As you create a law school target list, it is crucial that you consider both personal and career goals when creating it. Doing so will allow you to build an application which highlights all your strengths.
Reaching for some realistic goals while including safeties will increase your odds of admission into at least one law school.
1. LSAT scores
Law school can be an expensive investment, so it is crucial that you find schools that fit perfectly for you. When choosing which schools to apply to, consider your LSAT scores and application requirements of each one – ideally two reach schools and three match schools should suffice.
Law schools publish the median LSAT score as an invaluable metric when it comes to estimating admission chances. Most, if not all schools, publish these median scores via US News or similar ranking websites and meeting or exceeding 75th percentile is often sufficient for admission – this usually puts someone into “presumptive admit” category in most schools.
However, incremental gains on the LSAT no longer have as much of an effect on law school rankings; even perfect scores may not provide an edge at every school.
2. GPA
As much as our seemingly meritocratic society might wish otherwise, connections still matter when applying to law school. Letters from influential professors or employers help admissions boards assess your accomplishments, work ethic and potential success as a law student.
From quirky interests and life paths to unusual majors (art history, microbiology or Japanese studies), having something distinct about yourself can really set you apart from other applicants. This is especially important if you weren’t on a pre-law track during undergrad.
Be sure to review your school’s transcript summarization policies, as they could have an effect on GPA calculations.
3. Personal statement
Personal statements can make or break law school applications. A well-crafted personal statement gives admissions committees insight into who you are beyond numbers on your transcript or LSAT scores.
Some law schools require applicants to respond to specific prompts while others ask them for a personal statement or essay on why they wish to enroll at their law school. Do your research beforehand so your essay fits each school and its community effectively.
Yale Law School requires applicants to explain how they would benefit the legal profession and law school community if accepted into their class, with Michael crafting an impressive response that highlighted his diverse career experience and personal goals.
4. Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break an application. Therefore, it’s crucial that you choose recommenders who know you well and can offer valuable insight into your accomplishments and qualities as an individual as well as speak about how suitable you would be as law student.
Schools generally prefer academic letters of recommendation, such as letters from professors who taught you or thesis advisors who assisted with your thesis work. If there are gaps in either your education or work experience, letters from non-academic sources like supervisors and mentors may also suffice as viable recommendations.
Be sure to request letters of recommenders well in advance, giving them at least six to eight weeks and reminding them of the date by which you need their letter submitted.
5. Financial aid
Financial aid decisions can have a dramatic effect on law school choices. Before making your final decisions about financial aid packages and loans for law school education, be sure to explore financial aid procedures and deadlines of each law school you apply to – noting any federal grants like Pell or FSEOG before considering loans as possible funding sources.
Financial aid staff will tailor a package tailored to meet your demonstrated financial need, which may consist of scholarships or loans.
Your LSAT and GPA should inform the selection of target schools, but also include several safety schools with low score medians that may accept you if other ones turn you down. Be realistic when setting reaches; applying to schools that will likely reject you won’t pay off in terms of opportunities available.