How do I deal with the problem of a low undergraduate GPA?

"I have been out of school for three years now. I am considering applications to law school. My problem is that my GPA is very low compared to the GPAs demanded by my target law schools. I haven't taken the LSAT yet but I know this is something I want to do. What can I do to offset my low GPA? Do schools automatically reject you if your GPA is low? Should I attempt a second degree to raise my GPA?"

Here's how you deal with the problem of a low undergraduate GPA:

1. Get a brilliant LSAT score. Your goal should be to be beyond the 75th percentile of the LSAT scores of the enrolling students at your targeted law school. Do not, do not take the real LSAT until you have scored three points above this LSAT scoring goal--repeatedly--in timed practice tests. Don't give yourself a constrained, artificial timeline to master the LSAT. Take whatever time you need.

2. Craft a personal statement that blows them away. Strive to meet the Yale Law School standard of "subtle, complex and nuanced."

3. Present the most positive resume you can.

4. Prepare carefully selected recommenders with a copy of this personal statement and resume.

5. Consider earning a graduate degree, such as an MBA, or at least a program certificate, before law school, if your undergraduate grades are really troubling. While these grades won't count officially in the reporting of the grades of enrolling students seen in the data of LSAC and US News & World Report, they can demonstrate growth and new competence.

6. Consider a period of challenging law-related work before law school, so that a skilled attorney (or attorneys) can be in the position to be your informed recommender.

7. Apply early in the admissions cycle. This shows that you are organized and eager. Law school admission staffs tend to be a bit more generous early in the admissions cycle, when they have all their slots to fill.

For more information about strategies to deal with the challenge of law school admission, please see my website www.PrelawAdvisor.com.