HELP!

Hi everyone,

I graduated undergrad this past December and trying to figure out how realistic law school is for me, so I’d really appreciate honest (not sugarcoated) feedback.

I’m finishing with about a 2.8 GPA. My transcript isn’t clean. I took a leave of absence during undergrad for personal reasons, then came back and finished strong with multiple A-heavy semesters, but the early damage stuck. I’m a double major in English and History, so my strengths are reading, writing, and close analysis, but obviously the GPA is what it is.

Because of that, I know the LSAT has to carry a lot of weight. I’m planning to start studying seriously in January and I’m aiming high — ideally a 170, or at least the high 160s. I’m not naïve about how hard that is, but I want to give myself the best shot possible.

A few things I’m trying to figure out:

Is a 170+ LSAT enough to make a 2.8 competitive at solid regional or mid-tier schools?

How do admissions committees typically view an LOA + upward trend?

Would taking a gap year to work in a law firm help meaningfully, or is it mostly about numbers?

Any advice on how to frame a GPA addendum without sounding excuse-heavy?

I’m not aiming for T14 or anything unrealistic I just want a real shot at law school and to be smart about my path forward.

If anyone here has been in a similar position (lower GPA, strong LSAT, non-linear undergrad), I’d really appreciate hearing how it worked out for you.

Thanks in advance.