Preparing for Law School
Ave Maria University Career Services
Student Union, Office 2031 [email protected] (239) 304-7228
LAW SCHOOL PREP GUIDELINES The decision to attend law school, given the time and financial commitment, is not one that should be entered into lightly. Therefore, take time to think through your potential candidacy early as an undergraduate and continue to explore throughout your undergrad career. The following sections are meant to guide you through your considerations and when possible, provide additional resources for your use. Questions can be directed to Career Services and to the Pre-Law advisor, Dr. Seana Sugrue.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION In order to be a competitive law school applicant a strong GPA and LSAT score are critical. Law schools accept applicants of all majors, therefore, major in something you truly enjoy so it is easy for you to produce strong academic results.
Develop your reading and writing skills and hone your critical thinking and analytical competencies during your undergraduate years. If your major is more technical you may consider using electives to find courses with heavy writing components. With regards to GPA, remember that, unless you defer application, you will submit law school applications based on your cumulative GPA through your junior year (as you will send in applications during fall semester senior year).
If you are eligible, consider completing a thesis in your major field. This is not only excellent practice, but also provides the opportunity to develop a meaningful faculty relationship and a significant piece of writing. Both of these can be used in the application process in the form of recommendation letters and writing samples.
Review the American Bar Association’s (ABA) information on law school preparation: http://www.lsac.org/jd/think/prelaw-preparation.asp
NON ACADEMIC PREPARATION Internships and school activities should be used to build up certain skill sets such as public speaking and oral communication, organization and leadership. Debate and public speaking and involvement with social causes are two of the most important kinds of experiences to cultivate. Internships can also help you establish a clear, documented interest in law or policy and help you decide which area of law to study.
While it is important to present yourself as a person with a variety of experiences, admissions officials will be most interested in serious demonstrated commitment to one or two activities. You can demonstrate this by length of time involved as well as by the scope of responsibilities and by your accomplishments in the role. Being involved in athletics, student clubs, the student newspaper or service groups can all contribute to the development of your leadership skills and professional development. Holding officer positions is a bonus.
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST (LSAT) Remember the SATs? This is the law school version. View complete test information online at www.LSAC.org. Law School Guide P a g e | 2
The LSAT is required by ABA approved law schools for admission and is given four times a year. The LSAT score is very important to law school admissions officers. The test consists of five 35-minute timed multiple choice sections: one on reading comprehension, one on analytical thinking, two on logical reasoning, and a variable section.
There is an additional writing section which isn’t scored but is sent to law schools along with your test score. On the SAT and other standardized tests the writing section evaluation is based solely on content. By contrast, you must treat this section of the LSAT as a writing sample and ensure your arguments are well-reasoned and your grammar and spelling are excellent.
Careful preparation for the test is essential because unlike your undergraduate SAT experience, if you have multiple LSAT scores, most schools average them together rather than accepting your highest score. So, plan to take it just once and be well-prepared. The best way to prepare is to take practice exams under realistic, timed conditions.
The best plan is to take the LSAT June after your junior year so that you have scores by the end of the summer and can narrow down your list of schools. Testing dates are also offered in the fall and scores would be received in time to complete applications in the same semester. There is a testing date in December which would be the last possible time for a senior to take the exam and apply for the fall of the following year. (See later sections for more information on when to apply.)
The LSAT costs $160 to take. Additional fees are required to have your scores sent to the schools where you apply.
TAKING TIME OFF BEFORE LAW SCHOOL Many undergraduates consider taking time between college and law school. Others don’t decide on law school until late in their undergraduate careers which necessitates taking at least a year off in between undergrad and law school. Waiting a year or more after finishing college to apply is a popular option; at least half of the first year class at most law schools consists of those out of college for one year or more.
Some reasons to wait to apply:
Take time to develop skills and test out careers, narrowing down your future area of study. Gain self-confidence and maturity. Your senior year grades will be included in the GPA calculation for your applications. You’ll likely be a more interesting law school applicant. Full-time work experience may make you more attractive to legal employers. Earn money to pay for your law school education. Once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a true passion (travel abroad or commit to a year or more of service, for example).
Students often feel that by taking a year or more off they will lose academic momentum as well as close faculty relationships needed for strong letters of recommendation. Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making a final decision on when to apply.
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WHERE TO APPLY You should plan to apply to a mix of schools including at least one “dream” school where your chance of admission is less than 30% and at least one “safe” school where your chance of admission is greater than 75%.
To help you evaluate your chances of admission, use the following resources: The ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools: http://www.lsac.org. The Princeton Review website: http://www.princetonreview.com/law-school.aspx The Boston College Locator, free and available on-line at http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/gradschool/law/lawlocator.html.
Do plenty of research to ensure that you would truly be happy attending any school that you apply to factoring in location, cost, areas of study and post-graduation placement information.
Location is important for two reasons: Climate, culture and ease of travel (to see family or other) Job/Internship opportunities are likely to be greater in the surrounding geographic area o This is somewhat minimized if the University has a national reach
Other considerations include size, reputation, diversity, opportunities to participate in clinics or on law journals, placement opportunities and areas of specialization.
APPLICATIONS Law schools often have rolling admissions deadlines meaning it is to your advantage to apply early. Having your applications completed by Thanksgiving ensures that your application is being considered while the greatest number of seats in the class are available. Many schools offer early decision and the earlier you apply the better chance you have of being considered for scholarships.
Take great care in preparing your law school applications. As a lawyer, written communication, thoroughness and close attention to detail are all important characteristics. You should therefore practice these skills on the application. Grammar, spelling and punctuation must be perfect. Follow instructions completely and do not leave anything blank. Instead, write “not applicable.”
If in the past you’ve had any arrests, convictions, college disciplinary citations or academic troubles, it is best to explain these on your application. Doing so represents maturity and responsibility.
Resumes may be requested as part of your application. Even if they are not, you may choose to send one as it concisely displays your academic, professional and volunteer accomplishments. Do not, however, assume the resume fully explains your accomplishments. You should always completely answer questions asked on the application and include the resume as a supplement.
Be sure to have your LSAT scores in hand and complete registration with LSAC to send all information directly to your law schools online.
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THE PERSONAL STATEMENT If you applied to multiple schools as an undergrad it’s likely that you wrote a personal statement or answered at least one essay question during the undergraduate application process. Law School applications will require a personal statement submission.
The personal statement is important both in its substance and its presentation. Make sure the spelling and grammar are perfect and have multiple people critique the finished product. The Writing Center, your professors and Career Services are all places that can review your drafts.
DO: Answer the specific question, if one is asked. Let the reader know who you are; this is usually the only opportunity you have to inject your personality into your application. Be truthful, specific, and accurate. Write about something you know and with which you are comfortable. Focus on achievements and intellectual passions. Overcoming adversity is great so long as you focus on your journey and achievements, not on the adversity. Concentrate on your strengths. Strong writing will stand out even if you feel your topic is cliché. Focus rather narrowly; zero in on a subject and cover it well. Place the focus of your essay into the context of attending law school and your hopes for your career. Keep the writing style conventional. Make sure any supplemental statements are just as well written as your personal statement. Do not exceed length parameters; if none are given, keep to two pages, double-spaced with standard margins. Put your name on each page along with your LSAC number. (Check with each school, as some schools may have another preferred format for labeling.)
DON’T: Try to write what you think the law school “wants to hear.” Summarize your experiences. This is the function of your resume. Apologize. If you need to explain something, it is usually better to do so in a separate statement. Make excuses for your LSAT score. Strain to appear unique; not everyone can make themselves appear unique. Use contrived formats (i.e., your obituary, a summation to the jury on why you should be admitted). Use long quotations; if you do use them, use proper citations and keep them short and relevant. Philosophize about the role of law in society, or other lofty topics. Focus on another person, even if that person has been the most influential person in your life. Talk about why you are not going to medical school. Brag about your accomplishments. Instead, present your achievements in the context of learning new skills, discerning a career path, etc. Send videos or senior theses unless they are requested.
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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Strong letters of recommendation can make up for other sections of your application (such as LSAT score) which might be on the weaker side. Seek a minimum of two letters from faculty members who know you well. Follow explicitly all instructions regarding letters of recommendation.
The best and most persuasive recommendation letters are written by faculty members who can comment in some detail on your intellectual capacity, your writing skills, your motivation, and your overall academic experience. This means you will have to develop a relationship with a faculty member. Participate regularly in class, attend office hours and seek additional classes with your favorite professors. The content of the letter will carry the weight rather than the title of the recommender. Therefore, don’t hold out for a department chair unless this person really knows you well!
Ask for a letter of recommendation in person and make sure the writer has no hesitations. If necessary, ask your recommender if you can set up some time to talk about your experiences and goals. Ask for these letters early to give your writers plenty of time. Give the letter writers the tools they need to write a thorough, personal letter, including a copy of your resume, an unofficial transcript, a copy of significant written work completed in the letter writer’s class and anything else that might help him/her supply details in the letter. Provide the writer with a written request and a self-addressed and stamped envelope if the letter is to be mailed.
Send your letter writers a thank you note after the letter has been submitted. The people who take time to write letters for you are interested in your plans, and you should let them know where you are accepted in the spring and which law school you will attend.
CHECKLIST FOR APPLYING TO LAW SCHOOL This timeline is based on applicants going straight from undergrad to law school.
Prepare for LSAT beginning as early as fall of junior year. Take the LSAT no later than fall of senior year. Register for LSDAS (www.lsac.org) by the fall prior to the year you plan to matriculate. Request letters of recommendation from professors who taught courses during your junior or senior year of study who know you and your academic work well. Ensure that the letters are sent to the appropriate institutions (LSDAS). Research law schools. Visit campuses if possible. Request that official transcripts be sent directly to LSDAS from each undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended. Write your personal statement and seek additional proofreaders. Write a resume; have it reviewed by career services. Check your LSDAS report for accuracy. Send in your applications (best if complete by Thanksgiving senior year). Review financial aid information for each school and apply as necessary. Collect law schools responses and enroll. Report your final destination to your letter writers and to career services.
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Also review the checklist for admissions provided by LSAC.org: http://www.lsac.org/jd/apply/lsat-cas- checklist.asp
CHOOSING A LAW SCHOOL When narrowing your choices and deciding where to visit, consider the checklist below: Re-read the school’s publications carefully. Consider where the faculty were trained and their areas of expertise. Consider faculty depth and advanced degree programs available. Look for a bright and diverse student body. Legal education is highly dependent upon discussion and argument with fellow students, and you will learn best in a setting where the other students bring intellectual strengths and diverse experiences to the classroom. Consider the journals and moot court opportunities available for students to gain experience. Consider experiential learning opportunities. Will you have opportunities to practice under a licensed attorney before graduation, for example? Consider cost, factoring in your current debt, your intended needs, and your realistic earning potential post-graduation. (Refer to the financing section on page 7.) What kind of job do you want when you finish law school? Find out if there are part-time work opportunities for second and third year students. Don’t forget to factor in culture, climate and cost of living.
LAW SCHOOL VISITS Evaluate law schools for the student life, academic, and post-graduate opportunities. Law school is a professional program, and you should expect your law school to assist you in finding a suitable position in the legal field upon your graduation.
To assess what the educational experience at a given law school will be like, try to do the following: Sit in on some classes. Stop in the lounge and talk to students and faculty. Try to discern whether you will be challenged and also whether you will feel comfortable. Look at the library and computing facilities, as you will spend a lot of time there. Are the facilities large enough for the student body? What are the hours? Talk to the administrators you will rely on such as the dean of students and the financial aid. Ask about clinics, journals, and moot court. Find out how students are chosen and whether everyone who wants to participate is able to do so. Ask about housing both on and off campus and part-time employment prospects.
To get a sense of the law school’s placement record, visit the Career Office. Ask about the following: What sorts of positions do graduates take? What starting salaries do they earn? Where do they relocate for jobs? Which employers visit and conduct on campus interviews? How do those in the top 10% of the class do, and how do those in the middle and lower thirds do in terms of finding jobs? Everyone can’t finish in the top 10%, and you will want to know what your prospects are if you don’t do as well as you hope.
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FINANCING LAW SCHOOL Law school is an expensive investment. Tuition alone is $25-30,000 per year at many private institutions. Books, housing, food and personal expenses add up. Eighty percent of law students rely on loans as the primary source of financing for their education. The median debt level for recent law school graduates was $80,000, while the median annual salary for the same graduates was $49,000. Think carefully about how much debt you are willing to assume, and what salary you will need to earn to pay back your loans.
The law schools to which you apply should be your primary source of information about the availability of funds. In general, you will be considered independent of your family for the purposes of determining federal aid eligibility. However, law schools will likely require parental income information in order to determine eligibility for institutional scholarships and loans.
Start the financial aid application process in December. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you can after January 1.
If you have current indebtedness, get some financial counseling. Save as much money as you can before you begin law school. Pay off any outstanding consumer debt. Maintain good credit.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Princeton Review on Law School Princeton Review Nuts & Bolts Overview of Law School FindLaw: http://stu.findlaw.com/index.html So you want to be a lawyer Gradschools.com: http://www.gradschools.com/article-detail/worst-reasons-law-school-1788 o Choose Subject Specific Articles on the left hand side of the page and review all those pertaining to law school. Exploring career options: http://www.gradview.com/articles/careers/life_after_law_school.html
Test Prep Resources: TestMasters: www.testmasters.net Kaplan: http://www.kaptest.com/LSAT/Home/index.html Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com/law/free-lsat-practice-test.aspx LSAC Test Prep: http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/lsat-prep-materials.asp
Dr. Seana Sugrue of the Politics department is Ave Maria’s Pre-law advisor. Contact her to discuss your consideration of schools, your academic standing, and ways to improve your application.
Look for law school themed events throughout the year, often hosted by Ave Maria School of Law admissions representatives.
Contact Career Services for additional assistance. Schedule an appointment online at https://AveMariaCareerServices.acuityscheduling.com.
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/AMUCareerServices LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/AMUCareerServices/ Twitter: https://Twitter.com/AMUCareers
Student Union, Office 2031 | [email protected] | (239) 304-7228