As any law student will tell you, applying to law school is a stressful and time-consuming ordeal. Adding to the stress is the fact that the number of applications for law school continues to rise across the country. Having successfully applied to (and graduated from) a top ten law school, I have learned a few things about the admissions process. Here are three helpful tips to help you maximize your chances for admission to the school of your choice, while minimizing the stress of the application process:
1. Prepare for the LSAT: This may seem incredibly obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t properly prepare for the LSAT. The importance of this test cannot be overstated. Academic transcripts and GPAs are idiosyncratic, as potential applicants have different majors at different schools. However, the LSAT provides a simple, standardized way to compare all applicants. The LSAT, like all standardized tests, requires preparation. A good LSAT score can make up for a marginal GPA or other flaws in the applicant’s file.
2. Apply as soon as possible – Simply put, the longer you wait to apply, the greater the downside. If feasible, you should apply on the first day the school begins accepting applications. The logic for this is twofold. First, most law school admissions are continuing. That means the law school receives and reviews applications continuously during a designated period. If two candidates with identical numbers apply at different times in the cycle, the earlier applicant is more likely to gain admission, as class sizes are limited and more slots open earlier in the process. Second, applying as soon as possible will show the admissions committee your commitment and sincerity.
3. The Essay Counts: For many schools, the personal statement will be a one or two page essay on a topic of your choice. Avoid generic statements and clichés, such as “I want to go to law school because I believe in justice.” While that may be true, it is also true for 99% of other applicants. Write about something unique, such as a personal experience or aspiration, that sets you apart from other applicants. Also, keep in mind that words are the tools you will rely on in your future craft. Just like in legal writing, it’s important that your essay be clear, compelling, and succinct. Have your personal statement from law school reviewed by someone you trust or by a professional admissions essay editing service.
While no single factor will guarantee success during the application process, following these three steps will ensure that you have the best chance of getting into the law school of your choice. Good luck.