Admissions Secrets

Our philosophy is simple: careful preparation and hard work generally lead to success. This philosophy is just as applicable to law school admissions as it is to other areas of life. Your LSAT score is one of several factors in the admissions process over which you exercise a degree of control. (After all, there is little you can do, at this point, to alter your GPA.)

In general, schools are looking for higher LSAT scores and undergraduate grades. Many are also looking for unique work experience, thoughtful letters of recommendation, and well-drafted personal statements. Most law schools use an index of LSAT and GPA results to classify an applicant as a “presumptive admit,” a “maybe,” or a “presumptive denial,” depending on the school’s targeted range of scores. Thus, at most schools that middle group (“maybe”) becomes the playing field where factors beyond LSAT scores and GPA results are most important.

Here are important steps students can take to maximize their admission chances:

Work at Raising Test Scores

The obvious first step toward getting into law school is to thoroughly prepare for the LSAT. This will increase your chances at every law school you apply to. Applicants have various options for study including preparation materials available from the Law School Admission Council and various books available at bookstores. Professional classroom instruction is another option that works well for many students who may not have the time or patience to “do it on their own.” Above all, don’t underestimate the crucial importance of practice, practice, practice. You can become an expert on the LSAT, but without extensive timed practice you may not really develop the necessary skills.

Obtain the Right Kind of Letters of Recommendation

Law schools are looking for dynamic and well-rounded individuals who are going to add something special to the incoming class. Individuals who have unique work experience or special qualifications are highly sought after by admissions officers. A letter of recommendation is one way to express these differences.

Most important is how well the letter writer knows the applicant. It is the quality of the relationship, not the perceived importance of the letter writer that is important. Thus, a letter from a federal judge who doesn’t really know you is not going to come across as well as a letter from someone who has worked with you directly. Letters from academic contacts are especially helpful because they speak directly to your ability to handle a rigorous J.D. curriculum.

Write a Killer Personal Essay

This is a crucial factor for many schools who must sift through that middle group of “maybe” applicants. Most schools do not interview applicants, which leaves the personal essay as the primary tool that is used to separate applicants that have similar index numbers. Your essay needs to be memorable but not outrageous. Law schools seek serious students so you need to walk a fine line between writing a compelling but not outrageous essay. You don’t want to write the same essay everyone else is writing. For example, you probably don’t want to write about how you have always wanted to be a lawyer or how your family is filled with lawyers. Rather, this is your chance to talk about something that is not in your transcript or letters of recommendation.

Make Sure Your Application is Professional Looking

Make sure you have filled out the application fully and without errors. Schools have very little tolerance for sloppy applications. Try to show excellence in as many ways as possible including the physical appearance of your application. In the case of paper forms, make copies of the forms to fill out by hand. Review your work. Practice typing the information onto another copy to make sure everything fits. Then type your final application. All this effort will not go unnoticed by your admissions officer. (Admittedly, paper forms are a rarity these days. Nevertheless, the same principles apply to online forms.)

Apply to More Schools

Determine the quality and number of schools to which you apply as strategically as possible. For example, apply to five schools rather than just three. Add one school that matches your admissions profile and one additional “safety” school. This simple action will increase your chances a great deal at a relatively small financial cost.

Apply Early

Another key strategy is to apply early. Many schools use a rolling admissions policy in which they accept or reject candidates as applications arrive. A law school which has 200 seats available may only have 15 seats left in February. It always helps to apply early.

Don't Give Up If You Are Placed On a Waiting List

If you are placed on a waiting list, be sure to call the admissions office to express your continued interest. Many students on the waiting list will make other plans. This increases your chances if you let the school know you are still available.