8 replies to this topic

[Danaerys]

I posted this at Queen's too, but here goes.

OLSAS cGPA of 3.39 and best 2 of 3.46

I have a 165 LSAT, and will re-write in October. Currently scoring around 170.

Will a higher LSAT make a likiddy split of a difference at Ottawa?

I actually really want to go to Ottawa, but last year I was waitlisted past #100. If I only apply at one Ontario school, it's almost 3x the cost of most other schools and I am financially strapped at the moment.

Keeping in mind I'm 50% francophone, would a 3.39/165 or 170 make me competitive in the National program, French JD or PDC program?

Thanks

[AmandaBee]

What does your application look like, aside from LSAT and cgpa/gpa?
I can't see you being wait-listed so far back with those stats. LSAT won't help you with Ottawa, especially not if you already have a 165. They focus more on cgpa/gpa and softs/references, etc.
How was your personal statement?

Personally I think you'd have a better shot at Western or Queens ... Of course, this is just my speculation and what I've seen happen on this board. Your best bet would be to call admissions and ask what it was about your application that placed you so high on the wait-list and how you could improve it for the next cycle.

[future_jd]

I think if you were to calculate your 3.3 or 3.4 to the Ottawa percentage system you would most likely find yourself at an A- (80%+)

LSAT = nothing to OTTAWA.

What else did you write last year? In terms of softs?

[Zarathustra]

Danaerys, on 05 September 2011 - 06:48 PM, said:

I posted this at Queen's too, but here goes.

OLSAS cGPA of 3.39 and best 2 of 3.46

I have a 165 LSAT, and will re-write in October. Currently scoring around 170.

Will a higher LSAT make a likiddy split of a difference at Ottawa?

I actually really want to go to Ottawa, but last year I was waitlisted past #100. If I only apply at one Ontario school, it's almost 3x the cost of most other schools and I am financially strapped at the moment.

Keeping in mind I'm 50% francophone, would a 3.39/165 or 170 make me competitive in the National program, French JD or PDC program?

Thanks

I don't think Ottawa will care either way, even if you get a 180. As long as your LSAT isn't so low as to disclose a capacity issue, they're ranking candidates by cGPA (every course, every credit, they care about the details). They also are quite interested in your PS (Like McGill). Telling them that you really do want to be there (and what you will contribute to the programme while there) is likely to do much more for you than an LSAT increase. The most important thing for Ottawa is having a solid cGPA. They're the least forgiving school (with the possible exception of U of T) when it comes to cGPA. And again, like McGill, being bilingual is very helpful. Fauteux adcomms are all about the details and achievement over time... Make sure your PS has no mistakes.

Edited by Zarathustra, 15 September 2011 - 01:03 PM.

[Danaerys]

Thanks for the advice, but I decided not to apply anywhere in Ontario :/ Stupid GPA.

[beaudry]

Danaerys, on 15 September 2011 - 02:20 PM, said:

Thanks for the advice, but I decided not to apply anywhere in Ontario :/ Stupid GPA.

That doesn't really seem logical. Don't you at least want to know what happened last year? Why not contact Ottawa U and ask them about the reasons for their decision?

I hope you apply to McGill as well - your LSAT is really strong, and if there are reasons why your GPA is not as high - though it's still good - maybe you can emphasize them, e.g. a difficult program, or full time work during undergrad, taking a while to find a major that interested you, etc.

[Danaerys]

I don't really have any excuse for my GPA. Other than the fact that I did an acting degree and the grading is more subjective than an arts program. That and I became disenchanted with acting and my attitude was reflected in my grades (yes, I was graded on attitude). But I'm not gonna waste a personal statement whining about my grades. Instead I'll focus on the things I've been doing since graduating 4 years ago and what I want to do with a law degree, and how my unique degree will actually help me in the long run.

I am currently very limited financially, and Ontario apps are just more expensive. I'm not dying to be in Ontario and I have excellent shots at other schools.

But thanks for the support!

[beaudry]

I still think it's an ill-considered decision to not ask for feedback even if you don't want to apply to Ottawa U again. It's not as though a panel of law professors, law students and law administrators at some other school will have vastly different expectations (different yes, but not enormously different). I just don't see why you would turn down free feedback.

[Zarathustra]

Danaerys, on 15 September 2011 - 02:20 PM, said:

Thanks for the advice, but I decided not to apply anywhere in Ontario :/ Stupid GPA.

You do realize that a 3.39/4 OLSAS cGPA with a 165 LSAT should get you into both Western and Queens, right? Unless you're only interested in Ottawa, you should still apply to Ontario. Also, you do have a chance at Ottawa, it's just a bit unfortunate that your LSAT will be unlikely to assist you there. If Ottawa is really where you want to be, spend some time on your PS and make sure you convey that to them... maybe even call the school. Never underestimate the power of genuine interest in a particular school. You have a good chance if you take the time to really let them know you're serious. I find it difficult to believe that Ottawa would act very much against its own interests in refusing a bright bilingual person who wants to participate in the National or PDC.