Law school can be an arduous journey that demands excellent grades, an engaging personal statement and letters of recommendation from educators and alumni of your desired schools. Finding one that best matches you is key.
But how do you select an ideal law school? The strategy for finding one is similar to that used for undergraduate study: research schools, obtain high GPAs and do well on the LSAT exam.
1. Research the schools you’re interested in
Researching schools is the best way to identify those that best suit you – going beyond traditional criteria such as reach, safety and match/target (though these still apply).
Consider factors like the student body size (which will have an impactful influence on classroom interactions, professor accessibility and opportunities available to students), reputation in your field (for instance Michigan sends graduates into NYC Big Law while Cornell sends its own to PI) as well as any specialization programs the school may provide – these will all play an integral part of making your choice.
Send requests for letters of recommendation from people who know and can vouch for your abilities, particularly if they’ve worked with you professionally.
2. Get a good GPA
An undergraduate GPA is of great significance when applying to law schools, so make sure that you choose a major that will allow you to excel academically. Majors such as philosophy or history could help develop more well-rounded students who will stand out when applying.
If your GPA falls short of what you would like it to be, try to explain why without making excuses in your addendum. For example, if you had a challenging first year but your grades improved thereafter, consider sharing how your work ethic has transformed over time.
3. Get a good LSAT score
Score well on the LSAT is crucial to your law school application process. While achieving a perfect 180 score (meaning all questions answered correctly) may be impossible, most top-ranked law schools accept applicants with scores between 160-170 on this exam.
Take heart from low scores; use them as motivation to study harder and take the test again. In addition, don’t forget to dedicate sufficient time and energy into crafting a strong personal statement and seeking letters of recommendation from professors – starting the law school application process around the fall of your junior year is ideal to ensure sufficient preparation time as well as application submission.
4. Get a good personal statement
Be sure that your personal statement is an effective one. This essay allows you to tell a compelling tale and demonstrate why law school and becoming a lawyer are right choices for you.
Do not simply relate an interesting event or experience – show how it affected you and how this changed you! Doing this will captivate admissions committees more than simply boasting about your qualities, such as being an outstanding leader or possessing strong character traits.
Plan and complete your applications carefully and methodically, taking the time to review and edit each step as you go. Also register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service so that they can distribute your transcripts, LSAT score and letters of recommendation directly to multiple schools for you.
5. Get a good letter of recommendation
An impressive letter of recommendation can give your application the edge it needs for admission at a competitive school. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak about your abilities and character.
Law school life differs significantly from undergraduate life, in that its students tend to be much more mature and career-minded. To maximize your chances of acceptance into your first choice school, be sure to have at least two backup plans in mind in case your first choice does not admit you.
Cost and selectivity should also be key considerations. When researching schools, make sure to compare tuition rates as well as financial aid options available.
6. Get involved in extracurricular activities
Unfortunately, there’s no perfect extracurricular activity that will win over law school admissions committees, but by strategically selecting your activities with committee members in mind and developing their qualities you may create characteristics they admire and seek in you.
Student government is an excellent way to demonstrate leadership capabilities; law reviews or journals can teach research methods; dispute resolution teams show your dedication to public service – but be wary not overcommitting; make sure your work/life balance remains healthy!
7. Get a good summer internship
While many students believe getting into law school hinges solely on LSAT scores and GPA, schools today look at applicants from an holistic viewpoint when making admission decisions. Extracurricular activities, undergraduate/graduate student groups, summer internships and professional experience all play an integral part of law school applications.
An effective personal statement can set you apart from other applicants and letters of recommendation from professors or advisers are usually required for applications.
Make sure your family and friends know of your plans to attend law school, as this journey will impact every aspect of your life and they should offer their support in your efforts.