Need legal studies, career or law school advising?
Kristal Johnson is here to help!
Can’t make it to campus?
You can call during walk-in hours!
407-823-1670
So you’re interested in law school?
Call 407-823-1670 to schedule an appointment with our academic advisor.
Path to Law School
If your desire is to go to law school, make every day count.
Law school preparation does not begin in your senior year; it begins at the moment you decide law school is something you seriously want to pursue. Some students start college knowing what they want to do, while others decide later on in life. Either way, when you start college, begin with the serious intent to do well. Challenges arise and personal situations may get in the way. You are not just a student; there are other hats you wear. All of them must be taken into consideration as you plan your life, start a part-time job and plan your classes. If you have room for involvement and extracurricular activities, do something that matters to you: Make it personal, not something that you think law schools want to see.
Your overall GPA is very important. Your GPA matters in the law school admission process because it lets the law school know how well you’ll perform and whether you can handle their program. Every class and every grade earned impacts your overall GPA. It takes time, energy and money to earn your degree. If you know that you had a difficult start or a rough semester, speak to that in your application — it’s called an addendum.
Your LSAT score is essential in the application process. The LSAT informs law schools of your skill set as it pertains to reading, judgment, logic, writing, and verbal and analytical reasoning. Thoroughly prepare for the LSAT and take it. Are there instances in which students repeat it? Yes. How does that look when it comes to admission? A repeat LSAT can be included in your addendum. Research shows that repeat test takers increase their score by only two or three points. There is a much smaller ratio of students that scored significantly higher the next time around (in the six- to eight-point range). Movement in the score can open the door to funding opportunities. If you know you can perform better — maybe there was an isolated situation that led to a lower score — then taking it again may be worth it. It is highly recommended that you focus on the area(s) in which you need to improve.
The legal profession values communication and writing. Legal professionals articulate their point of view and their position to an audience. Your ability to write and communicate effectively is crucial. If you know these skills are not your strong suit, then take the time to develop them. Take courses that will sharpen your abilities in these areas. The University Writing Center is also a good resource as they offer free consultation and tutoring.
You should also take the LSAT the summer or fall in the year prior to the following fall’s admission. To make it clearer: If you plan to attend law school in Fall 2022, then you should take the LSAT in the summer or fall of 2021. Schedule your LSAT with enough time to get your score before the law school application due date.
Mrs. Johnson
Interested in law school?
Here's how to prepare:
