So, you’re thinking about applying to law school.
Congratulations on taking this major step towards your future legal career!
Pursuing a law degree is an exciting journey, but the admissions process can feel a bit overwhelming at times.
Don’t worry though, because by asking the right questions, you can gain clarity, focus your efforts, and put together a strong application that showcases your unique strengths and experiences.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore 10 essential questions you should ask about law school admissions, including:
- What factors do law schools consider most important in applications?
- How can you make your personal statement compelling and memorable?
- What do admissions officers look for in recommendation letters?
- How much do law school rankings matter?
Questions to Ask about Law School Admissions
So grab a notepad, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with insider knowledge and practical strategies to tackle the law school admissions process with confidence.
What are the key factors law schools evaluate in applications?
One of the first questions on every prospective law student’s mind is – what exactly are admissions committees looking for? While specifics may vary slightly from school to school, there are some universally important factors to be aware of.
For starters, your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score carry a lot of weight. These provide concrete, standardized measures of your academic ability and potential to succeed in the rigorous law school environment. With that said, admissions officers understand that numbers don’t tell the whole story. They’ll also closely evaluate your personal statement, resume, and recommendation letters to get a more complete picture of who you are.
Your personal statement is your chance to add depth and personality to your application. Admissions committees want to understand your motivations for pursuing law, the unique experiences and perspectives you’ll contribute to the class, and your career aspirations. Share anecdotes that exemplify your leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills – all essential for success in law school and legal practice.
Recommendation letters from professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your abilities and character provide valuable third-party insight. The most convincing letters are from people who know you well and can share specific examples of your intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and integrity.
Other “soft factors” like internships, clinics, research projects, student organizations, and community service also help paint a picture of a well-rounded, engaged candidate. While these elements may not make or break your application on their own, they can tip the scales in your favor, especially if you’re a borderline candidate.
How important is real-world legal experience?
Speaking of extracurricular activities, you may be wondering – just how crucial is pre-law school legal experience? Is it a must-have, a nice-to-have, or not necessary?
The truth is, while prior experience in a legal setting can certainly enhance your application, it’s not an absolute requirement. Law schools understand that many applicants are coming straight from undergrad or making career changes, so they don’t expect an extensive legal resume.
That said, if you do have internships, jobs, or volunteer work in law-related fields, definitely highlight that in your application! This experience demonstrates your interest in and commitment to the legal profession. It shows that you’ve taken the initiative to explore the realities of legal work and have begun developing relevant skills.
Beyond the admissions boost, pre-law school legal experience also offers valuable personal and professional benefits. Interning at a law firm, legal aid clinic, or government agency gives you a taste of different legal specialties and work environments. You can start building your professional network. Crucially, it allows you to reflect on your career goals and confirm that law school is the right path for you.
If you don’t have explicit legal experience, don’t stress. Admissions officers also value experiences and skills that will translate well to the study and practice of law. Jobs or extracurriculars that involve research, writing, public speaking, or analytical thinking can demonstrate your potential for success. The key is to thoughtfully convey how your unique background will enrich the law school class and the legal profession.
What makes a personal statement stand out?
Now let’s talk about one of the most important pieces of your application – the personal statement. How can you craft an essay that captures admissions officers’ attention and sticks in their memory?
First and foremost, get personal! This isn’t the time to rehash your resume in paragraph form. Instead, dig deep to share experiences, influences, and goals that have shaped your path to law school. You want to give the reader a genuine sense of who you are, what makes you tick, and what unique perspective you’ll bring to the school.
One effective approach is to zoom in on a pivotal moment or experience that sparked your interest in law or shifted your worldview. You could discuss a challenge you faced, a personal hero who inspired you, a cause you’re passionate about, or an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of. Use vivid anecdotes to draw the reader in and create an emotional connection.
At the same time, avoid melodrama or exaggeration. Aim for an authentic, straightforward tone. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so they can spot insincere tugs on the heartstrings from a mile away.
It’s also wise to directly address why you’re excited about the specific law school you’re applying to. What programs, clinics, or professors appeal to you? How will their particular offerings help you achieve your goals? Conveying a tailored interest shows you’ve done your research and given careful thought to your fit with the school.
Finally, give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, get feedback, and revise. Strong personal statements aren’t written in a single sitting. Expect to go through multiple rounds of edits to hone your message and voice. Ask trusted mentors, friends, or family members to review your drafts and offer constructive criticism.
How heavily do law schools weigh LSAT scores?
The LSAT, aka the Law School Admission Test, looms large in the minds of most law school applicants. And for good reason – your score on this half-day standardized test is a key factor that law schools consider when evaluating your application.
So just how heavily do they weigh it? The short answer is, fairly heavily. Most law schools view the LSAT as the best predictor of first-year grades, more so than undergraduate GPA. That’s because the test is specifically designed to assess the reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills essential for success in law school.
The weight given to LSAT scores does vary from school to school. Generally, the more competitive the program, the more emphasis they place on a high score. Top-tier schools have LSAT medians in the 97th percentile or above, and a low score can be a deal breaker even for applicants with strong grades and accomplishments.
That said, a so-so LSAT score isn’t necessarily the end of the world. While it may put the very top programs out of reach, you still have plenty of solid options. Law schools also care about assembling a diverse class with a range of experiences and perspectives. So if you’re an otherwise well-rounded, compelling applicant, a lower LSAT score can be offset to some extent by strengths in other areas.
One question you may have is – what happens if you take the LSAT more than once? Rest assured that law schools have no problem with retakes. They typically focus on your highest score rather than an average. So if you’re unsatisfied with your first try, it’s often worth studying hard and retaking the exam. Earning a higher score can substantially boost your admissions chances.
What makes an effective letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are a crucial piece of the law school application puzzle. They offer a valuable external perspective on your abilities, accomplishments, and character. Mediocre or lackluster letters can drag down an otherwise strong application, while glowing recommendations from credible sources can give you a significant boost.
The most effective recommendation letters come from professors, employers, or mentors who know you well and can speak concretely about your work and potential. Ideally, your recommender will have directly supervised you in an academic or professional setting and can attest to relevant skills like critical thinking, analysis, research, and writing.
While it may be tempting to choose the most famous or senior person, that’s less important than selecting someone with detailed knowledge of your performance and strengths. A substantive letter from a direct supervisor carries more weight than a generic one from a well-known but distant acquaintance.
When approaching potential recommenders, give them plenty of advance notice – at least a month, if possible. Provide a copy of your resume, personal statement, and information on why you’re applying to law school. Offer to meet with them or provide additional information they may need. The more context they have, the more tailored and persuasive the letter will be.
It can feel awkward to ask for a strong endorsement, but remember, most professors and supervisors expect and are happy to write recommendations for standout students or employees. The key is to choose people who seem enthusiastic about your prospects and have positive things to say about you. If someone appears to have reservations or hedges when you ask, it’s probably best to go with someone else.
Finally, once your recommenders have submitted their letters, be sure to follow up with a heartfelt thank you. Let them know where you end up getting accepted and keep them updated on your law school journey. Cultivating these positive relationships can pay dividends down the road, whether you need future references or mentoring.
What undergraduate courses best prepare you for law school?
Many aspiring lawyers wonder what they should study in college to best prepare them for the rigors of law school. You may have heard that political science and criminal justice are the most common majors for pre-law students. But the truth is, law schools accept strong applicants from all academic backgrounds. There is no single required or preferred major.
Studying something you’re genuinely passionate about, even if it’s not directly related to law, can work to your advantage. Admissions officers appreciate intellectually curious students who have excelled in a variety of disciplines. Pursuing a major you love can help you maintain a high GPA and develop transferable skills that will serve you well in law school and legal practice.
That said, if you have flexibility in your course load, some classes can help you build a strong foundation for legal studies. The most useful subjects tend to be reading and writing intensive, as those are core law school activities. Some examples:
- English literature and composition courses hone your ability to read closely, think critically, construct arguments, and write persuasively.
- Philosophy classes, especially logic, develop your analytical reasoning skills and introduce you to complex theoretical concepts.
- History and political science surveys provide valuable context for understanding the evolution of legal systems and the role of law in society.
- Economics and statistics courses sharpen your quantitative analysis abilities, which can be especially useful for business, tax, or corporate law.
Additionally, classes that involve public speaking, debate, or mock trial are great for getting comfortable with oral argumentation. And if your college offers any law-related electives, such as constitutional law or legal research and writing, they can provide helpful exposure to key concepts and skills.
Ultimately though, a well-rounded liberal arts education that challenges you to think deeply and communicate effectively is the best preparation. Focus on choosing rigorous courses that interest you, maintaining a strong GPA, and seizing opportunities to do research, write extensively, and hone your critical thinking abilities. Those foundational competencies will put you on the path to law school success no matter what you major in.
Do law schools consider graduate work in admissions?
Maybe you took a few years after college to work before applying to law school. Or maybe you’re contemplating enrolling in a master’s program first to explore an academic passion or strengthen your application. Either way, you’re probably curious how law schools view graduate-level degrees and coursework.
The short answer is, grad school grades and recommendations can certainly strengthen your law school application, but they’re not a requisite by any means. Law schools are primarily interested in your undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, and bachelor’s-level experiences when making admissions decisions.
That said, excelling in a master’s or doctoral program does have its advantages. If you had a lackluster undergraduate GPA, doing well in graduate-level coursework is a concrete way to demonstrate your academic abilities and readiness for the rigors of law school. A strong graduate transcript can help offset a mediocre college one.
Additionally, recommendation letters from graduate school professors who supervised your work carry a lot of weight. They can speak to your intellectual curiosity, research and writing skills, and ability to handle advanced material. Detailed examples of your grad school achievements and potential can enhance your credibility as an applicant.
Extensive graduate work in a field related to your intended legal specialty, such as an MSW for aspiring family law attorneys or a master’s in environmental science for budding environmental lawyers, can also show serious commitment to your chosen career path. It provides a compelling narrative for your personal statement and demonstrates professional direction.
With that said, acquiring a graduate degree solely to bolster your law school application usually isn’t necessary or advisable. Law schools are more concerned with your overall aptitude, experiences, and motivation than with collecting degrees. Pursuing grad school should be a personal choice based on your individual interests and goals, not an admissions strategy.
How important is school ranking when selecting a program?
Law school rankings, especially the U.S. News and World Report list, loom large in the minds of many applicants. It’s easy to get caught up in the prestige factor and feel immense pressure to aim for a top 14 or “T14” school. But how much do rankings actually matter? Should they be the main factor in deciding where to apply and attend?
There’s no question that graduating from an elite law school can open doors in terms of job prospects, clerkships, and networking opportunities. Employers tend to favor candidates from highly ranked programs, especially for competitive positions in “Big Law” firms, federal government, and academia. A degree from Yale or Harvard certainly carries a sparkle on your resume.
However, rankings aren’t everything – far from it. For the majority of law students who don’t end up at a T14 school (and that’s most!), other factors often matter just as much or more for shaping their career trajectories. Regional reputation, specialized programs, clinical opportunities, and location can be key considerations.
For example, if you’re interested in practicing environmental law in the Pacific Northwest, the University of Washington or Lewis & Clark may be a better fit than a somewhat higher ranked but less specialized East Coast school. Strong alumni networks and local connections often matter more for landing jobs than a bump in ranking.
Cost is another major factor to weigh. Higher ranked private schools come with hefty price tags. Unless you’re offered significant financial aid, taking on $200K+ in debt for a marginally more prestigious degree may not be the wisest long-term financial decision. Attending a solid but lower ranked public school as an in-state student can leave you with much more manageable loans.
When it comes down to it, finding a program that aligns with your individual career goals, learning style, financial situation, and geographic preferences is paramount. Visit schools, talk to current students and alumni, research job placement rates, and crunch the numbers. While rankings are one useful data point, they shouldn’t be the sole driver of where you apply or attend. Trust your gut, know your priorities, and focus on fit over prestige.
How do law schools view taking time off before applying?
You just graduated college, and law school has always been part of the plan. But you’re also intrigued by the idea of taking a year or two to work, travel, or volunteer before jumping into three more years of intense academics. Maybe you’re feeling burned out and want a breather. Maybe you’d like some real world experience under your belt first. But will law schools frown upon this gap? Does taking time off put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process?
The great news is, not at all! In fact, many admissions officers actively prefer candidates who have pursued meaningful experiences between college and law school. Taking time off to gain professional skills, explore your interests, and add some more diverse life experiences to the mix can actually make you a stronger, more well-rounded applicant and contribute significantly to classroom discussions.
One common concern is that stepping away from academics for a bit will make it harder to get back into the groove with the LSAT and rigorous coursework. But this doesn’t seem to be a major issue in practice. Plenty of successful law students have taken one or more gap years. You may even find that a break leaves you recharged and more focused when you do start law school, preventing burnout down the road.
As long as you use your time off purposefully, law schools will view it as an asset. Employers value the practical skills, professional connections, and maturity that work experience provides. Participating in service-oriented programs like Teach for America or the Peace Corps builds leadership, resilience, and a commitment to the greater good – attributes that translate well to the legal profession.
Even travel or volunteer experiences that may seem pure fun can be framed in a way that highlights the transferable cultural competencies and expanded worldview you’ve gained. Did working in a hostel enhance your ability to connect with people from all walks of life? Did navigating public transportation in a foreign country strengthen your problem-solving skills? Don’t be afraid to connect the dots between your adventures and your preparedness for law school.
The key is to demonstrate to admissions committees that you’ve been thoughtful about your gap year(s), not running away from school, and that the insights you’ve gained have only deepened your motivation for pursuing a legal career. In your application, paint a picture of how your experiences since college tie into your decision to attend law school and where you hope to go from here. Doing so will show purpose, direction, and determination – all
qualities that bode well for success in law school.
What if my numbers are below a school’s medians?
So you have your heart set on a reach school, but your GPA or LSAT score falls below their published medians. Is it still worth applying? Do you have any chance of getting in?
While it’s true that numbers-based factors weigh heavily in admissions decisions, they are not the be-all and end-all. Law schools practice holistic review, meaning they consider your entire application package when determining whether to offer you a spot. A compelling personal statement, strong recommendations, impressive work experience, and persuasive addendum can all help compensate for scores that are a bit below par.
Now, if you’re significantly below a school’s medians (as in, multiple standard deviations), it’s wise to have realistic expectations. Applying is unlikely to yield an acceptance. But if you’re within striking distance, your application is still worth serious consideration.
Law schools care about crafting diverse cohorts with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. They know that assembling an interesting mix of students enriches classroom discussions and benefits the entire law school community. So if you have unique life experiences, a non-traditional career path, a compelling personal story, or exceptional extracurricular involvement, highlighting those “soft factors” can boost your admissions chances.
For example, maybe you’re a first-generation college student who founded a successful non-profit before applying to law school. Or perhaps you served in student government, published academic research, or have a track record of community leadership. Emphasizing distinctive strengths like these helps admissions officers see you as a multi-dimensional, value-adding candidate rather than a sheer numbers game.
Writing an addendum to provide context for a lower GPA or LSAT score can also be a smart move. If extenuating circumstances like a death in the family, severe illness, or an abrupt change in your financial situation impacted your academic performance for a period of time, explaining that to the admissions committee can put your transcript in a more favorable light. A strong, upward grade trend in the semesters after the disruption can further evidence your resilience and ability to overcome challenges.
While it’s absolutely still worth taking your shot at reach schools if you’re on the cusp numbers-wise, it’s also important to apply to a balanced range of programs where your scores align more closely with the medians. You certainly don’t want to pin all your hopes on longshots. Incorporate several target and safety schools into the mix as well to maximize your chances of securing some acceptances.
At the end of the day, while a degree from an elite school can provide an initial career boost, what you make of your law school experience and early professional development matters more in the long run. Attending a program that’s a great overall fit, even if it’s not top ranked, positions you well for a fulfilling, impactful legal career.
Should I write a diversity statement?
Most law schools provide the option to submit a diversity statement as a supplement to your core application materials. You may be wondering – is this something you should take advantage of? What do schools look for in a diversity statement? And what if you don’t feel like you come from a traditionally underrepresented background?
In short, if your identity, experiences, or perspectives would contribute meaningfully to the diversity of the law school class and legal profession, it’s definitely worth writing a diversity statement. Admissions officers are eager to enroll students who will bring a wide range of views and life experiences to the table, enriching class discussions and improving cultural competency.
Diversity statements are most often used to discuss experiences related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or socioeconomic background. If you’ve faced challenges, systemic barriers, or discrimination related to your identity, sharing how that has shaped your worldview and motivated you to pursue a legal career can be quite powerful.
For example, as a LGBTQ+ applicant, you might discuss how volunteering with a queer youth center exposed you to the legal and social justice issues facing the community, sparking your passion for advocacy. Or as a first-generation immigrant, you could share how watching your parents navigate an unfamiliar legal system with limited English skills inspired you to become a lawyer and expand access to justice.
But diversity isn’t just about immutable characteristics. You can also discuss how you’d bring diversity of thought or experience to the law school. Maybe you’re a former professional athlete committed to advancing gender equity in sports. Maybe you grew up in a military family and lived all over the world. Or perhaps you were homeschooled and can offer a unique educational perspective.
The most effective diversity statements don’t just describe your background, but connect it clearly and directly to your interest in law school and vision for your future legal career. Be sure to explain how your distinct perspective will shape your contributions as a law student and lawyer. Show that you’ve reflected carefully on the relationship between your identity and your professional goals.
Even if you don’t feel like your background is underrepresented, it’s still worth considering penning a diversity statement if your experiences have molded your worldview in a relevant, impactful way. If you’re not sure, try brainstorming some formative moments where your identity or perspective felt salient. Have conversations with people who know you well about what makes your specific lens unique. Chances are, there are aspects of your background that would valuably add to the rich tapestry of the law school class.
Ultimately, crafting a thoughtful diversity statement signals to admissions officers that you’re someone who has wrestled deeply with your identity, cares about expanding equity and inclusion, and will help create a vibrant educational environment for your peers. And those are all qualities that make for an especially exciting law school candidate.
Conclusion
Navigating the law school admissions process can feel daunting at times, but by proactively asking the right questions and seeking out thorough answers, you’ll be well on your way to submitting your strongest possible applications.
Remember, admissions officers are eager to get to know the whole you – your skills, your passions, your experiences, and your potential to thrive as a law student and attorney.
By gathering the key information you need to put your best foot forward, you’re setting yourself up for success not only in the application process but in your future legal career.
Best of luck!