How do T10 B-schools view law school grades?
Hi I'm a first year in law school, I had really poor undergrad grades, but I will most likely have pretty good law school grades. Straight out of undergrad. My first semester was strong(3.7ish) and I think I will be able to either hold close to the same for the coming semesters. I go to the USC/EMORY/VANDY/ND/WUSTL/GW tier of schools. I think I can graduate either cum-laude or magna.
I am competitive for biglaw, but I'm not interested in practicing law longterm and I'm potentially interested in b-school.
I took the GMAT, in preparation to try and go to the JD/MBA program for my school but exceeded my expectations and got a 750 GMAT 46Q 48V. Now I'm curious if I get biglaw, if I would be competitive for B-School(better than my attached MBA) say 2-3 years down the line. I'd only really be interested in paying for probably T10, since I can most likely go to my attached JD/MBA program now at a significant reduction.
I'm just super curious on how my law school grades will play into admissions. I have no excuse for my poor undergrad, so I was wondering if they could have an effect on gpa.
JD is like 3-4 years right? That'd overshadow some of your lesser UG grades. However, at the same time you may be viewed with less work experiences (some take graduate degrees as Work Experience counts, it's more ofteh that they don't) That's a great gmat score and essentially above average of H/S/W for starters. But MBA asks for more profile than just a GMAT, a LSAT or GRE. It's always better to build a strong profile all-around. and don't let that GMAT expire because that sucks to have risks for a lower score and extra $$$/time wasted
I guess I should also ask, is biglaw strong work experience? I figure I can spin it enough to sound at least equivalent to really solid F500 experience or better.
I should add, I have very strong undergraduate involvement and community service.
Let me ask you this: are you saying you're not interested in law long-term because you hate it already now in law school, or is it more just a general sentiment (i.e. you like what you're studying now, you will likely enjoy practicing for a few years).
Because if you already dislike it now, it's only going to get worse, and you'll likely hate biglaw (i.e. your life will be miserable for the next 5-8 years through law school and the first few years as an associate). That's a lot of years of misery for the prospect of something (MBA, post-MBA career) that you may or may not know is for you 5-7 years from now (you may be a different person by then as well). If this is you, then get the JD/MBA now, and get into business right after you graduate. Holding out for the possibility of going to a top 8 school 5-8 years down the line is not worth that much misery for such an extended period of time (you have a chance but there's no guarantees and like all applicants you need a bit of luck on your side).
However, if you actually enjoy what you're studying now and can envision enjoying the work as an associate for a few years (i.e. you don't hate law, but you're just unsure that you may not want to do it long-term), then just continue on with the JD, and work as a law associate for 2-3 years before applying. Yes, there are a handful of ex-lawyers at most b-schools each and every year, and most have a few years of associate experience -- H/S however are the least friendly to lawyers (a lot of lawyers who apply to b-school are frustrated corporate/securities lawyers looking for $$$ in IB/PE; if you are in IP/trademark, entertainment/sports, labor, etc then it's a different story).
Career student?
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