There’s a widespread belief that law school admissions depend solely on your GPA and LSAT score; while these factors certainly play a key role, other elements can make or break an application as well.
One of the most vital steps is gathering good letters of recommendation. In an ideal world, these should come from professors or others who have worked closely with you professionally.
1. Get a high GPA
An impressive GPA is necessary for success in law school admissions; however, students with lower GPAs can still find success by providing supporting materials like an engaging personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.
Consider enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program to increase your GPA and enhance your chances of law school admission. Many universities provide such courses during summertime or online; these can help demonstrate academic growth while increasing GPAs.
2. Take the LSAT
Law school is the dream of many young students, so taking the LSAT and being fully prepared for its difficult test is of critical importance.
Take the LSAT at least a year before applying to law school – this will give you plenty of time to prepare and retake the test, if needed.
Work on crafting an outstanding personal statement and application essays for law school. Avoid cliches by emphasizing your experience that led you into law school as well as why it matters to you personally.
3. Get good grades in high school
Earning good grades in high school is key to becoming a lawyer, and there are a range of resources to assist in staying organized and making smart study decisions. Setting SMART goals will also provide clear, measurable targets that are easy to track.
Many colleges and universities provide pre-law programs designed to prepare students for law school, such as teaching them critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
4. Get involved in extracurricular activities
Law school admissions committees place significant weight on grades and test scores when reviewing applications; however, extracurricular activities play a pivotal role as well. These could include academic clubs, competitive teams and cultural or language groups.
Learn from professors who can write you strong letters of recommendation. It is wise to start approaching these professors early so you can establish relationships.
5. Get good letters of recommendation
Students submitting comprehensive applications (which include both a strong resume and law school personal statement) have greater odds of acceptance into law school programs. A positive law school recommendation can assist this process, so it is wise to select recommenders wisely early.
Note that early decision applications limit your ability to negotiate higher merit-based scholarships; applying regular decision allows you to compare law schools’ offers before making your choice.
6. Start early
Those planning on enrolling in law school the fall after graduating should begin their preparation during their junior year, giving themselves enough time to take the LSAT, obtain outstanding letters of recommendation, and fine tune their application before applying.
Before applying early decision, applicants should carefully consider their selection of a school. Early decision applications are binding and require students to withdraw applications for other schools if accepted; as soon as one school accepts yours, all others are dropped automatically.
7. Apply to multiple schools
To maximize your chances of acceptance, apply to multiple schools. Furthermore, obtain strong letters of recommendation from professionals who know you in their professional capacities such as professors, supervisors or mentors.
Take your time in researching each law school; doing this will enable you to find one that matches your academic interests, career goals and learning style. Doing this early is especially crucial since many law schools use rolling admissions which may fill quickly.
8. Get a job
Many law students enter law school uncertain of their ultimate career goals; others discover them during their study of law. Others still have an idea in mind from day one.
Whatever your interests may be, ensure you gain real world experience using them through jobs or internships (or both!). Your career services counselor is an invaluable source of advice when searching for legal jobs; make sure you connect with them often during this search process.