Help me decide what I can't decide.

[halicarnassus]

Hello all,

I am a Third Year Undergraduate student at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario Canada. Due to events that happened in first year my CGPA currently sits at 3.3/4.3. this is dreadful.

I wonder each and everyday what my future will hold in terms of life after undergrad. I have strong interests in the following fields - Latin American democracy, Public Policy (Education), and Law (of course). 

I've contemplated the following programs, and am trying to prepare myself for applications very early (only Canadian schools).

This is what I've come up with

 

SPPG - U of T MPP

Mcgill - MA in Political Science

University of Calgary- MPP

 

But, I have my real sights set on law school. Realistically, I know I can't get in anywhere unless I can crack the LSAT at a high 160, low 170. With that said, I'm aiming for Calgary, Manitoba, Alberta.

 

I really don't know what to do. I wouldn't mind going the MPP route, or trying my hand at an MA first. At this point in time, I believe my CGPA Is what kills me, and I won't be able to get in anywhere.

 

What would you do? What would you pursue? Is it worth writing my GREs to keep my options wide open (if I change and try to apply south of the border)

Is it wasteful to even attempt law school? Should I be focusing on attempting to get in to an MA raise my marks a bit then hit law school? I really don't know what to do.

[juilletmercredi]

A 3.3 is not "dreadful."  I had a 3.4 and I'm in a top 10 program in my field.  It is a bit low for law (at least in the US - not sure about Canadian schools) but for MPPs it's fine.  MPPs look for solid academic performance AND demonstration of experience in the field, such as work experience or an internship or participation in student groups that do public policy related stuff.

 

Look, at present, you can't change your cumulative GPA.  The only thing you can do is press forward and use it.  I would say this year, apply widely - take the LSAT and get as high a score you possibly can, target a few of your favorite law schools, but also take the GRE and apply to MPP programs where you're competitive.  If you get into law school, fantastic, but if not, you can get the MPP and try again after you finish it, if you still desire.  Right now you can't be sure you'll be admitted, but if you don't apply, you definitely won't get in.