Mass Black Judge

People often know early on whether or not they want to become lawyers; for those who find out later in life that this profession appeals to them, there are numerous things they can do to prepare themselves for law school.

Start researching schools and filling out applications. Use various resources, such as law school websites, ABA reports, student reviews and forums, guidebooks, as well as your pre-law advisor at your undergraduate institution to assist in your search for schools and to fill out applications.

Choosing a School

Selecting a law school can be an intimidating undertaking, and you need to carefully consider many factors before making your choice. Step one should be to select an institution which best meets both academics and location considerations for yourself.

Once you have compiled a list of schools to consider, refine it based on admissions statistics and rankings. Use these to get a sense of which may fit best based on your grades and LSAT/GRE score.

As part of your research process, consider the school’s reputation, alumni network and campus culture. If possible, visit during summer before beginning law school to get a feel for its atmosphere as well as meet professors and students that could become potential professors and classmates; additionally you could discover internship or externship/clinical placement options that can benefit your career goals in the long run. Also take note of which areas of law the faculty specializes in.

Getting a Good LSAT Score

The LSAT is one of the primary factors in getting accepted to law school. Even with low GPA or limited leadership experience, having an outstanding score on your application will set it apart from others.

As the LSAT is a standardized test designed to evaluate most test-takers, its scaled score should fall between the mid-170s and high 170s for optimal performance. Note, however, that those at either extreme of this range are less likely to gain entry into law school.

Once you have your scores, use them to inform and refine your research and future plans. Start by seeking letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors or mentors who know your skills well and can write recommendations that stand out. Register with LSAC (Law School Admission Council) so they will send your score, transcripts and letters of recommendation directly to every school you apply to.

Getting a Good GPA

Staying focused on maintaining an outstanding grade point average (GPA) during undergraduate years is one of the key components of law school preparation. Focusing on classes relevant to practicing law can help, as can seeking out internships or legal experience to develop deeper insight into its practice.

As your senior year progresses, create a list of schools to which you wish to apply. Use law school databases, guidebooks or even Google to research schools that fit best; just remember to select ones which match up well with you personally.

Prepare application materials such as requests for letters of recommendation and your resume. Review your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which opens up on October 1st; take or retake the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).

Getting a Good Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are among the most crucial components of law school admission. Admissions committees, employers and other decision makers rely heavily on them when considering candidates; so having strong letters early in your application is imperative.

As a student, you can prepare yourself for law school by enrolling in challenging courses and engaging in activities to develop critical thinking and writing abilities, such as joining debate club or student government. Furthermore, working with a pre-law advisor while in undergraduate school will enable you to identify interests while building experience.

As part of your application process, it’s also crucial that you conduct extensive research on law schools. Employing various resources – online law school searches, ABA reports, student reviews and forums, faculty ratings, guidebooks or even speaking to lawyers you know can all aid in making smart choices. Make your research organized by creating three lists: Reach (reach), Safety (safety), and Target/Match based on admission statistics such as GPA or LSAT scores – for your research to guide smart choices.