Whether you dream of becoming a litigator, aim to follow your passion into family law or simply desire to think critically in a new way, you know one thing is for sure: Law school is your next step. Of course, before you can tackle torts, contracts or constitutional law, you must identify the schools you want to target and master the law school admissions process.
Once you’ve taken the LSAT and submitted your transcript, which was set in stone the day you graduated from college, you can move on to the aspects of the application you can control today – A case outlining why law school is the perfect intersection of where you have been and where you want to go; A story about your commitment to the study of law and strong interpersonal ability, illustrated by your maturity, leadership experiences and community involvement.
You are more than just a test score and a transcript.
Use your story to capture the attention of that weary admissions officer who has the power to place you in their incoming class.
We look forward to meeting you, putting together a plan of action for achieving your educational goals and, ultimately, translating your abilities, accomplishments and aspirations into a convincing case for admission into one of the world’s premier institutions for law. Please see Services & Fees and Why Apply Point? for more information.
Before we meet, it is important to note some particulars regarding the law school application process.
LSAT Prep
While LSAC allows you to take the test three times in a two year period, and allows for a fourth test administration if you obtain special permission from a law school, you really want to prepare for the LSAT as if you can only take it once. Read more
This is because it is a time consuming, costly and, by retaking the test at a later date, you could cause a delay in getting your applications reviewed. It is also important to consider that some schools claim to “average” multiple LSAT scores while others claim to take the highest of multiple scores.
Timing
Timing is critical when you are applying to law school, so we want to begin working with you as early as possible. Read more
Because law schools read files on a rolling basis, applying early is the best thing to do. Law school admissions officers recommend submitting your completed applications by the end of November, but if that is not possible, they recommend a target date around the end of December. Even if a school says it accepts applications through June, it doesn’t mean it is a good idea to apply in the spring. While many schools keep their options open to let in that person with a stellar application, the June deadline is not for mid-range applicants.
Casting A Wide Net
As is the case with a number of graduate programs, it is always best to apply to a lot of different law schools that range in their level of selectivity as well as cultural/academic offerings. Read more
Studies indicate that the average law school applicant applies to four or five law schools, but we advise our law school applicants to apply to approximately 10 schools. Because our goal is your acceptance and law school admissions processes can be so subjective, casting a wide net is crucial.
Application Process
American Bar Association-approved law schools and many other law schools require you complete a common application that is available through the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly Service. Read more
The Credential Assembly Service summarizes your undergraduate work and combines your recommendation letters, optional essays, personal statement, addenda and resume with your LSAT score to create a report that they send to the law schools to which you apply.
Interviews
Unlike graduate programs in business and medicine, most law schools base their decision on a candidate’s “paper” credentials and offer interviews only selectively. Read more
In some cases, you may be required to complete a personal interview and in other cases, an interview may be optional. If you have the opportunity to meet with a school representative for an optional interview, we absolutely recommend you use this opportunity to meet the admissions officer face-to-face and convince them you are a good fit for their program. Of course, if you are extended an offer to interview, you must prepare and practice as much as possible. A face-to-face mock interview with Apply Point is a good place to start. See services and fees for more information.