So you want to go to law school, eh? There are a few things every collegiette needs to know before making a decision that impacts not only her three years in the law school classroom, but also the rest of her life as an attorney. Law school is incredibly expensive and the legal job market isn’t what it used to be. Before you start requesting catalogues from Harvard Law, make sure you’ve made the choice for the right reasons and have all the facts. Sit down with Wake’s amazing pre-law advisor, Laura Graham, join the pre-law society listserv, speak with current law students or any attorneys you may know, and talk to your parents about how to best finance your legal education. This advice is great for seniors still unsure about applying, as well as younger Wake gals that want some more information!
After you’ve done this oh so necessary homework, it’s time to take the LSAT. No pre-law classes you ask? That’s right! There are no required courses for attending law school, however a major that stresses critical thinking and analytical writing will be most helpful. Your grades are a crucial aspect of your competitiveness as an applicant so be sure to study hard! Coming from a tough school like Wake will give you a little leeway with your GPA, but not much. Your studying doesn’t stop here, however; you must also study for the LSAT. The test is offered in February, June, October, and December, with June being the most popular. You can purchase course books to study on your own, take a class, or hire a tutor. All options are great, just think about your learning style first. If you’re diligent enough to study on your own, great! If you know you need a little extra motivation or explanation, consider a tutor. However, be warned, LSAT classes can cost upwards of $2,000 and a private tutor can cost even more.
Once you are ready to ace the LSAT, sign up for the test on LSAC.org. The June test is a great place to start because if you are unhappy with your score, retaking it in October still leaves you the option to apply early in the admissions timeline. However, it is still possible to take the test up until February and make it in the admissions cycle. It may be a little more difficult considering most schools do rolling admissions, but you do have that option if you aren’t quite ready. While you are on LSAC.org sign up for the CAS (credential assembly service), which LSAC uses to compile your transcript and letters of recommendation. Over the summer become familiar with this website, request your transcript from Wake, and think about which professors you want to ask for letters of recommendation.
Once school starts in August, ask professors to write you letters of recommendation at the very beginning of the semester. The longer you wait to ask, the more pressure you are putting on them to rush your letters. Let them know when you think you will be done with your applications and ready to apply so they have plenty of time to write! Remember, you don’t necessarily need to have gotten an A in his or her class. Look instead for a professor who has seen you improve, knows your potential, and can speak on your behalf about your strengths that will help you in law school. Just make sure that they can write you a great recommendation later, not an average one!
Also, now is a good time to meet with Laura Graham, the pre-law advisor. She has office hours in the OPCD, which you can find on their website. At this point you will have your LSAT score back and a good idea about which schools you have a shot at and she can help you narrow your list and start your personal statement. Once you have written an amazing personal statement and have updated your resume, upload to them to LSAC.org. With these final pieces in place you are ready to apply. Some schools do have short supplemental questions; don’t forget to proofread these answers!
Finally, you are ready to hit the “submit” button on your first set of applications. Cross your fingers and pray to Elle Woods that you will be attending the law school of your dreams, and looking great in pink while you do it!
Warner: “You got into Harvard Law??”
Elle: “What, like it’s hard?”
Images from:
Picture 1. mentalfloss.com
Picture 2. law.umich.edu
Picture 3. http://lynnandtonicblog.com/2011/05/11/my-favorite-guilty-pleasure-movies/