I asked a similar question a little while back in the European forum, and it was a very interesting and informative discussion...

I'm preparing to prepare my applications to some UK schools, and I'd like to know where I stand.

Now, obviously it depends on the applicant and school to which they are applying. I'm from the United States and am currently finishing up my third year at a low-tier (if you follow the rankings, that is...) U.S. law school and I have a very average (little under a 3.0) gpa. I also have a Bachelor's Degree from a private liberal arts university with a 3.0 gpa. I have a very good resume, great recommendations, essays, etc. I plan on taking the bar exam, working some and then applying to an overseas LLM program starting next year.

My question: What schools should I immediately rule out? What schools am I a shoe-in for? Any help? Thoughts? I've been a lurker on this site for a long time and have found many of you quite informative. Thanks!

I graduated from a second tier US law school with good grades and had a very solid undergrad degree and had no problems getting into the programmes to which I applied. The resume and recommendations will help you a great deal but you can probably go ahead and rule out Oxbridge if you have below a 3.0 from a 3rd tier school. More than who won't take you the focus should be on what you want to study and start from that angle. An LLM isn't worth doing unless you are doing it for a purpose which includes having a subject-matter in mind. And different schools will look at candidates for different reasons based on their course choice as the competitiveness of each programme within the same school often varies.
Best of luck.

I agree with EDIpostgrad.

You should spend some of this time thinking about what you would like to get out of your LLM experience and researching which schools can offer that to you. Of course this process will include a consideration of what area you would like to study, but you may also need to think about location and how the LLM fits into your ultimate career goals. I strongly believe that many good programs prefer a candidate with a strong sense of why he or she wants to pursue an LLM (but who possesses an average transcript) over a candidate with excellent academic credentials, who is unable to articulate her reasons for applying.

Aside from that, I would apply to as many programs as you are interested in (provided you have the time). Unlike at American schools, most UK programs do not charge an application fee. And don't be deterred by a school's prestige or the fear you might not be admitted. I have been accepted to a school where I didn't think I stood a chance -- and was rejected by one where I felt very confident that I'd get in. There's little rhyme or reason to the whole process if you are guided solely by the rankings.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Good luck finishing up law school and studying for the bar.

Thanks so much for the very helpful posts, you guys. I appreciate it! Thanks again.