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How Do I Apply to Law School?

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Students walk out of a tree-lined brick building with the words "School of Law" over the door.
Class lets out at 嘿嘿视频 School of Law at King Hall. (Gregory Urquiaga)

Well, here you are. You鈥檝e decided you want to go to law school 鈥 but how do you get in? How do you know which schools to apply to? Will you need to take admission tests?

Having all these questions is normal. It鈥檚 also normal to feel lost and overwhelmed. But there鈥檚 nothing to be afraid of and no need for the process to seem opaque. Read on to learn about the application process, broken down into simple steps.

If you鈥檙e not sure about law school or want to learn more about what it鈥檚 like and whether you should apply, consider reading our article 鈥What You Need To Know About Law School.鈥 If you don鈥檛 know much about law school, that article is a good place to start.

Applying to law school can be a daunting process, but it doesn鈥檛 have to be. Here are five steps to follow when setting off on your application journey.

1. Research many law schools

A student sits poised to write on a piece of paper in front of a laptop in Mabie Law Library.
A 嘿嘿视频 School of Law student studies in Mabie Law Library at King Hall. (Karin Higgins/嘿嘿视频)

When searching for the right law school, there are a variety of factors you should consider. For example, you鈥檒l want to think about location, cost of attendance and prestige. If you have an interest in a particular area of law, you should look for schools that have a strong program in that concentration.

As you build up your list of schools, you should organize them based on admissions statistics 鈥 acceptance rate, average GPA and average LSAT score. These factors will help you determine whether a school is in the safety, target or reach ranges for you.

A good place to start exploring law schools is the . LSAC is an official organization on which law schools rely for admissions information coordination 鈥 sort of like the College Board for undergraduate institutions. LSAC administers the LSAT exam and manages the Credential Assembly Service, through which law schools accept applications.

2. Take the LSAT

A student takes notes while reading from a textbook in a student lounge.
A student studies in the 嘿嘿视频 School of Law student lounge. (Karin Higgins/嘿嘿视频)

The is a standardized test administered by LSAC. Offered several times throughout the year, the exam is divided into sections on reading comprehension, arguments and logic games. It鈥檚 designed to test your aptitude for the kind of reasoning that makes a good lawyer.

Your LSAT score will be a major factor law schools will consider when you apply. It will also offer a metric for you to determine whether a particular school is in your safety, target or reach ranges.

The LSAT is offered several times throughout the year. You should plan on taking it at least a few months before you send out applications, so you鈥檒l have time to improve your score if necessary. Starting to prepare for the test at least two months in advance has been shown to improve outcomes. You鈥檒l want to study the format of the test and, for the best results, take practice exams. You can start exploring on the LSAC website.

3. Write a personal statement

A student sitting in class at King Hall stares off in thought with her chin propped on her hand, laptop open in front of her.
A 嘿嘿视频 School of Law student is lost in thought during class at King Hall. (Karin Higgins/嘿嘿视频)

In contrast to the LSAT鈥檚 quantitative metric of your aptitude, a personal statement offers a qualitative measure for schools. A personal statement is a short essay that you will submit with your application that discusses your personal history, interests, goals and strengths. It鈥檚 a chance for you to showcase what makes you unique.

For advice on this step, check out our article 鈥How to Write a Strong Personal Statement for Graduate School.鈥 The 嘿嘿视频 Office of Educational Opportunity and Enrichment Services also offers .

4. Request letters of recommendation

A group of four students and 嘿嘿视频 School of Law Professor Clay Tanaka laugh and converse while descending the stairs in King Hall.
Students chat with 嘿嘿视频 School of Law Professor Clay Tanaka. (Karin Higgins/嘿嘿视频)

Letters of recommendation are another way for schools to qualitatively evaluate your academic success, work ethic and interests. They鈥檙e a way for you to stand out beyond the number on your LSAT report. Most schools will ask for two to three letters of recommendation, so start thinking early about who you鈥檒l approach for them.

The key to receiving good letters of recommendation is building personal relationships with your professors and supervisors. Try out these tips:

  • Attend office hours.
  • Ask questions in class.
  • Get involved in research.
  • Share your interests.
  • Ask for advice.

If you put in the effort to make genuine connections with them, your professors and supervisors will be happy to write passionate, personalized letters on your behalf.

For more advice on securing letters of recommendation, read our article 鈥How to Request Letters of Recommendation for Grad School.鈥

5. Keep on top of the admissions cycle

A group of students sit around a table in the courtyard of King Hall, talking and working on laptops.
嘿嘿视频 School of Law students enjoy the sunshine in the courtyard of King Hall. (Karin Higgins/嘿嘿视频)

Just like applying to undergraduate studies, applying to law school is a lengthy process. You should plan to space out your application journey over at least six months. During this time, you鈥檒l need to study for and take the LSAT, explore schools and prepare your application materials. Spacing the process out will allow you to keep a healthy balance with your studies and personal life.

Most law schools begin accepting applications in the fall of the preceding year and continue to accept them well into the spring. It鈥檚 recommended that you apply early in the cycle to have the best chance at securing a spot.

Now go on 鈥 you鈥檝e got this

Applying to law school can be draining and nerve-wracking. Just remember that no matter what, you are good enough 鈥 it鈥檚 just about presenting your unique, talented self in the best way.

For more advice on the law school application process, read our article 鈥6 Things I Wish I Knew When I Applied to Law School.鈥

What you need to know about law school


R.J. Praker (she/her) is a third year pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science with minors in professional writing and Russian. She currently works as a writing intern for and an academic peer advisor for the . She also serves as chief copy editor at the . R.J. is from Placerville, California and loves to hike in the Sierra Nevada with her family鈥檚 dogs.

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