How to get Accepted to Law School

Anyone can get accepted into law school with enough preparation and hard work. Here is some advice to get you there.

Instructions

1. Major in something challenging as an undergraduate. There is no real "pre-law" path because nothing in college resembles law school. Don't bother with the traditional political science route. It's not going to give you a leg up, and it's not going to distinguish you from the masses of other poly-sci grads. Pick something challenging like engineering or a hard science, and you will have an avenue into a lucrative career as an intellectual property attorney. Stay away from the easiest majors.

2. Get the best GPA you can. This goes without saying, but its true. A Tier 1 or 2 law school will require at least a 3.5 min, unless you have stellar test scores or you know Antonin Scalia. If you're an upper classman, its not too late. Focus on improving your grades in the time you have left and retake any class you did poorly in.

3. Prepare for the LSAT. This is as important as GPA, despite what you hear to the contrary, and its one thing you can control if your GPA is subpar. Spend every free moment doing practice LSAT exams, and you will see your score improve.

4. Be realistic in where you want to go and how much money you'll spend. Have a dream school, a school who's criteria you meet, and a safety school. Admissions is competitive, so make sure your application is flawless. Have it reviewed by several people before submiting. Also, most law grads won't graduate with $100,000/year jobs. Make sure you don't borrow more money than you can pay back. An average small or mid-sized firm or government salary for a recent law grad is (in Chicago) in the vicinty of $50,000-65,000).

Tips & Warnings

• A law school's published listing of graduating class starting salaries is very misleading, so take it with several grains of salt.