How to Get Into Law School

With early planning, you can make yourself desirable to law school admissions officers come application time. Here are a few tips to get you on the right path.

Instructions

1. Choose a major that prepares you for law school and piques the interest of admissions officers. Philosophy, politics, history and sociology are subjects that provide a good foundation for law school, but any major that emphasizes writing skills is good.

2. Make good grades. Maintaining a high grade point average in college, especially in your major, is crucial in getting accepted into law school.

3. Participate in extracurricular activities. Law schools claim to be looking for well-rounded students. Increase your chances of getting accepted into law school by participating and excelling in hobbies and interests outside of the academic context. Work experience is also helpful.

4. Ace the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The LSAT measures your aptitude for the study of law and is considered the most important barometer of assessing future law school success. There are a variety of LSAT preparation courses that can help you prepare for this exam.

5. Plan your attack. Research law schools that interest you and visit them. Ask about the issues that are important to you; work-study programs, availability of jobs after graduation, tuition and living expenses, etc. Find out about admission requirements to determine your chances of acceptance.

6. Prepare an application that highlights your individual skills and merits. Pay close attention to the essay question. Don't be shy; this is your time to shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Most law schools require the use of Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) reports in the admission process. This service provides a report to law schools which summarizes your college grades, LSAT scores and letters of recommendation.

Resources

• Princeton Review LSAT Test Preparation
• Kaplan LSAT Test Preparation
• U.S. News and World Report Law School Rankings