Thinking about law school?
Here are 3 things you can do to prepare right now while in undergrad.
1. Control Factors You Can Control
a. GPA
Your GPA makes up a large part of your admissions package. Make sure to take courses that interest, challenge, and allow you to do your absolute best in. Law schools do not require a certain major, so you can major in anything from engineering to communications to music. I advise you choose a major and courses that interest you and, most importantly, that you can do well in. Rate My Professors can also help you with what to expect in classes that you register for! A solid GPA for good law schools is 3.6+, a competitive GPA would be 3.8+ (this is not exclusive or a cut off, however – I would advise looking at Law School Numbers and seeing some profiles to compare yourself with!). If you want to go to law school, make sure you keep this in mind!
b. Extracurriculars
Law schools want to see what you are passionate about by showing them and not telling. Join organizations that align with your interests and passions and take leadership positions within them because that will demonstrate authenticity as well as your future potential for leadership. Remember most applicants will have their university’s pre-law society or club on their resumes, think about ways to differentiate yourself while staying genuine in your applications. If there are no organizations on or off campus that pique your interest. Start one! Law schools also love a bit of audaciousness, this entrepreneurial pursuit will show that you saw a problem and solve it!
2. Consult Scholarships and Free resources for the LSAT to get Familiarized (this does not supplement studying!)
There are many resources out there for LSAT prep such as Khan Academy, offering free LSAT preparation on their website in partnership with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). Moreover, there are several scholarships that can pay for LSAT courses, private tutoring, and your LSAC and law school application fees if you qualify. We have complied a list of these resources at this LINK at JMK & Co. Generally, your school or local bar association may offer these scholarships as well. Lastly, be sure to consult websites like 7Sage that has free resources to help you prepare for the LSAT, such as logic game videos.
If you intend to take the GRE instead of the LSAT, make sure to do the same as law schools generally value this the same as the LSAT in these last few cycles.
3. Consult Preeminent Law School Blogs
There are two blogs that law students swear by, Reddit and Top Law Schools! These are the guiding sources prior and especially when applying to law schools, while you have to take the information with a grain of salt, it is generally accurate as the community is strong and supportive.
Another amazing resource is of course the law schools, for example, the University of Michigan Law School has an admissions blog called A2Z with Dean Z, the Director of Admissions at Michigan Law, where she shares tips on all portions of the law school application. Check your dream law school’s website for admissions tips like this, it will help you tailor your application accordingly! Moreover, you can always reach out to admissions department to have a conversation (however, make sure you are very prepared and ensure that you will leave a positive impression – expect some questions from the admissions committee, too!). Lastly, visiting law schools and talking to current students and alums are also great ways to learn more about the school and whether it is a good fit (this can also help you with your why X school optional statements when the time comes!).
Lastly, if you are still looking for additional information, a law school admissions consultant can always help further demystify portions of the application as well assist with strategy during undergrad and leading up to the admissions cycle a student is looking to apply.
