How much does UG matter?

[Guest]

 I am currently a sophomore political science major at West Virginia University. I had a 3.5 Gpa while taking advanced mathematics and engineering classes (previously a mechanical engineering major) and am expecting a 4.0 this semester, but i wonder - does it matter?

Even if i test in the high 160s on the LSATS will schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and UVA even think about accepting me with such a low calibur undergrad? how much better do i have to do at WVU to really make myself stand out?

[Andrew]

I don't think the prestige of your undergraduate university matters much at all.  I'm sure the law schools give a little more weight to prestigious schools, but generally I think you actually get a better deal going to a less prestigious school because there's less competition (easier to get good grades).

I've noticed a very broad range of undergraduate institutions represented at my school (BU).  I'm pretty sure the schools aim for at least a little bit of UG diversity (evidenced by all those statements about how many different schools people come from).

Law schools should know that many people (most people?) don't choose a college for prestige.  In my opinion, UG prestige is a reflection of high school motivation - generally not that important to success in law school.

[guest]

wow, thats a relief. thanks for the reply.