10 Tips To Getting Into The Law School Of Your Choice

Want to know 10 tips to getting into the law school of your choice? Getting into the law school of your choice requires more than good grades and academic references. It requires a strong resume, a polished personal essay and superior test scores. Most successful law school candidates start preparing as undergraduates and shape their education around their law school plans. These 10 tips to getting into the law school of your choice will show you how to maximize your chances of landing a spot in a top-notch program.

1. Take the right courses in college. Law schools look for candidates with strong writing, public speaking and critical thinking skills. As an undergraduate student, take courses in philosophy, English, political science and communications. These classes will prepare you to handle a law school curriculum.
2. Keep your GPA high. Although each law school sets its own standards regarding minimum admission requirements, you can maximize your chances of getting into the law school of your choice by earning high marks in your upper-level coursework.
3. Participate in extracurricular activities. Law schools look for candidates who are involved in community service and extracurricular activities such as debate, student government and college political groups and advocacy organizations. If you haven’t taken part in many extracurricular activities, join a club or volunteer with a local charity.
4. Work as an intern in a related field. In addition to volunteer work, law schools prefer students who have demonstrated professionalism and competence in professional settings. If your college offers an internship program, consider working with a law firm, nonprofit legal advocacy group or courthouse.
5. Talk to alumni from your target school. Although it won’t guarantee you a spot in the law school of your choice, make contact with lawyers who went to school there. They may be able to give you tips on what to expect and what standards the admissions committee values.
6. Find strong academic references. Most law schools require you to submit two or three letters of recommendation from college professors. Choosing a teacher who knows your work well and who can attest to your ability to handle a complex curriculum can increase your chances of getting into the law school of your choice.
7. Ace the LSAT. Your score on the Law School Admission Test can make or break your chance of getting into the law school of your choice. To make sure that you do well, consider taking a prep course or buying a study manual several months before you plan to take the LSAT.
8. Spend time on your personal essay. Your personal essay will give you a chance to showcase your writing skills and show your law school of choice what you have to offer. Resist the temptation to rush through your essay and give yourself plenty of time to revise, proofread and get input from your professors and classmates.
9. Prepare for your interview. Most law schools require prospective students to meet in person with alumni for an interview. Before your interview, think about your reasons for choosing the legal profession and why your law school of choice would be a good fit for you.
10. Choose a law school for the right reasons. If you want to become an attorney for the money or prestige, this will be apparent to the admissions committee. As you prepare your application and work through the law school admissions process, make sure that you understand what type of work the legal profession entails. Convey this understanding to the admissions committee and you’ll maximize your chances of getting an acceptance letter from the school of your choice.

Resources:

Law School Admission Council