Preparation for the Study of Law

GPA

Law schools do not stipulate minimum grade point averages, although they do provide statistics sufficient for candidates to evaluate their competitiveness. The HPPLC office has the most up-to-date statistics for all law schools.

The range of acceptable GPAs varies tremendously from school to school-from about 2.3 to over a 4.0. The median GPA for 2005 was a 3.23. A higher LSAT score may be needed to compensate for a lower GPA. It is important to take rigorous [e.g., upper level] courses. Any trend in grades will also receive close scrutiny. A bad semester or even year is not necessarily fatal, although it usually should be explained. A recent upward trend in grades can also be significant. HPPLC Prelaw Advisors can help you with such issues.

Note that when you apply to law school the LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service) will recompute your GPA. The main differences with IU's system are that they include all credits and grades if a course is repeated-for example, if you "FX" a course the LSDAS will count the original "F" along with the new grade; and they will count an "A+" as 4.33. For more information consult the following HPPLC publications:

• What Law Schools Look for in an Applicant
• Law School Admissions—Questions & Answers for Juniors and Seniors