Hey everyone,

I am interested in pursuing an LLM in a top US law school in the near future. My grades so are as follows: 63% first year, 65% 2nd year and finished with a high 2:1 in the last two years (the only years that count). I was a student at Trinity, Dublin, the best law school in Ireland. I had great extra currics, including journal editing experience, debating and also had an erasmus year at a top European university in third year. Also have had internships in the European Union and top Irish law firms. I am finishing up a year long internship with a top lobbying firm in Brussels this summer.

What are my chances in getting into a great school like NYU or maybe even Ivy League? Will my 1st and 2nd year grades hamper any chances I have?

I also was wondering if I was to pursue a masters in political science or government would my chances fare better? Maybe in a smaller top tier liberal arts college?

Many thanks for your help, it is much appreciated.

I personally think that you should aim high. While, as has been repeated multiple times on this forum, assessing chances of being admitted is entirely arbitrary on our side you do appear to be a solid applicant. I couple of quick points I would make:

1. I highly doubt the first years' grades (which are not bad per se) would be an impediment. In my experience, Schools look for progress in your studies so unless you have had any horrible mid-course flop which you would need to explain, improving year by year is if anything an asset;

2. Your internship/work experience is certainly valuable when applying to a US School. What I think you should do is make sure to emphasize on how these opportunities have helped you both academically and professionally in choosing the given field of interest and potential job upon graduation;

3. Unless you are interested in interdisciplinary study or academia I don't see any reason in going into a MA in social/political sciences and the like. I doubt it would make you more easily admissible and a masters degree is a serious and expensive ordeal: you don't want to waste your money on a degree that will not increase your chances of being marketable upon graduation - provided you want to practice law or enter the legal field;

4. You do not mention what you're interested in studying through your LLM so I cannot suggest any schools but like I said in my intro, I see no reason why you shouldn't aim high.

I hope this helps a bit!