How to Get Into Law School

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By dhinkle
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Get Into Law School

Getting into law school can be extremely challenging if unprepared. The road that precedes it is a long and tedious one, but with prudent planning and little effort the transition can be simplified. Here's some helpful advice that can help get you started.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE: When applying to law schools you must first have completed, or be on the path to completing requirements to satisfy an undergraduate degree at a university. The major of the degree does not have to be law related.
Step 2

LSAT SCORE: Applicants must register to take the LSAT (law school admissions test). The LSAT is offered 4 times a year and costs $127 each time you take the test. The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120-180. One LSAT score is valid for up to 5 years. You may take the LSAT more than once. Law Schools are no longer required to average multiple scores received on applications, but they are still able to see all the scores.
Step 3

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Depending on the school you are applying to, you may be required to/allowed to submit up to 4 letters of recommendations. Law schools prefer letters to be written by professors who are familiar with your work. Law schools will also accept letters from employers if you have been out of school for an extended period of time. Letters must be written on professional letterhead, dated, and signed.
Step 4

CREATE AN ACCOUNT WITH LSAC (Law School Admissions Council): LSAC is a nonprofit corporation created to assist law school applicants with the application process. Through LSAC you can fill out applications and send required documents to each school you send an application. LSAC administers the LSAT, which is required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools.
Step 5

LSDAS REPORT: LSDAS (Law school data assembly service) reports consist of an undergraduate academic summary, copies of all undergraduate, graduate and law/professional school transcripts, LSAT scores and writing samples and copies of letters of recommendation processed by LSAC. The LSDAS report is required by nearly all ABA-approved law schools and is sent to the schools you apply to through your LSAC account.
Step 6

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Most schools require a 2-3 page personal statement. This is your opportunity to set you apart from other applicants by clearly, concisely and effectively explaining why you are an ideal candidate for acceptance into law school.
Step 7

RESUME: Some Schools require that you submit a resume with your application.
Step 8

FEES: Each school you apply to will require an application fee, unless your fee is waived for any particular reason. There is also a fee for each LSDAS report that you send.