Law schools are highly selective. Along with GPA and LSAT scores, extracurricular activities and an impressive personal statement play an integral role in admissions decisions. When two candidates have similar GPA and LSAT scores, extracurriculars such as debate or leadership experiences may give one of them an edge when applying.
She does an outstanding job demonstrating how her core values and skills align with her professional goals as an attorney, something admissions committees will appreciate.
GPA
Higher GPA applicants tend to fare better when applying to law school, yet it’s essential that applicants be realistic in assessing their credentials. Consult the admissions grids of potential law schools to understand their competitiveness and whether your qualifications would make for a good match.
Consider how your GPA relates to your major. For example, law schools might see low GPA in hard sciences as an indication that their rigorous classes require more abstract thinking skills that come from right brain development.
Letters of recommendation can make a tremendous difference for students with lower GPAs. They help law schools understand that you will succeed in their program and maintain a high GPA, so choosing letters that speak to both your academic abilities and character are essential when selecting letters of rec. Taking time off college to gain work experience or develop yourself may also prove useful to your application.
LSAT
The LSAT is an essential factor when applying to law schools. But it shouldn’t be your sole consideration, so make sure to review all aspects of your application prior to selecting schools. Undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation and personal statements all play an integral part of admission decisions; law schools use this data more efficiently when making admission decisions.
An effective way to assess your law school competition is comparing your credentials against those of previous applicants at each school. One effective method for doing this is using LSAC’s applicant profile grids for each school – these charts give an indication of the types of LSAT scores and GPAs that have been accepted.
Investigate each school on your list carefully for bar pass rates; this will show whether they will lead to successful legal careers. Inquire also about professor recommendations or professional references who could vouch for you; these letters of support could boost your chances if you have low LSAT scores.
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities are an integral component of law school admissions applications, helping law schools assess your potential. They can help develop essential skills like critical thinking, public speaking and analysis as well as demonstrate commitment to social justice and community service. Law school admissions committees look favorably upon applicants with strong moral compasses who strive to make a difference in society.
Moot court and law review are popular extracurriculars that can give you an edge and demonstrate your ability to write and research effectively, both valuable skills if you plan on becoming a trial lawyer in the future.
Many students also join affinity groups, which are organizations dedicated to advocating on behalf of specific minority groups. Joining such affinity groups is an excellent way of meeting people outside the classroom and creating connections. You could even get involved in research with your professors which is an excellent way of honing skills and expanding knowledge on your chosen field of law.
Personal statement
Personal statements are an essential component of law school applications, and should be written professionally while adhering to each school’s admission requirements. A second pair of eyes should proofread each draft. Admissions committees can quickly detect when applicants skip proofreading or edits to save time, which reflects poorly on their attention to detail and work ethic.
As part of their application, applicants should also submit two letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can attest to their academic ability and character. It’s best if these recommenders know you well academically so they can provide a thoughtful letter; also give your recommenders plenty of time to complete it.
At the same time, applicants should demonstrate how their values and objectives align with those of a particular law school, in order to stand out among other applicants. This will enable them to distinguish themselves.
