Hi all,

I'm not applying for an LLM yet, however I wanted some indication of my chances of getting into top 14 law schools when I do apply.

My Bachelor of laws grades ended up being average because: a) I decided to pursue my degree in a foreign language, so I was learning the language while I studied (I'm now fluent, yay!)
b) My law school grades Bachelor students severely in the hopes of weeding most of them out.

My Master's grades, on the other hand, are extremely high (top 10%, after 1 semester), because:
a) The school is no longer trying to fail students
b) I get to choose all my classes which means more enthusiasm and motivation, I suppose.

In addition, I have lots of internships, study abroad, presidency of a student-run law-clinic, fluency in 3 languages, a biglaw job lined up for when I graduate in approx. 2 years, and I've published two articles.

I know I can write a great Personal Statement and that I'll get great letters of recommendation from profs and the partners of my biglaw firm (...is that a thing? Do you need that for your app?) - BUT I need to know if my Bachelor's grades will be a serious hindrance in getting into Columbia, NYU, Harvard, Chicago, Duke, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

Nina

It is my understanding that this site is used primarily by prospective LLM candidates. As such, you would be better off taking this question to the Admissions Offices of the universities you cited. They will not be able to respond to such a detailed profile but you may be able to pose the question of how they might deal with lower LLB grades where a candidate has studied in a non-native language. Likely, they will respond that if you believe you have a strong profile and are capable of completing the course, apply and see what happens. And, of course neither you nor the Admission Office can be sure of the competition in any given application cycle. Likely they will also advise you that the application does allow you to furnish them with any additional information that you think is necessary. Supplementals are by no means required but can be used for explanations such as these.

Hello,

Just to let you know that I have poor grades (Bachelor and Master) but I rocked my bar exam. So far I have been rejected from Georgetown but accepted in Columbia and Cornell. I guess it depends on your work experience, recommendation letters and personal statement.

If you are interested I can let you know once I have all the answers where I have been accepted.. or not.

Hi all,

I'm not applying for an LLM yet, however I wanted some indication of my chances of getting into top 14 law schools when I do apply.

Nina

Hi everyone,
Thanks for taking the time to answer! I really appreciate your insights.

@jsd: I will have worked at Biglaw for about 2 years when I apply (I'm definitely not applying straight out of school!). Do you think that improves the odds, esp. for Columbia?

@Yoloschool: Congrats on getting accepted to Columbia and Cornell! And thanks for the encouragement.. :) So basically, the major factors in an application would be:
1) work experience (number of years +name/prestige of firm?)
2) recommendation letters
3) personal statement

@Nipsa: yeah, I figured any university official wouldn't give me a straight answer - which is why I turned to those with experience in LLM applications. And if by "prospective LLM candidates" you're referring to those who are currently applying, I have to disagree that this site is primarily for them: the "what is an LLM?" heading indicates that it is also destined for people who are unsure what an LLM is and why they might want one, as well as "prospective" candidates in the larger/usual sense, i.e. people who intend to apply for an LLM in the future - of which I am one. I just don't understand why you felt the fact that I'm not applying right at this moment precluded me from asking my questions here rather than to an Admissions Office. But thanks anyway for your time!

Best regards,

Nina

It is my understanding that this site is used primarily by prospective LLM candidates. As such, you would be better off taking this question to the Admissions Offices of the universities you cited. They will not be able to respond to such a detailed profile but you may be able to pose the question of how they might deal with lower LLB grades where a candidate has studied in a non-native language. Likely, they will respond that if you believe you have a strong profile and are capable of completing the course, apply and see what happens. And, of course neither you nor the Admission Office can be sure of the competition in any given application cycle. Likely they will also advise you that the application does allow you to furnish them with any additional information that you think is necessary. Supplementals are by no means required but can be used for explanations such as these.