Whether you are planning to apply to law school in the upcoming cycle, or two or three years from now, it’s never too soon to start working on the process.
Here are a few of the questions I receive most often from law school applicants:
What are the main components of the law school application?
The primary components are your transcript, standardized test scores (more on that later), personal statement, letters of recommendation, additional (usually optional) essays, resume and the individual application questions that each school asks in their own application (which are usually similar from school to school). Some law schools also offer interviews, but this is not typical. If you look at the Law School Admissions Council website (www.lsac.org), you will see a lot of information on how to apply to law school. In general, you apply by utilizing this website.
When should you start working on applications?
As soon as possible! Starting to strategize even two years out is not unheard of — you will need time to bolster your resume, find two to four people to be your recommenders, draft a personal statement, work on your GPA, research (and possibly tour) different law schools and study for a standardized test. Even preparing for standardized tests can take a year for some applicants. The earlier you start, the less stress you might experience. The good news is that the majority of applicants take at least one year for professional development between college and law school; this can extend the timeline.
When should you turn in the applications?
Law school, unlike most colleges, runs on a rolling application cycle. Once you have your test scores back, essays written and have everything in as good shape as it possibly can be, go ahead and try to apply early in the cycle. Most schools open applications in September. Although they are not generally due until March, April or beyond, it’s advisable to submit in the fall.
Do you have to take the LSAT to apply to law school?
This is an evolving question — currently some law schools still require the LSAT, but a growing number accept alternatives, such as the GRE (see www.ets.org for more information). Another newer alternative option is the JD-Next test. Approximately one third of ABA-accredited law schools have received a variance to accept JD-Next as of now, according to their website. Stay tuned — this may continue to change rapidly, and more test options could become available between now and when you ultimately decide to apply. Either way, research the different test options now and see which one might fit you best.
Do extracurricular activities really count?
Law school is by all accounts very academically rigorous. Grades and test scores do count heavily in the application process. However, law schools have a holistic application process. What do they mean by this? They consider your whole application, including extracurricular activities, work experience, recommendations, essays and everything else. They are not judging you only by your grades. Especially in the current economic climate, work experience, especially legally related experience, could help. Stellar recommendations from professors or internship supervisors could also help. An incredibly well-thought-out personal statement could be important as well. Taking opportunities to show interest in a law school can also potentially help.
Hillary Mantis consults with applicants to law school, prelaw students planning to apply and attorneys seeking career change. She is the author of several books about law school admissions and legal careers. Questions? You can reach her at Hillary.mantis@yahoo.com.
