Getting into law school is a challenging task. Law schools place a significant amount of consideration and weight on your undergraduate grade point average and the rigor of your coursework. But what are the behind-the-scenes file reviewers thinking when they look over your materials? This article will focus on a few aspects that allow you into the mind of a law school application reader.
Personal Statement (PS)
One of the most vital sections of the application, so readers are paying very close attention to it to glean both the applicant’s ability to write and their judgment in what they write about. Your personal statement is your opportunity to shine. Use your personal statement to highlight abilities and hobbies that a law admission officer will find appealing and aid in your successful completion of law school.
- Is the PS error-free?
- Does the applicant follow directions as stated by the school?
- Does the PS provide additional benefit or added value to the overall materials?
Spend a good amount of time developing your story and writing your personal statement. A well-written essay can be the difference between admission and rejection. You have to start with a “hook” and draw the reader into your personal story. Remember, law schools are uninterested in a well-rounded student; they are looking to assemble a well-rounded class of interesting thought leaders who can offer something unique that no one else can. Give yourself time to develop your personal statement by crafting an outline of what you want to say and avoiding clichés. Your personal statement essay will likely take you multiple drafts to complete, so go over various drafts with a strong editor before achieving your final draft. You must give yourself a significant amount of time to develop and write your essay to get the strongest narrative possible. Law school admissions officers have read countless personal statements and can quickly identify and reject a rushed, grammatically incorrect, or poorly written essay.
Transcripts
When reviewing a transcript, a reader takes note of the levels of the classes taken as compared to what your undergraduate school offers.
- How does your major relate to your plans to pursue law?
- In what way have your major/minor classes prepared you for legal studies?
- Does your transcript reflect a consistent performance, or were there peaks and valleys in your grades?
- Did you challenge the curriculum or take an easier load?
- Did you take a wide range of courses, or was your course selection narrow and predictable?
- Did you take an overabundance of Pass/Fail in the tougher classes?
Standardized Test Scores
Assessments/tests are designed to provide an objective appraisal of the skills admissions officers use to evaluate applicants’ reading and verbal reasoning. When considering the LSAT and/or GRE, a reader may consider the following factors beyond the actual score:
- How many times has the applicant taken the assessment/s?
- Does the applicant have a verifiable history of bad standardized testing that will help put their scores into context?
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Readers use LORs to gain a sense of how others in the applicant’s community view them academically and socially, and how strongly the recommender supports the applicant.
- How well does the writer know the applicant?
- What do they say about their abilities as they relate to law school and the practice of law?
- Does the letter provide information that is pertinent to the law school’s values in terms of leadership, intellect, judgment, empathy, and accomplishments?
The key difference between a strong letter of recommendation from your faculty and one that truly stands out lies in the fine points and details. Ideally, ask someone you have taken an academic course from, preferably an upper-division course in your major that has some correlation to the type of law you plan to pursue or has transferable skills that your faculty member can highlight in the letter. You also want to allow ample time for your faculty members to write the letter and submit an online recommendation. In addition to the academic reference, you want to get one additional recommendation from a mentor, community member, or community service partner that you have worked with.
Resume
If done correctly, it provides the reader with a clear view of an applicant’s contributions in academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement inside and outside of the classroom.
- Does your resume show your growth in leadership activities?
- Does it highlight your scholarship within areas that law schools care about?
- Does it reinforce your motivation to attend law school and enter the legal field?
Character and Fitness
This is a key part to gaining entry into the State Bar in the US, and as such, is a very vital part of the application to which readers pay close attention. Readers are expecting full disclosure of any yes response to these questions.
- Is the reader accepting responsibility for any infractions or deflecting accountability?
- Is there a pattern of behavior that points to an ongoing or unresolved problem or character issue?
- Does the behavior pose a danger to the campus or the surrounding community?
Solomon Admissions Consultants offer the deepest bench of any admissions consultants out there and have a proven track record of securing admissions at the top law schools in the country. Want more information? Reach out to us today!
Former Assistant Director of Admissions at University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Former Associate Director of Admissions at University of Michigan Law School Former Assistant Dean for Admissions at University of Florida College of Law, 18 years (combined) in University of Michigan Ann Arbor Undergraduate and Law School Admissions 2 years in University of Florida College of Law Admissions,
Delphine has reviewed more than 20,000 applications, and has read well over 30,000 personal statements, and essays throughout her professional career. She has held decision-making positions at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and the University of Florida. Moreover, she received the University of Michigan Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award, and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition of Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community for her efforts in admissions and recruiting.
