Applying To Harvard Law: Timing Your Application Perfectly

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, and the application process is highly competitive. The school offers unmatched opportunities to study law and related disciplines in a rigorous and collaborative environment. With a broad curriculum, an extensive network of distinguished alumni, and a diverse student body, Harvard Law School provides a unique experience to each of its students. The application process requires careful consideration of various factors, including eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the rolling admission process. Applicants must also decide whether to apply to the J.D. program or the graduate program, each of which has its own unique requirements and considerations.

Application process

Harvard Law School provides unmatched opportunities to study law and related disciplines in a rigorous and collaborative environment. The school's scope is measured in its unparalleled breadth and depth of courses and clinics, its wide array of research programs, its diverse student body, and its extensive network of distinguished alumni.

Harvard Law School's J.D. program is a three-year Juris Doctor program. The application cycle for the J.D. program typically opens in mid-September, with an early application deadline of December 1 and a final deadline in February of the following year. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early in the cycle to increase their chances of admission.

The application process for Harvard Law School is typically handled through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with LSAC and create an account to start building their application. The LSAT score, which is a requirement for the J.D. program, is valid for three years, and LSAC stores application information for up to five years.

Letters of recommendation are a critical part of the law school application process, with most law schools requiring at least two letters. It is recommended to have at least one academic recommender and, if applicable, a professional recommendation for those who have been out of school for several years. Applicants should provide their recommenders with relevant information, such as a resume and any papers or work accomplishments, to assist in writing strong letters.

The personal statement is considered the heart of the application. It should be a compelling narrative about the applicant's ambitions, why they want to become a lawyer, and why they will excel in the field. Applicants are advised to reflect on their conversations with friends, mentors, and advisors about their future plans for inspiration.

In addition to the LSAT score and personal statement, Harvard Law School considers various factors in the admissions process. These include work experience, which is preferred but not mandatory, and a broad college education with a showing of thorough learning in a field of the applicant's choice.

For applicants interested in the LL.M. or S.J.D. programs, Harvard Law School offers a separate Graduate Program application, with deadlines varying based on the specific program and semester of enrollment.

LSAT scores

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, and the application process is highly competitive. One of the key components of a successful application is a strong LSAT score. The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test that is used by law schools in the United States to assess the potential of an applicant. It is designed to evaluate the skills that are considered essential for success in law school, including reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.

Harvard Law School requires applicants to submit LSAT scores as part of their application process. While there is no official minimum LSAT score requirement, the school is highly selective and only accepts the top candidates. A good LSAT score is, therefore, crucial for applicants to stand out and increase their chances of admission.

The LSAT is typically taken by individuals who are interested in pursuing a law degree and is offered multiple times a year. It is recommended that applicants prepare thoroughly for the exam, as it covers a wide range of topics and can be challenging. The test consists of five 35-minute sections, four of which are scored, and an unscored variable section that is used to test new questions. The four scored sections include one reading comprehension section, one analytical reasoning section, and two logical reasoning sections. Each section is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with 120 being the lowest possible score and 180 being the highest.

Harvard Law School reviews applications holistically and considers various factors in addition to LSAT scores. However, a high LSAT score can significantly strengthen an application. According to a Harvard Law student mentor, applicants should not take the LSAT more than three times. While Harvard will see all scores, the admissions committee will only consider an applicant's highest score. Therefore, it is important for applicants to carefully plan their test attempts and ensure they are well-prepared to achieve their desired score.

In addition to a strong LSAT score, Harvard Law School looks for applicants with a well-rounded profile. This includes a strong academic record, demonstrated interest in law, and extracurricular activities or work experience that showcase an applicant's unique skills and passions. Letters of recommendation and a compelling personal statement are also crucial components of a successful application. By combining a high LSAT score with a strong overall application, applicants can increase their chances of securing a place in the highly competitive Harvard Law School program.

Letters of recommendation

It is important to give your recommenders the right material to write a strong letter. You should always provide a resume, and consider including a paper you wrote for their class, or a list of tasks you accomplished in a work role. It is also important to reach out to potential recommenders as soon as possible. They are busy people, and you don't want them to be rushing to complete your letter, or for your application to be delayed by a missing letter.

Jacqueline, a 1L student at Harvard Law School, says that applicants should familiarise themselves with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) before applying. Your LSAT score is good for three years, and LSAC stores application information for up to five years. Applications for many schools are not available until mid-September, but you can start entering basic information earlier.

Harvard Law admits on a rolling basis, so it is important to balance submitting early with ensuring a strong application. The earlier you turn in your application, the more spaces will be available, and the better your chances. However, you should not rush your application, as you want to give the best impression possible.

Personal statement

Harvard Law School Personal Statement

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious and competitive law schools in the world, with a notoriously low admissions rate. The personal statement is a crucial component of the application process and provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, qualifications, and motivations for pursuing a legal education at Harvard Law School.

Length and Formatting:

Harvard Law School requires applicants to submit a double-spaced, 11-point font, two-page personal statement. This equals approximately 500-1500 words. The statement should be saved as a PDF and uploaded to the application portal, with the applicant's name and LSAC account number included on each page.

Content:

The personal statement should provide insight into who you are as a person and as a potential law student. Use this opportunity to tell a story that illustrates your strengths, passions, goals, challenges overcome, and experiences that have shaped your unique perspective.

Authenticity:

Harvard's admissions committee values authenticity and seeks students who can write clearly about themselves and demonstrate deep thinking. Be genuine in presenting yourself and your background, and focus on providing strong evidence of why you will be a valuable addition to their school.

Storytelling:

Instead of simply listing your accomplishments, use storytelling to bring your statement to life. Share specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate your skills, qualities, and experiences. This can help create an emotional connection with the admissions committee and make your statement more memorable and engaging.

Focus and Brevity:

Remember that the admissions committee reviews thousands of applications each year, so it is important to be concise and stay focused on your main thesis. Ensure your statement is clear, easy to read, and free of unnecessary tangents.

Editing and Proofreading:

Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A well-written and error-free statement demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are highly valued in the legal profession. Consider having someone else review your statement to provide feedback and ensure it is polished and effective.

> "The large room was beginning to feel like a cramped interrogation chamber as we stood anxiously awaiting the next set of difficult questions. We did not have to wait long. Why were there discrepancies in our numbers? Wasn’t the retreat expense unnecessarily large? Not to mention that the submitted documents were not only late but incomplete!

>

> I could not help but steal a glance at the outgoing treasurer standing next to me—as a newly elected executive board treasurer for Community Impact (CI), Columbia’s largest service organization, I had been invited to accompany her to CI’s annual presentation to request funding from the student councils.

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> There was no doubt that she had stayed up most of the night completing this presentation, attempting to patch up holes in the financial records.

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> I could not blame her for the mistakes—everyone at CI was overworked and stretched well beyond their capacity, too busy keeping up with the activities of each day to step back and tackle the organization’s underlying problems.

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> As she became visibly more flustered, I knew that I needed to assume responsibility for the remainder of the presentation. Standing there in defense of the organization that I had come to love, I managed to remain calm, fielding critical questions to the best of my ability while swallowing the all-too-well-founded criticism along with my pride.

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> As the presentation came to a close, I began to understand the systematic change that was necessary and that I would be responsible for making this change a reality.

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> I began immediately that summer. Learning as much as possible about the current system and its laws enabled me to discover that CI’s largest impediments were operational inefficiency and improper communication, the combination of which was contributing to internal frustration, ineffective resource management, and a tainted reputation.

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> To establish both scale accuracy and efficiency, I reconstructed treasury procedures and devised an automated budget-tracking and request-processing mechanism. Working closely with our webmaster, I designed a treasury section for CI’s website that enabled coordinators to request funding, monitor their budgets, and access key forms and instructional manuals.

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> To reposition CI’s public image, I insisted on transparency, persuading the staff of its importance and holding a board meeting to update important documents such as our constitution and spending guidelines. Reacting CI’s core principles and procedures, they would now be publicly displayed on our website.

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> In pushing for large-scale change, I knew that overseeing the process would be challenging. I held numerous trainings, responded immediately to student inquiries, and continued to work throughout the year to make corrections based on feedback and observations.

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> As a result, CI’s records became accurate, and we were able to cut costs, monitor spending, and receive approval from our volunteers. A system that responded to the needs of students, board members, and staff eliminated frustration, established efficiency, and improved internal and external communication.

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> When I found myself in front of the student councils exactly one year later, the atmosphere was markedly different. Our presentation, with supporting documents submitted well in advance, resulted in open gratitude for our efforts. Unlike the previous year’s penalty, this time we received precisely what we requested, and most importantly, we earned respect from our constituents and the university as a whole."

This example demonstrates the power of storytelling and how the applicant was able to showcase their strengths, problem-solving skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure. It provides a clear and concise narrative that gives the admissions committee insight into the applicant's character and potential as a future lawyer.

Remember, the personal statement is a critical component of your application, and it is important to take the time to craft a well-written and authentic statement that highlights your unique experiences and qualifications.

Work experience

Harvard Law School prefers students with work experience. This is not a requirement, but it can make a difference in your application. In the words of Jacqueline, a 1L student at Harvard Law School and mentor at Dyad, a mentorship company that connects applicants with student mentors:

> "Top law schools across the board are expressing a preference for students who worked between college and law school. I worked before law school and I think that work experience made a difference in my application. Work experience can only help your application, not hinder it."

Jacqueline recommends that applicants focus on highlighting their ambitions in their personal statement, regardless of whether or not they have work experience:

> "You should do what feels right to you—and possibly help you explain why you want to be a lawyer in your personal statement. If you know for certain that you want to be a lawyer and you want to get to law school as soon as possible to fulfill that dream, you should apply immediately. If you are not certain and want to work before you make up your mind, you should do that."

It is important to note that while work experience can enhance your application, it is not the sole factor considered for admission to Harvard Law School. The admissions process is holistic, taking into account various aspects of your application, including your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and test scores.

To increase your chances of admission, it is beneficial to start the application process early. Harvard Law School admits students on a rolling basis, so submitting your application early can improve your chances of securing a spot. However, it is crucial to balance the timing of your application with the need to submit a strong and carefully crafted application that reflects your goals, interests, and potential.

Frequently asked questions