Academic Record

Undergraduate Grade-Point Average (UGPA)

When considering your application, most law schools will look closely at your college grades. UGPA is often a strong indicator of how well candidates will perform in law school.

Course selection can also make a difference in admission evaluations. Difficult or advanced undergraduate courses are often evaluated in a more favorable light than easier or less advanced subjects.

Many law schools will consider your undergraduate-performance trend as well as your UGPA. Thus, they may discount a slow start in your undergraduate career if you performed exceptionally well in later school years. Similarly, they may view a strong start followed by a mediocre finish as an indication of less potential to succeed in law school.

When completing your applications, be sure to comment on any irregular grade trends in your academic record.

Admission Index

Some law schools use a formula to combine an LSAT score and UGPA into a single index number. A list of mathematical formulas enabling you to calculate your admission index for each law school is available under “Related Information” on the “Transcripts” page of your LSAC JD Account.

Note that not all law schools use index formulas, and those that do use them do not necessarily use them in the same way.

Graduate or Professional Study

Prior success or failure in other graduate or professional school work, including work completed at other law schools, may also be a factor in the admission committee's decision.

You must request transcripts from any graduate, law, medical, or professional institutions where you have completed coursework.