Gavin Howe
If you're considering starting law school, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's beneficial to start preparing early, which includes maintaining good grades, building relationships with professors for strong recommendation letters, and preparing for the LSAT. Many students opt to take a gap year before law school to boost their GPA, gain work experience, or explore other interests. Law schools typically open applications by September, with early decision deadlines as early as November. It's essential to carefully review the requirements and application details for your target schools and submit applications early in the cycle, ideally by October or November.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start preparing for law school | Early, ideally during college years |
| When to take the LSAT | The summer before senior year |
| How long to prepare for the LSAT | At least four months |
| When to submit applications | Ideally by October or November |
| When to start law school | It's sometimes a good idea to wait and gain work experience first |
| When to apply for an accelerated B.A./J.D. program | If you plan to stay at the same university for law school |
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What You'll Learn
Application timelines
It is important to start the application process early, as the LSAT and law school application process can be dispiriting. It is recommended that you start by doing some preliminary research and reflecting on the costs and benefits of law school and whether it will help you achieve your goals.
If you are in college, focus on performing well in the spring semester to boost your GPA and secure good recommendation letters. You should also consider lining up summer plans that will shine on your resume. Most applicants take the LSAT, but the GRE or GMAT may make sense for some individuals. It is a good idea to set aside at least four months for part-time LSAT study, as it takes time to master the basic techniques before using focused, methodical practice to master the test.
Most law schools open their applications by September, so it is a good idea to start working on your application over the summer. This includes compiling a list of requirements for each target school and working on your personal statement. You should also email potential recommenders and give them a month, or at least a few weeks, to submit their letters. Be sure to carefully read the application, as short-answer questions and supplemental essay prompts may change year to year.
It is recommended that you submit your applications early in the cycle, ideally by October or November, whether or not you decide to apply for an early decision. However, it is sometimes a good idea to take a gap year before starting law school to boost your GPA, build your resume, and gain perspective on your career path. Many law schools prefer applicants with work experience, so taking some time to gain professional experience or pursue another interest before starting law school can be beneficial.
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Standardised tests
Preparing for the LSAT can be challenging, and it is recommended to set aside at least four months for part-time study. Test-takers often prepare during the summer before their senior year to balance schoolwork and LSAT prep effectively. This preparation period allows individuals to experiment with different study methods, master basic techniques, and engage in focused, methodical practice to improve their chances of achieving a desirable score.
The LSAT plays a significant role in shaping your law school application strategy. After receiving your LSAT score, you can put together a target list of law schools that match your scores and grades. This list typically includes a mix of safety schools, reaches, and midrange schools that offer a balance between decent odds and aspirational goals.
While the LSAT is a crucial standardised test for law school admissions, it is not the only factor considered. Law schools also value strong letters of recommendation, well-crafted personal statements, and impressive resumes that showcase leadership, community service, and relevant work experience. These additional components provide a more holistic evaluation of your candidacy, supplementing the standardised test scores that demonstrate your academic proficiency.
In certain cases, individuals may consider alternative paths to law school that bypass standardised tests. Some universities offer accelerated B.A./J.D. programs, allowing students to earn both degrees within six years, potentially eliminating the need for the LSAT or GRE. Additionally, junior deferral programs, such as those offered by Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School, provide opportunities for students seeking time after college to pursue other interests before commencing law school.
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Work experience
There is no set list of jobs that you should include on your resume. Applicants from diverse backgrounds can still be outstanding candidates if they can describe their work experience well. Your resume should include all your work experience, including jobs before or during college, summer internships, and campus jobs like teaching or research assistance. You can also include seasonal or service jobs, such as camp counselling, lifeguarding, retail, and hospitality. These jobs can showcase your ability to work with challenging clients and meet strict deadlines.
If you have not been in the workforce for long, be sure to highlight any experience you do have. You can also include volunteer work and community service, which is highly valued by law schools. If you have any long gaps in your resume, consider including a addendum to provide explanatory context for the admissions committee.
Remember, the quality of your work experience is more important than the quantity. Focus on specific examples of meaningful experiences that demonstrate qualities valued by law schools, such as diligence, leadership, and courage.
Finally, don't worry if your work experience is unrelated to the legal field. Spending time in a non-legal environment can give you a different perspective and make you a more attractive candidate. The key is to effectively communicate your experiences and showcase how they have helped you develop valuable skills for a career in law.
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Recommendation letters
Choose your recommenders wisely:
Select professors who have taught you in class and/or worked with you outside of class. These individuals should know you well enough to speak to your strengths and potential for success in law school. Aim for at least one or two professors who can attest to your academic performance and engagement.
Build relationships:
Don't wait until the last minute to approach your potential recommenders. Start building relationships with them early on. Offer research assistance, attend their office hours, and actively participate in their seminars or smaller classes. This way, they will have a more comprehensive understanding of your capabilities and dedication.
Provide clear instructions:
When requesting recommendation letters, give your recommenders clear instructions and a reasonable timeframe. Offer them a list of "talking points" or positives about you that may not be apparent from your resume or transcripts. Remind them of the courses you took with them, including the semester and year, so they can speak directly to your performance and growth.
Maintain open communication:
Keep the lines of communication open with your recommenders. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification. After they have submitted their letters, express your gratitude and keep them updated on your law school application process.
Handle any challenges gracefully:
If one of your chosen recommenders declines or is unable to write a strong letter for you, handle the situation professionally and respectfully. Thank them for their time and consider approaching another professor or mentor who can provide a more positive evaluation.
Remember, while recommendation letters are important, they are just one aspect of your law school application. Focus on maintaining strong grades, crafting a compelling personal statement, and building a well-rounded resume that showcases your leadership, community service, and relevant work or internship experiences.
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Personal statements
The personal statement is a crucial part of your application to law school. It is the third most important factor affecting the success of your law school admissions cycle, after your LSAT score and GPA. A strong personal statement can push you beyond your scores and into the top programs, giving you a shot at a top-notch education.
Your personal statement is a chance to demonstrate that you are a rigorous, clear, and analytical thinker, as well as a strong writer. It is an opportunity to showcase your passion, creativity, and context for your application. It is important to be direct and less poetic in your writing. You should also demonstrate that you have done your research on the program and that you and the law school fit together in values and focus. This paragraph should be tailored to each school you are applying to.
When writing your personal statement, it is important to start early so that you have plenty of time to revise, reflect, and get feedback. You can begin by sketching out ideas and drafting your essay over the summer before applying. It is recommended that you wait to write your personal statement until you have already taken the LSAT.
- Focus on your undergraduate degree and work experience. Many law schools increasingly prefer applicants with work experience.
- If you are still in college, focus on performing well in the spring semester to boost your GPA and secure good recommendation letters.
- If you are staying at the same university for law school, see if your school offers an accelerated B.A./J.D. program, which can save you time and tuition.
- If you are a junior, start preparing for the LSAT and building relationships with professors who can write strong recommendation letters.
- Consider taking a gap year before law school to boost your GPA, build your resume, and gain perspective on your career path.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start preparing early. You should focus on getting good grades and building relationships with professors who can write strong recommendation letters. You should also start preparing for the LSAT, which most applicants take, although some take the GRE or GMAT.
It is recommended to submit your application early in the cycle, ideally by October or November. Most law schools open their applications by September.
Your application should include a personal statement, a resume, and letters of recommendation. It is also important to carefully read the application, as short-answer questions and supplemental essay prompts may change year to year.
In addition to strong academics, law schools look for well-rounded applicants with leadership experience, community or public service involvement, and work or internship experience in law offices or courts.
It depends on your personal circumstances and goals. While many students aim to start law school immediately after graduating, it is sometimes beneficial to take time off to gain work experience or pursue other interests.
