If you’re set on attending law school, make the effort early. Doing so allows for in-depth research of potential schools and ensures your applications are complete.
Search schools using various resources, including law school websites, ABA reports, student reviews and forums as well as guidebooks. Attend law school admissions fairs or forums as well as speaking to pre-law advisers at your undergrad institution for more in-depth research.
Time of Year
Law schools typically operate what’s known as a rolling admissions cycle, meaning applications will remain open from early fall (usually late August to September) through to spring when schools email acceptance decisions to applicants.
Early applications increase your odds of acceptance and receiving scholarships, particularly merit-based ones. Furthermore, make the most of any free time before applying by carefully filling out applications with care, revising personal statements multiple times over and cultivating strong relationships with professors who can write strong letters of recommendation for you.
If you are applying after having worked for only a short while after college, schools tend to prefer profiles with at least some post-college professional experience as this shows maturity, professionalism, and direction – and helps create an eclectic class. Furthermore, by now you should likely have more career traction and might even see promotion!
GPA
GPA is an integral part of law school admissions; along with LSAT scores, law schools will primarily consider GPA when reviewing applications.
However, having a high GPA alone may not guarantee entry to the law school of your dreams. Prestigious firms typically prefer students with higher GPAs; however, you still have plenty of opportunities to differentiate yourself and stand out.
LSAC GPAs are used by law schools as a standard way of comparing students fairly. This calculation differs from your undergraduate institution’s cumulative GPA calculation; factors like study abroad, transfer credits and repeat courses could impact its calculation.
No matter if your GPA falls below or above the median for your law school’s class, you can still stand out through a powerful personal statement and extracurricular activities. Showing off strong writing abilities and being able to think critically will allow you to tell an enticing narrative beyond grades; making you distinct among applicants with similar GPAs and LSAT scores.
LSAT
The LSAT is the only standardized exam designed specifically to assess law school admission. It assesses crucial legal school skills like analytical reasoning and reading comprehension; an unscored experimental section; and a 50-minute, remotely proctored writing exam administered nine times annually by LSAC at various locations around the country.
The LSAC website provides a list of forthcoming administration dates. Students should plan to take the LSAT at a time and place that suits their schedule and allows for adequate preparation. Many take it at the start of their final undergraduate year to start law school courses with both high GPAs and LSAT scores under their belts.
Preparation is key to scoring well on the LSAT exam, and students should set aside at least several months for studying before sitting the test. Health Professions & Prelaw Advising offers numerous free practice tests that can help students become acquainted with its format.
Letters of Recommendation
Law schools require letters of recommendation from professors or employers in order to assess an applicant’s strengths, abilities and potential as a legal scholar. A strong letter can play an essential role in your application package and may help compensate for weaknesses elsewhere in your application process.
Choose recommenders who can write objectively and in depth about you; family and close friends often do not suffice, nor a letter from a local judge or attorney with minimal knowledge about you.
Make sure your recommenders understand the significance of writing strong letters, as their recommendation will be sent directly to LSAC for processing. Submit their requests at least three months ahead of each school’s deadlines and request multiple letters if possible; also provide all relevant materials (LOR Form and any necessary FERPA releases) necessary for them to complete them successfully.