Ten Best Tips for Getting Accepted to Law School

Many law schools have a limited number of seats to fill each year compared to the thousands who apply. There are some things you can do to improve your chances for being accepted. Many tips recommend beginning to plan in advance before time to go to law school. The ideal time to begin is before you even choose a four year degree plan.

1. Make excellent grades. For those of you who can plan years ahead, you probably already know there is no required BA or BS degree to be eligible for law school. With this in mind, be sure to study something you like and do very well so you make the best grades possible. If your best is found in a Bachelor of Science degree it would be helpful to add classes in writing, politics, economics, sociology or philosophy.


2. Writing proficiency. The writing class mentioned previously is important because law school requires proficiency in writing. You will do a lot of writing in law school and even more in the legal profession.

3. Part-time or summer work experience in or around the legal profession. This type of experience looks very good on an application to law school. In fact, some schools see that type of experience or internship as crucial to separating the above average applicant from the marginal student.

4. Extra curricular activities to build your background as a future law student and lawyer.
 

• Attending conferences and seminars in legal areas like writing wills, forming corporations, partnerships or nonprofit organizations.
• Membership in legal clubs and better yet, accepting an officer’s position.
• Volunteer work for a legal firm or a non-profit organization involved in law.

5. Become the best reader you know. Understanding and comprehension for details is important for both law school and working attorneys.

6. Choose the law schools in which you have an interest. Many of the schools tell you exactly what admissions require to be accepted in their programs.

7. Plan to take the LSAT early because some schools have special programs to let students apply early and be put at the top of the list to be considered for acceptance.

8. Plan early for scholarships or loans and make application. Be ready to show a finance plan for your schooling if required.

9. Prepare to have letters of recommendations. Be sure to get people who know you and your goals to create your references. Spend extra time working with these people who can give you the kind of references you need to help your petition to the law school admissions department.

10. Avoid any episodes of bad behavior in college or trouble with the police. Keep a straight head and make good decisions. Often, previous events can follow you through law school and affect your standing to become a member of the bar.

In conclusion, there are thousands of candidates applying for law schools who can only accommodate a small percentage of the applicants. The process is selective, but prospects can research into the law schools to know what can set them apart as an above average, mature, prepared candidate.