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crnchycereal · 05-09-2008, 01:58 PM

I'll be frank with you. Despite the grade deflation at Williams (which, based on my own experience, I think is somewhat over-stated), it probably won't give you a huge edge over someone that goes to a school with grade inflation. Law schools really care about the numbers they post--i.e. the median LSAT and GPAs they can report for their accepted/matriculating students. It's possible that AdComms will look upon a relatively weaker GPA from Williams with a little sympathy, but in most cases, my guess is it wouldn't push a candidate over the edge. On the other hand, though the numbers dictate perhaps 80%+ of the admissions decision, keep in mind that the LSAT trumps the GPA. This is precisely because schools have varying levels of difficulty and grade inflation, so the LSAT is a way for law schools to get an idea of how you stack up against other applicants.

However, I would STRONGLY urge you not to consider another school over Williams if you're concerned that you might come out with a weaker GPA vis-a-vis law schools. There are several reasons for this. First, it's very possible that you'll decide upon another career path other than law school during your four years in college. If that's the case, then Williams still leaves many doors open for you. Second, you should not view your undergraduate experience primarily as a way to gain admission to law school. Aside from the aforementioned reason that you may change your mind, you really should choose your undergrad based on which institution will give you the best education, opportunities, and environment for you. Don't compromise that for a goal so narrow as law school.

Note: in case you're wondering, I'm a current senior at Williams. Looking back, I don't regret my decision to come here one bit. In fact, it was probably the best thing I ever did. Classes ended today, I'll be done with final exams in a little under a week, and I'm heading to Harvard Law in the fall of 2009. Williams is a wonderful place to be if you want to be surrounded by natural beauty, extremely talented faculty, and some of the most interesting and intelligent students in the country.

05-09-2008, 01:58 PM	#23
crnchycereal Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 220	I'll be frank with you. Despite the grade deflation at Williams (which, based on my own experience, I think is somewhat over-stated), it probably won't give you a huge edge over someone that goes to a school with grade inflation. Law schools really care about the numbers they post--i.e. the median LSAT and GPAs they can report for their accepted/matriculating students. It's possible that AdComms will look upon a relatively weaker GPA from Williams with a little sympathy, but in most cases, my guess is it wouldn't push a candidate over the edge. On the other hand, though the numbers dictate perhaps 80%+ of the admissions decision, keep in mind that the LSAT trumps the GPA. This is precisely because schools have varying levels of difficulty and grade inflation, so the LSAT is a way for law schools to get an idea of how you stack up against other applicants. However, I would STRONGLY urge you not to consider another school over Williams if you're concerned that you might come out with a weaker GPA vis-a-vis law schools. There are several reasons for this. First, it's very possible that you'll decide upon another career path other than law school during your four years in college. If that's the case, then Williams still leaves many doors open for you. Second, you should not view your undergraduate experience primarily as a way to gain admission to law school. Aside from the aforementioned reason that you may change your mind, you really should choose your undergrad based on which institution will give you the best education, opportunities, and environment for you. Don't compromise that for a goal so narrow as law school. Note: in case you're wondering, I'm a current senior at Williams. Looking back, I don't regret my decision to come here one bit. In fact, it was probably the best thing I ever did. Classes ended today, I'll be done with final exams in a little under a week, and I'm heading to Harvard Law in the fall of 2009. Williams is a wonderful place to be if you want to be surrounded by natural beauty, extremely talented faculty, and some of the most interesting and intelligent students in the country.