Even though I went to one of the worst law schools in the country (California Western), I scored in the 99% on my LSAT and have an IQ of 150 (1 in 300).  I know I'm smarter than most attorneys regardless of school, and better at the profession, but it seems I'l always be pigeon-holed and turned away because of my school.
199985
You sound smart, you must have done well in Law School.  If your ranking is top 10-20%, which it should be with such a high IQ, you'll be fine.
139763
It depends on what you call intelligence, and the environmental influences involved. If you have taken the tests before, you are more likely to do better--this doesnt necessarily mean you have gotten smarter. Also, a person might score really well on the test, but the test doesnt measure common sense or emotional maturity, which many could consider to be factors of intelligence also.
547226
I'm glad you asked that question.\n\nI went to university and studied economics. And then I took an aptitude test (the LSAT, as it then was) on a bet, and got a very high score. And even though my college grades weren't the greatest (they weren't bad, either) I got into the #3 law school (I applied to 3 only of the top 10 and got into them all). So I studied law even though I hadn't any particular interest.\n\nAnd I passed the bar first time, but the law still bored me so I spent 20 years seing the world and making babies.\n\nAnd then I went back to law school in another country for six years, and got 3 more law degrees. And in the country where I got those degrees, and in the funny language they speak there, they call me "Doctor". Which embarrasses me, because I still think the title belongs to a medical person, and my youngest daughter, of the many I have, is studying medicine in London. \n\nAnyway, to get back to the subject, people kept asking me questions about why they were caught up in the legal system, and I didn't want to be rude, and so I answered them.\n\nAnd that's how I got involved with the criminal justice system. Giving free, or relatively free, advice. But the practice of law is a business even more than it is an academic subject or a professional expertise; and I have no business sense and no wish to emulate the late Jimmie Cochrane.
196760
You will probably need a 3.9 and a 176 on the LSAT.  However, there are many great law schools with much more lenient requirements, where you get just as good of an education.  Visit http://www.LSAC.org - they have tons of information compiled about what law school takes what GPA/LSAT, and US News also compiles those stats and ranks schools.
440387
I would say one third of the students are smart. This is how admission to IV League schools is divided: Those with 4.0 GPA and perfect SAT scores, those that had relatives that went there, and those whose parents are going to make a big financial contribution to the school (they really like those because those schools are private).
243845
Sure. As long as your degree is from an accredited institution. Make sure you also have a high GPA and LSAT scores. Law school admissions is very numbers-oriented.
650851
If you can hack law school (and I always give Sabe fans the benefit of the doubt), chemistry can be quite a help to you.  For one thing, you'd be surprised how much more the study of science provides a person with the methodical thinking required in law school as opposed to the fuzzy thinking of many who have neglected such studies.  The field of patent law could have a lot of possibility for you: there is always a huge demand, and a person has to have a science degree to do an important part of the patent field.  (I don't want to swamp you with details.)  Basically, you would have a unique ability to describe chemical compounds or processes in the very particular language required to secure patents on them.  Don't rush into law school, though.  It can give some people a hard time, even if they're very smart.  You have to really want to do it to get through, do the bar exams, and keep up with the educational requirements that continue as long as you practice.  If you're up for it, though, your chemistry degree could serve you well.
483840
Take a close look at the rankings again.\n\nI want you to concentrate on three numbers:\n\nPercent with jobs at Graduation\nPercent with jobs nine months after graduation\nPercent who pass the Bar exam.\n\nFor a school like Stanford, the numbers are 99%, 99%. 92%\n\nFor a fourth tier school, the numbers are more like 37%, 43%, 58%\n\nWhat these numbers don't tell you are that the 99% from Stanford are all making six figures and the ones  with jobs from the fourth tier schools are making $30,000.\n\nNext time someone tells you that the rankings don't matter -- tell them these numbers.  The rankings are extremely important.\n\nMy advice to anyone going to school for any program is always the same:  Go to the best school that you can get into.
463254
I believe there are definitely two sides to this coin. We can show examples from both sides all day long. However, as it may not be a direct correlation there is one there. I myself am a high school dropout, but by making the right decisions in my career I have done well for myself and consistently earn 6 figures year after year. I must say it took me a lot longer then my associate who with a college degree and outstanding GPA got there a lot quicker. He is 10 years younger then me, I am 37. I do believe someone who works hard in school and carries a higher GPA has a much greater chance of success. It is recognized as dedication, motivation and this is something even I would be looking for in an employee.
601778
I believe California is the only state that allows persons to prepare for the Bar using alternatives to the traditional law school.  California allows for home study or correspondence courses (one of which is, I believe, on-line), and tutelage by a lawyer in a law office.  There are prescribed requirements for both.  The correspondence school must keep all papers, etc.  Both methods require the student to take and pass the California First Year Law Students Exam.  (Which is also required of students at non-ABA accredited law schools).\n\nBoth methods usually take a minimum of four years.\n\nThe Bar may have numbers of how many start the programs.  I can tell you that the number who finish and take the Bar is very very small,  maybe three or four correspondence students a year, and maybe one who went the apprentice route every five or six years.  The number who pass the Bar is nearly nil.  One correspondence student passes about every three or four years.  The rest just take the Bar over and over and over.\n\nEach state's reciprocity with any other state is based on individual laws passed by each state.  In general, however, most states will not grant reciprocity to an attorney who went to a non-ABA accredited law school (or didn't go to law school at all)
600495
Those tests don't necessarily mean you are smart. Some people freeze up when taking tests that really count, and some people cheat off of others to get those really high scores. I myself got a 28 on the ACT, and the reason I am as smart as I am is through hard work, the help of teachers, and the fact that my parents pushed me to succeed. And, did you mean literal?
203781
You should really concentrate on your LSAT score - try private tutoring.  You can get it through Kaplan.  Most schools have a minimum LSAT score that they require (although they will not say it themselves - once it gets to the admissions committee they will shove you into the "no" pile and not even look at your personal statement if your GPA and LSAT aren't good enough.)  So look at the 25-75th percentile ranges - try to apply to schools where you are in that range for a good chance to get in.  However, remember that 25% of students are still below that range.  There is also a feature on http://www.LSAC.org where you can input your GPA and LSAT and see how many students had those scores in the school you are looking at.\n\nThe best thing is for you to increase your LSAT score.  Did you already take it officially, or is that your practice score?  If it is official, some law schools automatically average the LSAT scores together, so it will really only help to take it again if you have a big increase.  But some schools will only take the higher score.  Make sure that you write in a statement with your application why your first score isn't representative of your true potential.\n\nDon't give up hope - if you work at increasing your score, it can pay off.  When I took Kaplan, I increased 9 points.  And you also are starting off lower, so it will be easier to inrease your grade.  You can focus more on the core concepts and it will pay off big.  Make sure you have a professional evaluate your strengths and weaknesses - at Kaplan they have a report based on practice LSAT tests that show you how you score on each concept.\n\nOnce you have maximized your score, you will really want to make yourself stand out in your personal statement. You can get admissions counseling to help you with this.  You may want to do some volunteer work to beef up your resume.  Focus on what makes you different - you have a masters degree, so that is already a strong point.  You should also try and volunteer in a public office (see if the district attorney or mayors office is looking for clerks - many schools have independent study programs where you can volunteer at these sorts of places, then suck up for a really good letter of reccomendation).  An admissions counselor could help you find out exactly what you are missing, and help you put together the perfect application.\n\nYou may also check with the career office at the school you currently attend - mine had a specialized pre-law counselor.  Good luck!!
610757
I always thought I was going to become a Dr. and had headed down that path of study. However  after taking a law class in high school (about age 16) I decided law was a profession I could enjoy and do well in. I am currently in 3rd year at law school and am still confident that I have chosen the right path.\nFor me I picked law because it was challenging, logical, allowed for debate/argument and mean in the long-run I can help people (hopefully).\nSorry if this is long-winded and not at all helpful.
347966
First, 10 points is a solid improvement, congratulations.\n\nSecond, keep in mind that transferring law schools is not like transferring from a community college to a 4-year school - few schools are willing to accept transfers, and the competition is even more fierce.\n\nFinally, keep in mind that upper-level schools look for LSAT scores above 151.\n\nWith all this in mind, you are better off preparing for the February exam. Since you are aiming for 160+, look into prep classes. Check out a free LSAT Sample Class at your local Kaplan center to pick up a few tricks and see what we have to offer.\n\ngood luck!
284181
A lot of people don't apply themseleves in high school and some people are just better test takers than others... many people arre smarter than you think.. every year someone that we least expected has a high score.... u must accept that life isn't fair and work harder next time...
119923
Most of practicing law is research, and very few lawyers are actually trial lawyers.  If that's what you want to do, it may take some time after you get out of law school to work your way up, gain experience, and get more involved at trials.  The type of person who succeeds in law school is someone who can reason, argue, write well and most of all likes it!!  If it's your passion go for it with all you've got, and you'll succeed.
375866
In order of importance, law schools care most about your LSAT scores, then your college GPA. Being a minority does not factor in - honestly, it's just a numbers game.\n\nTop tier law schools probably won't consider you unless you get your GPA above a 3.5 and have a GREAT LSAT score.\n\nLuckily, you have plenty of time to improve your grades, but take your junior and senior year very seriously because law schools really care about your grades.