Applying To Law School: A Comprehensive Guide

Applying to law school can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some steps to follow when setting off on your application journey. First, research many law schools and consider factors such as location, cost of attendance, and prestige. Organize your list of schools based on admissions statistics, including acceptance rates, average GPA, and average LSAT scores. Next, register and prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardized test that evaluates your aptitude for legal reasoning. Write a compelling personal statement that showcases your unique background, interests, and goals. Request letters of recommendation from professors and supervisors with whom you have built strong relationships. Stay on top of the admissions cycle and application deadlines, and begin the process at least six months in advance. Finally, carefully review and submit your applications, aiming for a balance between quality and quantity.

Research law schools

Researching law schools is an important step in the application process. It is beneficial to know what the admissions officers are looking for in a candidate. While grades and LSAT scores are important, they are not the only factors that are considered.

Law schools seek a diverse range of students with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and interests. They want to create a balanced class with students from different races, ethnicities, sexual and gender identities, ages, military services, socioeconomic statuses, disability statuses, personal beliefs, and academic interests. Admissions officers will consider your overall grade point average and look for any inconsistencies or trends of improvement. They will also look at the classes you have taken and the difficulty and workload of those courses.

Work and volunteer experience are also important factors. Law schools value applicants who have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, commitment to long-term goals, and community impact. If you have work experience in a legal setting, such as a paralegal or legal assistant position, this can strengthen your application.

Another important aspect is your motivation and goals. Law schools want to see a strong interest in and commitment to the legal profession. They will evaluate your personal statements, essays, and interview responses to understand your career goals and reasons for applying.

Additionally, strong writing skills are crucial. The legal profession heavily involves research and writing, so conducting original research and writing an honours thesis can set you apart.

Remember to start your research early and devote significant time and effort to the process. Each law school has its own unique characteristics, so be sure to do your homework and sincerely explain your interest in the schools you are applying to.

Prepare for the LSAT

Preparing for the LSAT is essential for success. The test covers reading comprehension, reasoning, and writing—skills that are necessary for your first year of law school. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the LSAT:

Familiarize Yourself with the Test

Get to know the types of questions on the LSAT. Start by visiting LSAC.org since they are the test creators. Review the sample questions with explanations to understand the different question types. Knowing what to expect on the test will help you feel more confident and improve your performance.

Take Timed Practice Exams

Free practice exams are available from LSAC and Khan Academy. Taking a practice exam before you start preparing will help you establish a baseline score and identify areas for improvement. Continue taking timed practice tests throughout your studies to track your progress and identify areas that need further attention.

Develop a Study Plan

Reflect on your learning style and create a study plan that suits your needs. Consider whether you learn best through self-study, hearing information, reading, writing, or a combination of these methods. Strong time management skills and the ability to learn through reading and practice are crucial for effective preparation.

Utilize Official LSAT Preparation Materials

LSAC offers a variety of official LSAT preparation books and eBooks that include real test questions, explanations, and valuable advice. You can also access official LSAT practice tests and tutorial videos through your LawHub account. These resources will help you become familiar with the test interface and improve your performance.

Join or Create an LSAT Study Group

Consider collaborating with other students preparing for the LSAT. Reviewing questions and exchanging ideas with peers can provide a different perspective and enhance your understanding of the material.

Seek Additional Preparation Options

If you prefer structured guidance, consider enrolling in a commercial LSAT preparation course. Research various courses and choose one that aligns with your learning style and budget. Ensure that the course provider licenses official LSAT content to guarantee the quality and relevance of the material.

Write a personal statement

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of your law school application. It is an opportunity to highlight your writing ability, your personality, and your experience. Think of it as a written interview where you get to choose the question.

• Discuss possible topics with an advisor: Before you start writing, it can be helpful to talk through some ideas with a pre-law advisor or someone else who knows you well. They can provide valuable feedback and help you narrow down your topic.
• Choose a narrow and specific topic: Focus on a concrete experience and the impact it has had on you. Avoid generalities and cliches, such as "I want to save the world" or "my study abroad experience transformed me." Instead, be unique and highlight your individuality.
• Be yourself and write with authenticity: Do not try to be someone you are not or write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be honest, vulnerable, and share your authentic self. Show your passion, your interests, and what makes you unique.
• Grab the reader's attention from the first paragraph: The admissions committee will be reading many essays, so make sure your opening paragraph is engaging and memorable. Share a personal anecdote or story that hooks the reader and draws them into your essay.
• Write with energy and use vivid descriptions: Use the active voice and paint a picture with your words. Create visuals for the reader and make your essay memorable. Avoid legal jargon or complex language; instead, write in a clear and concise manner.
• Keep it brief and simple: A personal statement is typically around two to four double-spaced pages. Use simple language and choose your words carefully. Proofread your essay multiple times and ask others to review it for grammar and clarity.
• Include your background and unique experiences: If your ethnicity, family, religion, or socioeconomic background has influenced your decision to pursue law school, be sure to include it. This adds to the diversity of your application and helps the admissions committee get to know you better.
• Consider your audience: Most admissions evaluators are professors, law students, or admissions professionals. Tailor your essay to their perspective and show them why you would be an excellent addition to their law school community.
• Follow the application instructions: Read the application carefully and follow any specific instructions or prompts provided. Some schools may require you to address a specific question or topic, while others may give you more freedom to choose your own topic.
• Avoid legal role-playing or using legal jargon: Do not try to sound like a lawyer or judge in your essay. Stay away from legal concepts and jargon as you may risk misusing them or appearing pompous.
• Focus on yourself and your experiences: Do not make your essay a chronological life story or a restatement of your resume. Keep the focus on you and your unique perspective, even when discussing social issues or areas of the law. The goal is to educate the admissions committee about you, not the other way around.
• Be concise and well-organised: Remember basic writing skills and structure your essay logically. Present your ideas clearly and make sure your personal statement flows well.

Remember, the personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your writing skills, your personality, and your experiences. Be honest, authentic, and unique. By following these tips, you can write a compelling personal statement that helps your law school application stand out.

Request letters of recommendation

Requesting letters of recommendation is a crucial part of your law school application. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process:

Identify Your Writers

Firstly, make a list of people who you believe would be happy to write you a strong and enthusiastic recommendation letter. While you can send the same letter to multiple schools, you can also ask your recommenders to write a targeted letter for a specific school. For instance, if you're applying to NYU Law and your recommender is an NYU Law graduate, you could ask them to write a tailored letter for that school.

Pick the Right Time to Ask

Give your recommenders ample time to write your letters by asking at least two months before your application deadline or your desired submission date. The fall of your senior year is an excellent time to request a law school recommendation letter.

Meet with Your Recommenders

While you can connect with potential recommenders via email, meeting in person allows you to gauge their enthusiasm for writing your letter. If they seem reluctant, you may want to consider asking someone else. During the meeting, share your motivations for attending law school and your future aspirations.

Offer Supporting Information

Prepare a package for each of your evaluators that includes:

• Your contact information
• A list of schools you plan to apply to
• Recommendation forms
• Your unofficial transcript
• A draft of your law school personal statement
• A summary of any significant projects, publications, etc.

Additionally, include a note specifying anything you want to be emphasised in the letter. For example, if you want the letter to highlight your research experience, make sure to communicate that to your recommender.

Fill Out Information and Formally Request Letters

If you're using the LSAC's Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Service, input your recommender's name and contact information to submit a formal request. They will then receive an email with instructions on submitting their recommendation. If they prefer, they can also submit paper letters.

Say Thank You

Don't forget to express your gratitude! You can include a thank-you note with your package, but it's also important to say thank you in person if your recommender accepts your request. Remember, they are under no obligation to provide you with an evaluation, and they genuinely want to see you succeed.

Keep on top of the admissions cycle

Keeping on Top of the Admissions Cycle

The law school application process can be long and challenging, so it's important to stay on top of the admissions cycle to maximise your chances of success. Here are some key tips to help you stay organised and ensure you're submitting your applications at the right time:

• Start early: It's important to give yourself plenty of time when applying to law school. The process can be time-consuming and complex, so starting early will reduce headaches and hard decisions down the line. Aim to begin the process around a year and a half before your intended start term. This will give you ample time to gather all the necessary materials and work on your applications.
• Research and plan: Familiarise yourself with the admissions cycle and create a timeline or checklist to ensure you're on track. Research the specific requirements and deadlines for each school you're applying to, as these may vary. Make a note of important dates, such as test dates, application openings, and deadlines.
• Stay organised: Create a system to keep track of all your application materials, deadlines, and requirements. This might include creating a spreadsheet, using a planner, or setting reminders. Staying organised will help you stay on top of multiple applications and ensure you don't miss any important dates.
• Prepare for the LSAT: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial component of your law school application. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the exam, as it can be challenging. Aim to start preparing at least three to six months in advance, using practice tests and prep courses. You may consider taking the LSAT in June, as this gives you the opportunity to retest if needed before submitting your applications.
• Register with CAS: Sign up for the Law School Admissions Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS). CAS acts as a central hub for your transcripts, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation. Most law schools require you to use CAS, and it simplifies the process of sending your materials to multiple schools.
• Work on your application materials: Alongside test preparation, dedicate time to crafting your personal statement, essays, and resume. These are essential components of your application and can take time to perfect. Ask for feedback from trusted sources and be prepared to go through multiple drafts.
• Request letters of recommendation: Start thinking about who you will ask for letters of recommendation and approach them in advance. It's common courtesy to give recommenders at least one month to write a letter, so don't leave this to the last minute.
• Submit early: Many law schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, which means they evaluate applications as they come in. Submitting your application early in the cycle can increase your chances of acceptance and give you more time to negotiate financial aid. Aim to submit all your applications by late November or early December, if not earlier.

Remember, staying on top of the admissions cycle is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful law school application process. Start early, stay organised, and don't be afraid to seek guidance if needed.

Frequently asked questions