If you are applying to law school in a year, or even a few years from now, there are steps you can take now that might help you later when you apply.
Your GPA and standardized test scores are important, but there are other things you can do to potentially improve your applications.
Here are some tips:
Work on your extracurricular activities: No time to participate in a million clubs? No problem. It’s not too late to focus on one or two law-related activities and show leadership skills. Most campuses have a Prelaw Society club, or something similar. Even being a member is an activity which shows your interest in law. If you are able to be on the club e-board that will also show leadership experience (and you will also have a chance to learn a lot about law school through planning programs). Mock trial teams and undergraduate law reviews are other activities that could be helpful to you in learning about law and also bolster your future applications.
Work on your resume: These days, many law school admissions offices are interested in seeing relevant work experience on your resume. If you have not done an internship yet, a good first step is to meet with a career counselor in your campus career services office or attend a career fair. Career counselors can help you format your resume and connect you with alumni. No time for a semester-long job or internship? Try something shorter in duration, such as a summer internship or a micro-internship, through companies like Parker Dewey.
Get to know your professors: When you apply to law school, you will need several letters of recommendation. I’ve met with students who did not get a chance to get to know their professors or were only in large classes. You can go to office hours throughout the semester, which might be helpful to you on many levels — understanding the course materials and getting to know your professors. When it is time to apply, they will be familiar with your work and remember you. Try to also take some smaller classes where there are opportunities for class participation.
Take classes that will help you with reading, writing and analytical skills: Although it is not necessary to have a particular major for law school, or to have a vast knowledge of law, it could be useful to demonstrate that you have excellent reading, writing and analytical skills. The volume of reading tends to be heavy in law school, and it requires analytical skills. Whether you are studying English, political science, history, philosophy, or something entirely different, try to take courses that will help you with these skills.
Understand the law school admissions process: Although applying to law school is in some ways similar to college, in other ways it is very different. For example, law schools are almost all on a rolling admissions cycle. You would not typically wait until their application deadline to apply. Familiarize yourself with the process now by looking at the Law School Admission Council website (www.lsac.org) carefully. Law school admissions is a rapidly changing and evolving process. I recommend reading as much information as you can now before it is time for you to apply. For example, the LSAT has changed somewhat in recent years, and some law schools now accept alternative testing to the LSAT. I would try to learn more about upcoming changes.
Hillary Mantis works with prelaw students, law students and lawyers. She is a private law school admission consultant and the author of several books about law school admissions and legal careers. Admissions Questions? You can reach Hillary at hillary.mantis@yahoo.com.
