I feel like I will be able to do more hands on work with a J.D., and both private and public IL interest me. I realize it is a competitive field and I welcome any and all suggestions. I want to stress my passion is International Relations; I excel in the classes, I really enjoy it - but with what I want to do it seems J.D. is the best way</p>

<p>My stats:
*I transferred from a ccc to UCLA - I will graduate w/ a 3.45-3.5 in Political Science - International Relations. My GPA in just IR classes is a near 4.0 - My GPA in Political Science is about 3.65
*My GPA from CCC is a 3.56</p>

<p>I am registered to take the LSAT in October and from reading this site it's not good to "project" LSAT scores - but as of right now I can be honest and say that I do not have a natural knack for logic and analytical games.</p>

<p>Random: I have been working since I was 16, most recently interning for a international humanitarian organization (most likely will be hired full-time). I have extensive political experience working for campaigns, district offices and most of my on campus activity was very partisan.. </p>

<p>What are the best schools for IL? Did anyone decide to specialize in IL and do something else? Should I take more than a yr off? Also, is working and doing something "international" a must before going into a grad program with IR/IL?
Given that I love politics and my above stats, which schools would be good for me? (Also money is a big factor, I'm on my own)</p>

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<p>…bump?..</p>

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<p>What precisely would you like to do? Look up those careers and find the people who are currently doing them. Figure out what their educational credentials are and go from there.</p>

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<p>Join the Peace Corps. Go overseas for a couple of years with an NGO. Otherwise, a US citizen needs pedigree, which requires a top grad/law school and that requires top grades and a top lsat (the former of which you do not have, and the latter is not likely).</p>

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<p>Don’t pick a law school based on a specialty. Law really does NOT work that way, despite US News. Go to a top 14 law school if you can. If you can’t, then think about going to one somewhere you can get some relevant internships. A law school in DC would probably be your best bet. </p>

<p>Working, interning, or volunteering at some sort of NGO or government agency with an international aspect would probably help more than going to a law school US News claims has a good international law program. You do NOT “major” in any particular kind of law at most law schools. </p>

<p>I’m really not sure though that a JD is your best bet.</p>

<p>bluebayou’s advice is good.</p>