Academic Advising

Path to Law School
The journey to law school admission is comprised of several layers. It is my hope that you will use the information here as you prepare yourself for the next level in higher learning and advancement.

Your grade point average plays an important role in law school admission. The GPA is a derivative, or an indicator as to how strongly you will perform in law school. It is a good idea to set your bar high so that you have a solid chance of gaining admission. Your GPA should surpass, or be greater than those that were admitted the year prior. If you know that you had a slow or challenging start, or a really difficult semester, you should provide context in relation to this in your application.

Writing and communication abilities are paramount so it would behoove you to develop and/or strengthen your aptitude therein. I encourage you to take courses that will hone in on these areas. You can also visit the University Writing Center for free consultations, seek tutoring, etc. Though your writing sample is not a part of your LSAT score, law schools use it in evaluating your application. Consider the profession you are pursuing—the legal sector values communication and writing; it is used to get the point across every day in the field. Writing and communication are collective forces—you need to be able to effectively articulate your point of view in any regard. You want all the layers of your application to speak for you, in your absence, and this includes your writing sample [as well as your personal statement]. Just the same that you will be conducting oral conversation instinctively as a professional, law schools desire to see how well you can convey your point of view in the midst of a controlled setting (while taking the LSAT).

Your LSAT score is also very integral in this process. The Law School Admission Test, as with the GPA, serves to inform law schools of applicants’ skill set, to include that of reading and verbal reasoning. Law schools have been recommended to average scores for those that take the test multiple times. Some schools blatantly consider the highest score, though they have the ability to see an applicants’ average. There are instances in which an isolated occurrence led to a decline in the score and if that is the case, you can note this. On the other hand, some students that have taken the LSAT more than once only boost their score by a few points. However, there is a smaller ratio of students that scored significantly higher the next time around (i.e. 10-12 points, or perhaps higher). If you believe your score is not a clear representation of your abilities, you can take it again.

You have probably heard about law schools accepting the GRE. My recommendation is to check requirements for the law school you wish to attend. If you are tossed about this, I recommend that you meet with me.

Lastly, build your resume and application around your skills and values, those that are commendable to law schools. For example, you should sharpen your proficiency in problem-solving, critical thinking and reading, research, writing, listening, oral communication, service, leadership, networking/relationship-building, organization, management, contextual knowledge, endorsement of justice, and an exposure to the law. Spend time in curricular and extracurricular environments that will take you outside the box, out of your comfort zone, and elevate your thinking.

All of the aforementioned statements will serve as your solid foundation, providing you with an advantage as you enter law school, making you well-prepared for the journey ahead.