13 replies to this topic

[johnthomas]

Ok I need some advice here. My first 3 years of university at an UFT campus I did pretty badly. I didnt take things seriously and I tried to coast. Basically I wasnt motivated and I wont make any excuses for it. My CGPA my first 3 years was a 2.56.

This year however I ve been super motivated and doing really well. This is my 4th year and Im acing everything. So Im going to end up with a GPA of 3.9 to 3.95. Obviously I dont stand a chance with my current grades so I want to go back for another year, ace it, do well on my LSAT and get into some law school. My question is do I have a chance at a Canadian law school? My best 2 years will be a 3.9 but my CGPA even if I ace my 4th and 5th years will be a 3.1 (Ive tried all kinds of calculations but this is what I get the most). What if I aced my 4th and 5th year, worked for a year at a bank (I can get a job because my mom works at one) and then applied? How would law schools look at this? Assuming a best two of 3.9, an excellent LSAT and CGPA of 3.1 would I have a shot?

Do they look at me badly if Im taking things like 3rd year history courses because to be honest Ive taken almost all the politics courses in 3rd year. Im thinking of adding a history major because Ive taken so many history courses anyways. As far as 4th year politics courses go, there are only two 4th year ones that are politics courses per se. The rest are all philosophy and nobody takes them because they are brutal.

My extracurriculars are ok I think. Worked 3 jobs, volunteered at a courthouse, a mental health hotline and was part of several clubs. I have good references too.

I realize this is a long post but I would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

[sonandera]

At schools that look at your top two or best two, you'd probably have a chance. Even some schools that consider cGPA with drops might accept you. All of that is contingent on a good LSAT score. I would add the history major just so that you are actually accomplishing something in your 5th year. Also, be sure not to graduate until you're satisfied with your GPA. Once you walk the stage, most schools won't consider what happens after.

[davedavedave]

sonandera, on 10 January 2012 - 01:52 AM, said:

Also, be sure not to graduate until you're satisfied with your GPA. Once you walk the stage, most schools won't consider what happens after.

[tng11]

sonandera, on 10 January 2012 - 01:52 AM, said:

Also, be sure not to graduate until you're satisfied with your GPA. Once you walk the stage, most schools won't consider what happens after.

+1

Canadian schools place a lot of emphasis on GPA compared to the US. I've noticed that despite a good best 2 GPA, a low cGPA can prove fatal to an application. What schools might tell you about discounting grades of people who took longer than usual, or fewer courses isn't something to worry about as long as you can produce the grades to back it up.

I wanted to take another year of courses, but my school wouldn't let me, as once we hit the 120 credit hours we were forced to graduate. But it all worked out in the end.

[staffer]

@johnthomas There are some Canadian schools that look at cGPA, and it will be difficult for you to get into those ones. But a sizeable chunk of them either look at best 2 years, or drop a certain number of your lowest marks.

You won't be able to get in everywhere, but with a decent LSAT you should be able to get into quite a few Canadian law schools.

[Stupor]

tng11, on 10 January 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

I wanted to take another year of courses, but my school wouldn't let me, as once we hit the 120 credit hours we were forced to graduate. But it all worked out in the end.

Should've dropped a required course for your major. They can't make you graduate without completing your major, can they?

[tng11]

Stupor, on 10 January 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

Should've dropped a required course for your major. They can't make you graduate without completing your major, can they?

It's a messy and convoluted process if you don't finish in 4 years, you have to petition if you need more time to complete your degree, and they heavily restrict what courses you can take. It sucks because after I went on exchange, I only got to take just a handful of electives in 4th year.

My undergrad faculty was an anomaly though, at least at other schools you get extra chances to boost your grades for grad school.

[rlava]

I had actually talked to U of A, U of Sask and UBC about students taking five years to complete a degree and they all claimed that they did not penalize students for doing so. I might just take another year so that I can improve my GPA too. Good luck with whatever you do!

[Red]

I did my undergrad in 5 years and got into law school. It shouldn't have a negative impact. I think for most schools the important factors are: LSAT/GPA/extra-curricular activities, work experience, reference letters etc.

[muffins]

Research your schools. Western, Queen's look at your L2. Ottawa looks at all years. don't apply to Ottawa.

[Phoenix-Wright]

Red, on 19 February 2012 - 07:11 AM, said:

I did my undergrad in 5 years and got into law school. It shouldn't have a negative impact. I think for most schools the important factors are: LSAT/GPA/extra-curricular activities, work experience, reference letters etc.

Watch out friends, we're dealing with a necromancer here!

[Red]

Phoenix-Wright, on 19 February 2012 - 09:37 AM, said:

Watch out friends, we're dealing with a necromancer here!

How so?

[Phoenix-Wright]

Red, on 19 February 2012 - 02:54 PM, said:

How so?

Just a joke, as the thread had been dormant for over a month, and the OP hasn't signed in since then.

[Rathergofishing]

I know students who took 5, 6 and even 7 years to complete a 4 year degree. It took me 5 years because
I have to drop some courses after the strike by York U staff. I also worked 30 hours a week. One classmate
I know has a full time job and can only take two courses during Sept to May and one course during summer. He will
graduate this May and his lowest grade was an A- on his first year.

How will Law School view at his application if he decides to give Law School a try?

Not sure if he will though.