How To Maximize Law School Acceptance Chances

How To Maximize Law School Acceptance Chances

Getting accepted into law school is not just about good grades and a high LSAT score. Law school applications often include other elements such as resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Good grades and a high LSAT score require diligent studying, but what can you do in undergrad to maximize your law school acceptance chances? We talk about three no-so-obvious things to maximize your acceptance into law school in this post!

How To Maximize Law School Acceptance Chances

1. Build a meaningful relationship with a professor.

Undergraduate professors are a valuable resource for aspiring law school students. For one, they can be your best reference for a letter of recommendation. You are likely going to need three letters of recommendation for your law school application, and at least one of these should be from a professor. A more personal letter of recommendation can help set you apart as a law school applicant.  If all a professor can reference in their letter is the grade you got in their class, the letter tells a law school admissions office little more than what your transcript already communicates.  Instead, a quality reference letter will include comments about your contributions to the class, your interest and dedication to your studies, and, ideally, some personal anecdotes about your character, passion, and qualifications as a future lawyer.

Undergraduate professors can also provide valuable advice and direction. Professors can help direct you to law schools and programs that fit your interests. Some professors even be able to connect you with a network of people that could be your introduction to the law school of your dreams.

If you’re at a large university, getting to know professors may seem impossible. However, there are still some things you can do! Show up, participate, and excel in class. Take advantage of office hours to ask questions and dig deeper into the class material. Attend lectures/seminars the professor gives on campus. Apply for research assistant positions they may offer. These relationships will help you not only obtain more benefits from your undergraduate studies, but they can also help maximize your chances of getting into law school.

2. Show Commitment.  

A longer resume is not necessarily a better resume. Though 10 clubs, 5 different jobs, and a top academic award may fill a page, a strong resume shows an applicant’s commitment and excellence in a few areas rather than dabbling in many. Longevity with a job shows you are loyal and valued as an employee. A position on the board of one club rather than simply attending several demonstrates responsibility and leadership skills. A resume that communicates a commitment to key activities during your college career will help you get accepted to a law school because it will give a clearer picture of who you are as a person and why you are a great applicant.

Get involved with a club or group that sparks your interest and invest in it! This does not have to be a “pre-law society” or debate team in order to be valuable! Whatever your involvement, be excited about it and take on responsibility that allows you to leave your mark. If you’re going to get a part-time job while in college, aim to be an employee that works hard and well. No matter the type of job, you are building skills for your future career and a reputation among an employer who could serve as a great reference!

3. Expand your interests beyond the beaten “pre-law” path.

If you’re not a political science major, on the debate team, and president of the pre-law society, you can still get accepted into and attend law school! Law schools value backgrounds, interests, and skills that will reflect the diversity of the legal careers students will embark upon graduation. College is a great time to expand your interests, learn new things, and find your passions. Don’t underestimate the value of your theatre club, your baseball team, or your music degree. These non-legal interests may be exactly what gets you accepted to law school!

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