How to Decide If You Want to Apply to Law School

If you're thinking about going to law school, ask yourself why you want to go and what you plan to do with your degree. As a prospective law student, your decision should be based on realistic expectations of the field, accurate perceptions about the life of a lawyer, and some self-analysis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Calendars
• Personal Organizers

1. Examine your reasons for wanting to become a lawyer. Try not to fall for the popular Hollywood lore that portrays lawyers as powerful, hard-nosed criminal prosecutors. The job is not about glamour and not everyone is on track to become the next Johnnie Cochran or Marcia Clark.
2. Understand that law school graduates do not always become courtroom lawyers. Lawyers might find themselves drafting a will or zoning a playground, working independently in their home or with others in a high-rise corporate office.
3. Keep in mind that law school graduates do not always practice law at all. In fact, 3000 law students who graduated in 1996 found jobs in non-legal professions, and their starting salaries were an average of $1,000 higher than those in legal positions.
4. Jot down the reasons law interests you. For example, if you want to fight to keep people out of jail, help companies recover from bad decisions, put together business deals or plan estates, then law school may be a viable option for you.
5. Assess your competitiveness. Law schools receive more and more applications each year, with the top schools admitting students with LSAT scores higher than 160. Most law schools also seek students who can think critically and write well.
6. Spend time with those who are actively participating in the law process. Before making your final decision, talk with someone in the field, and ask him or her about the law school experience.
7. Research, research, research. The Internet boasts numerous Web sites devoted to applying to law school, ranking law schools, and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of law school. Read over these sites carefully.
8. Make a plan. The application process is long and arduous, including personal statements and letters of recommendation. (See "How to Apply to Law School," under Related eHows.)

Tips & Warnings

• Make friends. Do you know someone (through work, your volunteer activities, or in your neighborhood) who is also considering law school? Having someone apply at the same time makes the entire process easier.