1. Should I apply to a particular law school even if my GPA and LSAT fall below that school's average?
A: Yes. You have very little to lose, and potentially a lot to gain. Although LSAT scores and UGPAs are very important, law schools take many other things into acount such as socioeconomic status and life experience. In addition, most schools that are legally able to give racial or ethnic preferences do so because they value diversity.
2. How many Law schools should I apply to?
A: Apply to as many schools as your budget permits. A good number is around 10, but do not be afraid to apply to more. However, do not apply to schools which you would never feasibly attend as you would be wasting their time as well as your own. Apply to a few safety schools, a few schools which you would probably get into, and a few reach schools.
3. What are the GPA and LSAT requirements for top Universities?
A: There are no GPA or LSAT requirments for "top" law schools. Schools such as Harvard Law School and Yale Law School have median LSAT scores at or above 172 (99th percentile). However, every year both institutions admit applicants with scores in the 150s (these are usually under represented minorities). This does not imply that you should count on your race to get you into your dream school. That would be lazy and could potentially drastically decrease your probabilty of admission. Every extra point on the LSAT and A you recieve will increase your probability of admission. Do whatever you can to maximize your chances, however, do not beat yourself up over what you percieve to be a low LSAT score or GPA, and do not let "low numbers" necessarily deter you from applying to particular schools.
