I apologize for the length of the message (and the english errrors, studying to make better), but wanted to draw a profile in order to ask for your oppinion.

I´m an American citizen raised in Brazil (Latin parents). Brazil follows Civil Law tradition. The courses are as a rule, part time, morning or night. No Pre-Law or college, after secondary, if approved on admission tests, directly to law school, as a rule 5 years of instruction.

Negative points: I have a very low GPA (2.0 of 4.0), but has gotten good grades in various disciplines.. It took almost twice as long to complete the course (financial and health problems - depression, I stopped twice and reprove several studies disciplines). Evening course.

Strengths: During law school participated in internships in law offices and at the Public Defender. I was appointed by the Student Union to the Student Senate. Participated in a research project in international law (with scholarship), which resulted in the publication of an article in an international conference (theme: Mercosur).

Now I am in good health, but still in treatment (maybe my whole life). Completing a postgraduate degree in employment law by the State BAR. Expected GPA: 9.0/9.5 for 10.00 (not yet know which rank in relation to my class.) I am fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. 3 years as an attorney. Professionally, I worked seven months as a conciliator in court for the local Supreme Court (have been the 1st place in public selection for the role). After 7 months I chose to work in a law firm, and was selected for the state's biggest. I worked for 20 months, and now I am coordinating the employment law area of a small office.

I wonder if my profile, and overcoming the problems that hindered my performance in law school, can compensate my disastrous GPA or should I forget the dream of a good LLM in the U.S. and focus on other academic paths?? I would like to apply to Schools like Georgetown, with strong programs in international law. To which universities should I apply (ie, those who give more importance to the profile as a whole and not just the GPA)? I want to study international law to act in the area, either by U.S. government agencies, either through NGOs or teaching international law. What else can I do to improve my profile?

In advance, thank you for your attention, time and patience. Sincerely yours, my best wishes.

I read all of your post. If you can explain all these and your ideals perfectly in your personal statement, you have a great chance to be admitted to one of your target universities. I am sure of it. Just don't worry, focus on your essay. Include all you need to say. Don't worry about the length of it. US schools are -in my humble opinion and according to my experience- can become extremely flexible if you can explain yourself well.

I read all of your post. If you can explain all these and your ideals perfectly in your personal statement, you have a great chance to be admitted to one of your target universities. I am sure of it. Just don't worry, focus on your essay. Include all you need to say. Don't worry about the length of it. US schools are -in my humble opinion and according to my experience- can become extremely flexible if you can explain yourself well.

LLM admission standards at top US law schools are much more relaxed than for JD programs. I have been admitted to LLM programs at Penn and Berkeley even though I graduated with a JD from a tier 2 law school with a class rank in the bottom half half of the class. I would encourage you to apply. There may be something about you other than grades that will impress the admissions committee.

There is nothing americans like more than a history of people who keep fighting against extraordinary odds and manage to succeed at the end through sheer determination and hard work.

So, try to strengthen your CV with things that show that you are doing well in spite of initial mishaps and develop a story line where you show how you have managed to improve over time to the point where you will profit substantially from an LLM.

Remember, 100% of those who were admitted gave it a try and applied! ;)

Dear fellows,

thank you very much. I´ll continue my english studies and then apply to programs in Int. Law.

Best wishes.

Sincerely yours,

Gonzalo Salcedo