HOW TO APPLY TO LAW SCHOOL
Whew child, where should we begin? No, I’m kidding! For the purposes of this blog, the law school application process will be divided into four distinct parts: Personal Statement, LSAT, Personal Recommendations, and Resume.
Personal Statement:
Your personal statement truly sets the tone for the rest of your application. It’s crucial that your personal statement is not only clear and concise, but also grabs the attention of the reader and makes them remember you. When writing a personal statement, many tell me that they don’t know where to start. However, a personal statement is most simply understood by its name. A statement about you. One of the most common approaches is to write about an impactful/inspiring event in your life and tie that into your goals of becoming a lawyer. That’s it. I have always recommended to begin with a story that grabs the attention of the reader and then tie that into a larger picture or broader theme. Don’t spend a lot of time restating your resume in your personal statement. This space was created for the admission committees to see you outside of your resume, so feel free to be creative.
It’s also important that you include aspects about the school that you are applying to within your personal statement. This allows you the opportunity to showcase your passion for the particular law school. Be sure to demonstrate that you’ve done your research and that this particular institution needs you in their classroom. You could talk about a certain professor you’d like to do research under or a specific clinical program they have that aligns with your passions. Personalizing your statement for each specific school you apply to shows that you are not simply submitting a generic application to a plethora of schools, but instead have a genuine interest in the academic opportunity this institution has to offer.
Note: For edits or revisions on your personal statement, visit the + in the top right corner of the page.
LSAT
Oh, the LSAT! The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is similar to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that students take when applying to college. Many law schools require students to take the LSAT and report their scores within their application materials. Scoring for the LSAT ranges from 120-180 and many law schools have target scoring ranges for admission. Don’t, however, get too caught up in the numbers as a score above or below this target range does not disqualify or eliminate your chances of admittance.
The LSAT consists of four parts: Logical Reasoning (commonly referred to as the Argument Section), Analytical Reasoning (commonly referred to as the Logic Games Section), Reading Comprehension, and the Writing Sample. Each test consists of two logical reasoning sections, one analytical reasoning section, one reading comprehension section, one experimental section (any one of the three previously mentioned sections), and the writing sample. Although the writing sample is not a scored portion of the test, it is still important to take this section seriously as it is sent to law schools as a part of your application and can be evaluated further by their admissions department.
There are many ways you can prepare to study for the LSAT. Some students choose to take an in-person class on their campus or with a tutoring company, others self study, while others use online resources or prep books. There are also internship programs that are specifically designed to help students prepare. More information on the LSAT will be released in a blog post coming soon! However, in the meantime, check out PowerScore, The Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Advantage Testing to learn more about their LSAT Prep Courses. There are many programs that are also committed to making access to LSAT Prep materials more affordable. TRIALS is a 5-week intensive internship program that offers free LSAT prep, the Sidley Austin Pre-Law Scholars Program subsidizes their scholar’s prep courses, and Khan Academy has teamed up with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to provide free prep. Aim for the highest score you are personally able to achieve but remember that although important, the LSAT is not the only factor that your application is comprised of.
Note: Some schools are beginning to also accept the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) as an admissions test. Consider taking the GRE if you’d like to pursue an additional graduate degree, dual-degree, or if the material in the GRE aligns with content you’ve already learned in your respective major.
Personal Recommendations
When thinking about who should write your recommendations for your application, think big. Have you built a rapport with the president at your undergrad institution or met with the department head of your major? If you don’t have strong relationships with these individuals, then don’t ask them to write your letters of recommendation. It won’t add value to have a generic recommendation letter for your applications, however, it can be beneficial to have a prominent figure write you a letter. Be sure to ask for recommendation letters from professors, faculty, or program leaders you have had meaningful interactions with and those that will write a letter illuminating the outstanding applicant you are.
Resume
It’s very important that your resume is clear and well-organized, fitting as much as you are able about yourself into a condensed space. Don’t underestimate the power of a strong resume and spend as much time perfecting your resume as you spend perfecting your other sections. In addition to your major, GPA, and academic collegiate awards, focus on highlighting those internships and activities that have made you, you. Limit your resume to one page, if possible, and try not to simply list out your professional experiences/leadership roles, but rather give brief descriptions of your role or the work you did within these settings. The first impression you make with your resume is crucial so along with formatting, ensure the content is edited and represents you well.
Note: For edits or revisions on your resume, visit the + in the top right corner of the page.