How to get into law school:
So you have decided that you want to become a lawyer. Ever since you were young, you have been told by friends and family that you would make a good lawyer due to your critical thinking, speaking ability, and intelligence. Entering college, you decided on a pre-law double major of English and Philosophy. During your senior year, your dream of becoming a lawyer becomes a painful reality: becoming a lawyer is a long and tiring process.
Gaining admissions into law school is the next step to becoming a lawyer, but it is not an easy process. Getting into law school requires a high GPA through your undergraduate degree and a high LSAT score. Law school will teach you skills required of a lawyer, including how to speak clearly and persuasively, write precisely, and think logically.
So what do you have to do to get into law school? The rest of this article offers steps along with tips and advice to remember when trying to get into law school:
1. Looking for Top college and getting admission to the College or University
Getting into a top college or university will help you obtain the right education needed to get into law school and succeed as a lawyer. Your high school GPA and application are the determining factors of getting into these universities. If you cannot attend a top-tier college or university such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, or other Ivy-league schools, seek a university who consistently sends students to the top law schools.
2. Work hard and aim for a high GPA
Obtaining a GPA over 3.5 is almost a requirement for law school. Depending on the school you are attending and the coursework you are taking, a "good" GPA will be essential to gaining admissions to a top law school. It is recommended that you major in one of these following majors: English, philosophy, history or political science. All of these majors prepare a prospective lawyer for the LSATs.
3. Preparing for LSAT Exam
There are two major determining factors in getting into law school. Your GPA and your LSAT score. Consider enrolling in an LSAT preparation course, as it is a very long and detailed standardized test that measures the skills required to succeed in law school and as a lawyer. It is recommended that you take the test the October before you want to enter law school. Scoring above 164 will give you the best chance to get into a top law school. The best law schools have an average score of over 170.
4. Find the right law school for you
Use the internet or other resources to find a law school that fits you. If you know what type of
lawyer you want to be, find a law school that specializes in that field of study. If you are strapped for money, find law schools that don't require you to sell everything you own to meet an application fee. Prepare your application to the best of your ability, making sure to obtain good recommendations.
