Law School Admissions Advice: What You Need to Know to Succeed

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If your dream is to become a lawyer, your first step, of course, is to get into law school. With only 200 law schools accredited by the American Bar Association nationwide, competition for acceptance is stiff; while applications have risen dramatically in the last several years, the number of students acceptance to most law schools have remained the same.  In order to get into a quality law school, you will need to distinguish yourself from the other applicants and demonstrate why the school of your choice should choose you over the competition.  Some of the important things you need to know about law school admissions are discussed here.

Qualifications for law school

Most law schools require that you have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no set undergraduate program for prospective law students, and individuals from a wide variety of fields have been accepted to law school, the majority of law school applicants have majored in either history, political science, English, engineering or science.  You may also decide to enroll in law school after you have worked for several years and gained some practical experience on the job.

Where to apply to law school

Getting into law school is tough, and even if you are at the top of your class in college, you may find getting into the school of your choice is tougher than you anticipated. While you may have a preferred law school in mind, it is a good idea to apply to several colleges to increases your chances of acceptance.  You should research all schools where you plan to apply thoroughly in order to make the best decision about where to apply, and which school to attend if you are accepted at more than one.

Law school entrance requirements

Besides having a four-year degree and an attractive resume, you will need to pass a standardized exam known as the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) before you can be accepted at any law school. This exam covers analytical and reasoning skills, reading comprehension, and writing ability.  Your LSAT score, along with your GPA, are weighed heavily when it comes to the decision-making process in the admissions department of most law schools.

Tips for getting into the law school of your choice

Here are some of the things you can do ahead of time to maximize your chances of getting into your preferred law school:

  • Take courses that emphasize public speaking, writing, and communication skills;
  • Keep your GPA up – an outstanding GPA is often a deciding factor for law school acceptance;
  • Participate in extracurricular activities like sports, community service, or political groups – this will make your application more attractive than one that shows only high academic achievement;
  • Take the time to write an outstanding personal essay; this will give you the opportunity to give admissions personnel an idea of who you are as a person, as well as showcasing your writing skills.
  • Work for a law firm. Whether you choose a summer internship or work as an administrative assistant or paralegal in a law firm, you increase your chances of being accepted to a highly regarded law school.

There is no question that getting into law school takes a lot of work. But if you are serious about becoming a lawyer, the effort that you put into making your law school application outstanding is sure to pay off in the end.

Preparing to Earn a Law School Degree

The legal field offers many opportunities for a challenging and rewarding career. If you are thinking about becoming a lawyer, you have some hard work ahead of you, but once you have earned your law degree, all of your efforts will be worth it.  Before you enroll in law school, there are some questions you may have about how to become a practicing attorney.

Do I need a university or college degree to enroll in law school?

Prospective legal students have typically earned a baccalaureate degree from a four-year college or university; while some students enter law school directly after completing their undergraduate work, many individuals enroll in law school much later, after they have worked for a number of years in another field.

There is no specific recommended degree or course of study required by the American Bar Association for entering law school; the legal profession is filled with people from all walks of life, with many different backgrounds.

Where can I find the best law school programs?

The American Bar Association accredits 200 law schools in the United States. An online search can help you find the law school that best meets your needs, whether you are interested in studying locally or you are willing to relocate while you work on your degree.

What are the characteristics of a good attorney?

A successful lawyer possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. He or she should be able to think critically and analyze complex situations; strong reading and comprehension skills are a must.  You must be able to express yourself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and you should have good listening skills.  In addition, you should be well-organized and able to work long hours whenever necessary.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

It takes approximately three years to earn the Juris Doctor degree – the first law degree. Depending on the school you attend, you may be able to take night classes while you work at a full-time job while you complete your coursework.

What are the requirements I will need to fulfill?

In order to be admitted to the bar, you will need to fulfill a number of requirements beyond completing your legal school coursework. First, you will be required to pass the first-year law exam, which is a comprehensive survey designed to ensure that you understand the basics of law as outlined in the first-year syllabus.

Second, you will need to receive a positive determination of moral character, which includes a background check and testimony from previous employers and law school faculty. Finally, you will need to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, which is intended to ensure that you understand the professional and ethical responsibilities that come with practicing as an attorney.  Once you have successfully completed your law school degree and passed the required examinations, you will be eligible to sit for your state bar.

If you are analytical, a good communicator, and interested in helping others, a career in the legal field can provide you with the opportunity to make a real difference.

Get a Head Start on your First Year of Legal Studies with an Acclaimed Law School Prep Course

If you have been accepted to law school, congratulations! You made it through the first hurdle on your way to becoming a practicing attorney.  Now, you are up for a challenge – the next three years are going to be busy and strenuous.  But you can get a head start on your first year of studies by taking a law school prep course.

Why take law school law school prep classes?

Your first-year law school grades are extremely important – they will impact your remaining studies, as well as the types of jobs you will be offered once you pass your state bar. A law school prep course provides an intensive preview of your first year of legal studies.  You will learn how to prepare for classes, manage your time effectively, and study efficiently; you will also have the opportunity to take real-life law school exams as practice.

What college courses best prepare you for law school?

If you are considering enrolling in law school after you earn your baccalaureate, you may want to consider adding some courses that will help you both get into law school and prepare you for the work you will be doing once you get there. Courses that bolster your writing, speech and communication skills are an excellent choice; political science, history, and business courses are also among the best courses to prepare for law school.

What to look for in a law school prep course

Look for a law school which focuses on preparing you for your L1 exam. This exam is one of the most important you will face before completing your law degree.  In addition, a prep course should introduce you to legal writing, which will be an important part of your law school coursework.  Whether you take your prep course online or in person, make sure the course offers feedback and critiques from real law professors.

Where you get hired once you complete law school and pass the bar depends a great deal on where you place in your class. If you are hoping to be hired by a prestigious law firm, taking a law school prep course can help you boost your law school test scores – which form the sole basis for your grades in most institutions – and get a leg up on the competition.  Look for a quality law school prep course online to help you jump-start your career as a practicing attorney.