Hi there!

I'm currently thinking of applying for an LLM in the US for the 2019/2020 or 2020/2021 academic year. Unfortunately I've got little idea of the minimum academic standards required for admissions for most of the 'top' US institutions, as when I have enquired, they've been unable to give me a minimum entry requirements with regards to grades. I'd half counted myself out of the race as I didn't get a first class in my undergraduate degree, but I did a fair bit better than I'd expected in my final year. I was wondering whether anyone would be kind enough to offer any indication as to whether I'd stand a chance!

Here's a little bit of background about myself:

I've recently graduated from a top UK university, University College London (UCL) with a high upper second class honours degree in Law. I averaged 67% over my modules, and obtained a first-class mark in 3 out of 8 of my degree modules. I *think* this would equate to a GPA of around 3.5. I also spent a year studying Spanish Law in Madrid.

I've secured a training contract with the London office of a great mid-tier international law firm, which has an outstanding reputation for its Private Equity, Patent Litigation and IP & Technology practice. They are sponsoring me to do the Legal Practice Course (the professional qualification to practice in England and Wales) which I am currently studying for. After this, I'll spend 2 years in the firm, specialising in four different areas, at the end of which I will be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.

My Pro Bono/public legal outreach is quite extensive, and I have recently completed a Summer Fellowship with the Centre for Access to Justice at UCL. I've got a fair bit of legal work experience, but this has all been based in the United Kingdom.

I would love to pursue an LLM focusing in on either Technology and Law (with an emphasis on biosciences) or Employment Law and Human Rights, or Environmental Law. I know that seems a bit all over the shop, but my interests are quite wide and I think further study any of these areas would be useful for my professional, as well as my intellectual, development.

Ideally, I would apply to places like Berkeley, UCLA, Columbia, NYU and Stanford. Within the UK, I'd be looking at the London School of Economics and Political Science and UCL, whose academic entry standards I know I will meet. But before I go ahead, it would be great to know if I'm punching well above my weight here with the US institutions!

Any replies greatly appreciated - thank you!

Hi MuDi,

It sounds like you have a great range of experiences and grades. As for your concerns, a high 2:1 should put you in a very good position for most of the schools you named. This, coupled with your pro-bono work and experiences, should make you a great LLM candidate, therefore I wouldn't worry too much about the first, and would apply to as many schools as you can.

That being said, Top-rated American schools like to see grades of course, but they also like to see personal development, diversity, experiences... that I think require you to talk a lot more about you as a person as well (at least compared to most UK schools where grades seem to be more important in comparison). No matter, I would suggest to show you have clear passions and clear cut interests when you apply as to what you hope to get out of the specific school's program and what you can bring to them. Don't worry about your grades, I guarantee you they are very much in the range of other competitive applicants.

Some background: I graduated last year from a UK University with a 2:1 and am currently doing my LLM at Georgetown. Hope this helps, and best of luck!!