Your GPA Isn’t Frozen: How to Boost Your LSAC GPA

Are you an undergraduate junior or senior with law school ambitions, but your GPA isn’t where you want it to be? Good news! It’s not too late to raise it.

While law schools consider only your undergraduate GPA, you aren’t limited to grades from your current university. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) counts every grade you earn from any accredited institution when they calculate your GPA.

You can strategically boost your GPA by taking courses at a college that offers A+ grades, which LSAC converts to 4.33 points. Many schools offer courses entirely online, making them easy to fit into your schedule.

Earning an A+ in even one or two extra classes can meaningfully raise your LSAC GPA. Think of it as a trade: a slightly heavier workload now for a better GPA and stronger scholarship chances later.

Your GPA is a scholarship lever. Pair a strong LSAC GPA with a competitive LSAT score, and you could be looking at full-ride offers. Ignore it, and you may be paying sticker price while your classmates go for free.

GPA Boost

Taking on a heavier courseload is worthwhile only if it has a clear, positive impact on your GPA. Your goal should be to choose courses where you can realistically earn strong grades while managing your existing academic and personal commitments. Before enrolling, consider these key factors (helpfully spelling out “PRELAW”):

• Price per credit hour
• Registration requirements
• Ease of the course 
• Length of the course
• Attendance type (virtual or in person)
• What you need beforehand (course prerequisites)

Each school below offers flexible and affordable programs that are well-suited for visiting students. Each also awards A+ grades, which LSAC calculates as 4.33 points, maximizing the potential impact of every credit earned. 

Kingsborough Community College (KCC)

Kingsborough Community College is a member of the CUNY Community College system, based in Brooklyn, NY. It offers the opportunity to take courses as a “non-degree” earning student. 

The Price Tag:

• For NY residents: $210 per credit
• For non-NY residents: $320 per credit
• $65 registration fee required before selecting courses

Who Can Enroll?

• Anyone can enroll as a Non-Degree student through their online portal.

When Do You Take Classes?

• Fall Semester: September–December
• Winter Semester: January–February
• Spring Semester: March–June
• Summer Semester: July–August

Registration is rolling. You can register up to 24 hours before a class begins, with late registration approved on a case-by-case basis for up to one week after classes start.

What Classes Can You Take?

Examples of fully online, asynchronous courses:

• JRL-3100  Basic Journalism
• SPE-2500  Small Group Communication
• THA-5000  Foundations in Theatre Arts

Send Your Transcript:

Request that your transcript be sent to your undergraduate institution through Parchment once grades are posted.

Bottom Line:

Kingsborough offers multiple sessions and a wide selection of online courses, giving you a strong opportunity to improve your GPA.

Foothill College

Foothill College is a member of the California Community College system and is based in Los Altos Hills, CA. They offer opportunities for students to take “non-degree” courses regardless of semester—perfect for a visiting student looking to boost their GPA.

The Price Tag:

• For CA residents: $31 per credit
• For Non-CA residents: $280 per credit

Who Can Enroll?

• Anyone can enroll as a Non-Degree student through their online portal.

When Do You Take Classes?

• Fall Quarter: September–December
• Winter Quarter: January–March
• Spring Quarter: April–June
• Summer Session: June–September

Registration is based on a priority system, which means that some applicants (like veterans and student athletes) may be able to register before the student body. Be sure to check out their website to determine which deadline applies to you.

What Classes Can You Take?

Examples of fully online, asynchronous courses:

• CNSL-72 Stress, Wellness & Coping
• COMM-2 Interpersonal communication
• BUSI-61 Investment  Fundamentals

Send Your Transcript:

Request that your transcript be sent to your undergraduate institution through Parchment once grades are posted.

Bottom Line:

Foothill College is an excellent option for year-round enrollment and flexible online learning.

Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College is a two-year institution in Nebraska that also offers opportunities for students to take single “non-degree” courses.

The Price Tag:

• In-state residents: $131 per credit
• Out-of-state residents: $174 per credit

Who Can Enroll?

• Anyone can enroll as a Non-Degree student through their online portal.

When Do You Take Classes?

• Fall Semester: August 18 – December 5
• Intersession: December 8 – January 7
• Spring Semester: January 12 – May 6
• Summer Term: May 11 – late July (end date varies by session) 

All students may register once registration opens, typically in early April for the Summer and Fall semesters.

What Classes Can You Take?

Examples of online, asynchronous courses:

• OFFT-1500 Microsoft Office Administrative Assistant
• AGRI-2870 Agricultural Law
• INFO-1010 Fundamentals of Information Technology

Send Your Transcript:

Transferring transcripts is simple and can be requested online with just a few clicks via Parchment.

Bottom Line:

Northeast Community College offers multiple sessions and a wide selection of online courses, giving you another strong opportunity to improve your GPA.

Know When to Drop

You can take additional classes until you’re blue in the face, but if they don’t boost your GPA, you’re wasting your time and money. Thus, you need to be keenly aware of each course’s add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines. If you miss those deadlines, you’ll remain enrolled and receive whatever final grade is earned. 

LSAC will include that grade when calculating your GPA. Always confirm each school’s academic calendar before registering.

Turn Grades Into Growth

If your transcript isn’t where you want it to be, you still have options. Programs like those above give you the chance to raise your GPA, save money through scholarships, and strengthen your law school applications.

Check out this spreadsheet for a list of schools that offer accredited undergraduate courses online at a modest cost.