Applying To Law School

Applying to law school doesn't happen overnight. Law school applications involve extensive preparation. Your job is to gather personal information about your education and test scores that will ultimately show how strong a candidate you are for law school.

Education
You don't have to major in legal studies to get into law school. Law school students come from many different undergraduate backgrounds. The three-year law school curriculum will teach you what you need to know. You will need to graduate with a degree and have a good GPA. Research the admissions statistics for the schools you would like to attend. If you're eyeing the top 20 law schools, you must have a high GPA on your record.

LSAT
The LSAT is a standardized test that every student must take in order to get into an ABA-approved law school. The test lasts approximately three and half hours and your score will range from 120 to 180. This test is meant to level the playing field. Since students come from many different backgrounds, this test challenges your reading and reasoning skills. It supposedly measures how well you will do in your first year of law school. Unfortunately, this test score is probably more important than your undergraduate GPA so do not take this test lightly. Prepare well for the test and you should do fine.

Letters of Recommendation
Most law schools require letters of recommendation. This should come from professors that know you well. The letters should talk about your academic skills. Law schools want to see if you can handle an intensive curriculum not how nice a person you are.

LSDAS
This is a service that the Law School Admission Council provides. The LSDAS centralizes all your application information. You may be required to sign up for this service so check with the different law schools. You will have to submit your transcripts, letters of rec and the service will transfer this information to the law school along with your LSAT.

Application Deadlines
Law schools have different application deadlines. Check with every law school that you plan to apply. Organize all your deadlines on a chart so that you don't miss a date. It is important for you to make the deadlines or you can count yourself out for the next fall semester. If possible, submit your applications well before the school deadline.

Financial Aid Deadlines
You will be so busy thinking about application deadlines that you might forget about your financial aid deadlines. Be aware of your financial aid. Law schools are expensive so make sure you sign yourself up for any free money. Complete a FAFSA application and speak to financial aid advisors about any scholarship opportunities and loans.

Organization is the key to applying to law school. Gathering all your information and preparing for the LSAT is a lot to handle. Reduce some of your stress by organizing yourself.

Advertisement

Get More Information