Hi all,
I am facing a dilemma. I have a B+ average from a good law school, am the managing editor for my law review, and have law and non-law related publications. Should I bother applying to the top-10 LLM programs in the US, or will my GPA hold me back?
Thanks!

What is your class ranking for each year. That is the most important measure of academic ability, not the 'raw' grades, which vary hugely betyween schools.
If you are in the top 10 percent, I'd say you have a pretty good chance of getting into a top 10 US school in light of your other credentials (especially if you have good undergrad grades and some relevant work exoperience, neither of which you mentioned). If you are in the top 5 percent, I'd say you have a virtual certainty of getting in to almost any top ten US LLM, given the rest of your credentials.

Hi equity's darling,
Thanks for your insight. I also have a master's degree and some work experience. I don't think I am in the top 10% unfortunately. One year, my marks were just awful, the other year I was in the top 15% and hopefully this year I'll be in the top 10%. Overall, I'll see when I graduate this year. I guess I am wondering if I should even bother applying, or maybe focus my energies on other top, but non-top 10 schools, like UCLA, Vanderbilt or Georgetown. Do you think I would even have a shot at these schools?
Thanks! And I read you were accepted into Cambridge, right? Congrats!

Yes, apply. You never know, and you don't want to regret it. Also, having a masters already is a big plus I would think.
Also, I think that the schools look at each year indicidually to some degree, meaning you could be ranked, say, 25 overall for the degree, but if you finish well inside the top ten in third year, but had a mediocre year before and a weak one in first year, that is quite different that just coming 25th all thtree years.
Schools look for indicia of excellence, so if you have a very strong final year, I;m sure that will count for something. Similarly, if you have some prizes, and some A's, that looks good too.
From professors I've talked to, graduate schools are more impressed with a b+ average consisting of 5 A's and 5 B's, than they are with 10 B+'s. I suppose this point is related to the one above about evalkuating each year independently, in that both speak to the same underlying point: schools are looking for indicia of excellence.

Thanks - I am re-invigorated to apply! It's hard sometimes when you realize, i.e. reading this board, just how amazing people are all over the world! I think law school breeds insecurity and comparison!
Cheers, LLMhopeful

LLMhopeful,

Please do apply to some top 10 law schools you like. It might be more difficult to get into the big 3, but I think you have decent chance for other schools given your credentials. I myself am now studying at a T14 LLM program, and my undergrad GPA is worse than yours. A lot of factors will be considered and evaluated. Your specialties, where you are from, and your english ability all matter! Be confident!

Thanks for your kind words! I am esp. interested in Georgetown or Berkeley. Would you recommend visiting these, and other, schools to show interest, e.g. taking a tour, meeting with admissions?

I have a B+ average from a good law school, am the managing editor for my law review, and have law and non-law related publications.

Hi Equity's Darling,

I wish, I had someone advise like you. I had topped my University in India and had 8 years, experience working for a reputed MNC in India.

However, I ended up doing my LL.M from SMU, without realising, that getting a job without graduating from top 10 law schools, would be extremely difficult.

Are you sure you could get automatically admitted, if you are in the top 5% ?
Your advice could save heart burns for prospective toppers

@llmhopeful,

I would say apply.. top schools just don't look at academics.. they want a well rounded profile.. that could include sports,internships, work ex, published articles,a great sop,ur resume.. basically ur entire application package counts.. .. if u can write a great sop.. nothin like it...

This board is so wonderful - thank you to all for all your support! I hope I run into some of you "when" I get in albeit we'd never know...!!!