How to Get Into Law School

Some Tips for Applying to Law Schools

Getting into law school can feel like an overwhelming process, especially at the beginning. You might feel like you're looking at a mountain way too high to climb. But scaling a mountain begins with just one step, then another and another, and eventually, those steps take you to the top. Here are a few that will lead you to acceptance by a law school. 

Difficulty: N/A

Time Required: 4+ years

Here's How

  1. Go to college.
    1. All law schools require that entering students hold at least a bachelor's degree. You should attend the best college you possible and achieve the highest grades possible. Your GPA will be one of the two most important factors in your application, but you don't have to major in prelaw.
    2. Choose your undergraduate major and courses in areas in which you think you'll excel. Lay out a timeline for how you can best prepare for law school during your undergrad years.
  2. Take the LSAT.
    1. The second most important factor in your law school application is your LSAT score. If you're currently in college, the best times to take the LSAT are the summer after your junior year or the fall of your senior year. is the best time to take the LSAT. Take it the summer or fall before the fall during which you want to start law school if you've already graduated.
    2. Prepare well and be sure to read up on how schools handle multiple LSAT scores before you decide to retake the LSAT. You should also register with LSDAS at this time.
  3. Choose where you're going to apply.
    1. There are many factors you should consider when you're deciding where to apply to law school. Consider visiting schools that interest you -- and pay at least some attention to law school rankings.
  4. Write your personal statement.
    1. Your personal statement comes in third in importance behind your LSAT score and your GPA. Start by brainstorming with some writing prompts and get writing! Research some tips for writing a great personal statement, being sure to avoid certain topics and common mistakes.
  5. Finish your applications well in advance of the deadline.
    1. Make sure to ask for recommendations early enough that your referees have plenty of time to write outstanding letters. Also, write any additional statements you might need, such as a "Why X" Law School Statement and/or an addendum. Request transcripts and make sure everything the law schools want in your application files is in there well in advance of the deadline.
    2. After you've completed all the above steps in an orderly fashion, you can be confident that you have maximized your chances of getting into law school. Good luck!

Tips

  1. Start preparing for applying to law schools as soon as you've decided to do so.
  2. Don't wait until the last minute to send in applications. Many schools have rolling admissions policies, which means they accept students throughout the admissions process.
  3. Have someone with a good eye for detail proofread your application packet, especially your personal statement.
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Your Citation
Fabio, Michelle. "How to Get Into Law School." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/get-into-law-school-2154959. Fabio, Michelle. (2023, April 5). How to Get Into Law School. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/get-into-law-school-2154959 Fabio, Michelle. "How to Get Into Law School." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/get-into-law-school-2154959 (accessed March 28, 2024).