I recently went through the nerve-wracking process of applying to law schools and now, as all application processes go, I’m experiencing the scariest part: the wait!
While sitting around anxiously jumping at all emails I receive from any school, I decided to discuss the process with others. Although I don’t know for sure that my efforts will be successful, I want to share my tips and experiences with future students who may eventually experience the same process.
Presenting an Autobiographical Sketch
As a part of your applications to law schools, you present a list or “sketch” of all your activities after high school along with verifiers who can confirm your involvement in those activities. Involvement matters, so make sure you’re staying active in your school and community. This being said, don’t just sign up for things you have no interest in as doing so will only make you miserable. It’s important to find activities that appeal to your interests—you’re going to be spending a lot of time and effort to maintain your participation, so choose things that you enjoy. Your activities shouldn’t be based on what you believe law schools would like as there are no specific requirements of what lawyers have to enjoy. If you enjoy playing music, you may consider joining your school band! If you enjoy athletics, try joining a school team. If you enjoy volunteering, sign up for a committee. This process is not meant to drain you, but instead intends to help improve you as a student and an individual.
Writing a Personal Statement and Resume
It’s a good idea to keep a draft of your resume and personal statement. Although some schools have specific personalized questions for statements, they’re all meant to get a general idea of who you are before meeting you in interviews. Before beginning your application, it’s a good idea to start building a rough draft of your personal statement essay. Additionally, it’s best to have your resume (although not required for all Ontario schools) prepared ahead of time. Not only will it come in handy for submission to those universities that require it, but it will also ease the process of fulfilling your autobiographical sketch and verifiers requirements since you’ll already have a list of your activities.
Seeking Letters of Recommendation
Be prepared to present strong references. Schools in Ontario require at least two referees per student, often with at least one academic referee. Make sure you’re actively participating in your lectures and getting to have some one-on-one time with your professors. My tip would be to attend their office hours so they get to know you better. It’s important to have someone who can verify the amazing student that you are, and it’s important to get to know your professors not only for the sake of law school admissions, but also to grow your network and strengthen bonds in your academic circle—there’s a lot your professors can teach you outside of just your lectures. Additionally, you’re required to provide a second referee who can be through academics or from an outside source like an employer. This way, law schools can get two different perspectives of who you are and learn how you act in various environments, not just as a student.
Taking the LSAT and maintaining your GPA
Often the scariest part of your law school application will be handing in a strong transcript and LSAT score. Make sure you’re not killing yourself over these factors, but nonetheless push yourself to present your best work. On one hand, give yourself ample time to study for the LSAT as a good score often requires months of practice. The average study time for a decent score is 3 months, however, it varies for each student! It’s important to know where you stand on the LSAT currently and determine how much work and time you will need to commit to get where you want. Your GPA, on the other hand, is not something you can achieve within just a few months of studying. As a student, it’s important to work hard for your grades. You’re putting in years of your time and a good chunk of money to receive the education you’re getting, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. As long as you’re attending classes, studying hard, and participating in your courses, your GPA will reflect your efforts.
I hope these tips are useful to you. Once your application is complete, there’s not much else you can do other than wait and hope that your hard work has done its due diligence and will pay off. Good luck!