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What Are the Most Important Factors in Law School Admissions
For aspiring lawyers, gaining admission to a top law school is a critical step in their professional journey. It enhances professional credibility, provides access to job opportunities, and offers a top-notch education that equips them in and outside the legal field. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to understand the key factors law schools prioritize.  This article will explore the most important elements in law school admissions, including academic performance, personal statements, letters of recommendation, work experience, and diversity, providing a roadmap for a successful application.

Academic Performance (GPA and LSAT Scores)

Academic performance is one of the most critical aspects of your law school application. Law schools heavily weigh your undergraduate GPA and LSAT scores when evaluating candidates. A high GPA indicates your ability to handle challenging coursework, while a strong LSAT score reflects your critical thinking and reasoning skills—both essential for law school success. But remember other aspects of your application can mitigate lower grades/scores, so keep reading!

Personal Statement

The personal statement offers a unique opportunity to present yourself beyond the numbers. Law schools use this statement to assess your motivations, experiences, and aspirations. It’s a space to showcase your individuality and explain why you are passionate about pursuing a legal career. A compelling personal statement focuses on specific experiences that have shaped your decision to pursue law. Authenticity is crucial; admissions officers value genuine stories that reflect your true self. This is why we spend significant time helping clients discover their stories and stand out on their statements. Read Chapter 11 of the Law School Admissions Mastery Guide to create a pen-dropping statement.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation play a significant role in law school admissions by providing a third-party perspective on your qualifications. Most law schools require two to three letters, typically from professors and professionals who can attest to your academic abilities, work ethic, and character. To secure strong recommendations, building meaningful relationships with your professors and mentors during your undergraduate years is important. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed, personalized insights into your strengths and potential as a law student.

Work Experience and Extracurricular Activities

Law schools value applicants with diverse experiences demonstrating a commitment to the legal field. Relevant work experience, internships, and extracurricular activities can differentiate you from other candidates. Whether you’ve worked as a paralegal, interned at a law firm, or led a student organization, these experiences can strengthen your application. Some schools, like Stanford and Columbia, increasingly value applicants with a few years of professional experience before applying. This trend highlights the importance of real-world skills and maturity in legal education. I took two years out and it helped me figure out which area of law I wanted to focus on, afforded me the ability to secure great letters of recommendation, gave me more time to focus on my application and LSAT, and even allowed me to have some savings before starting law school.

Diversity and Uniqueness

Diversity is a crucial factor in law school admissions. Schools strive to create a learning environment enriched by various perspectives, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, gender, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Highlighting your unique background and how it will contribute to the law school’s community, in and outside the classroom, can strengthen your application. Make sure to write a diversity statement, even if it’s not requested by a school (submit it as a supplemental statement), that hones on how you will add value.

Application Timing

The timing of your application can influence your chances of admission. Applying early decision (ED) can be advantageous as applicants are often admitted at higher rates. However, an early decision is binding, so it should only be pursued if you are confident in your choice.  The regular decision allows more flexibility and time to perfect your application but may be more competitive.  Whatever you decide, make sure to submit your applications by or before Thanksgiving (late November) because law schools are all rolling admissions.

Conclusion

Focusing on your academic performance, crafting a compelling personal statement, securing strong letters of recommendation, gaining relevant experience, emphasizing your diversity, and timing your application strategically can enhance your chances of success. Remember, law school admissions are holistic, so each component of your application plays a crucial role in telling your story.  
Strategies for Strengthening Your College Application Despite a Low GPA
Many students with a low GPA may feel discouraged or hopeless when applying to graduate school or other academic programs. While GPA is a critical factor in the admissions process, it is not the only one. Admissions committees consider various elements, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and professional achievements. This Blog will cover what you can do to improve your candidacy by taking a holistic approach to your application, highlighting your strengths, and demonstrating potential in other areas to offset a low GPA.

Key Takeaways

  • A low GPA does not necessarily mean the end of your academic journey.
  • Admissions committees consider factors beyond GPA, such as test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and professional achievements.

Understanding the Impact of GPA on Admissions

A GPA is usually an indicator of a student’s academic ability and potential for success in an academic program. While other factors, such as test scores and letters of recommendation, are also considered, a high GPA can help a student stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Minimum GPA requirements vary across different institutions and programs. Researching the GPA requirements for your desired programs is essential to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications. For example, the University of California system requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for non-residents for admission to their undergraduate programs (though this can differ from university to university within the system). Conversely, highly selective institutions like Harvard University may require a minimum GPA of 3.8 or even higher.

Assessing Your Academic Record

When evaluating your academic record, take an honest and objective look at your transcript to identify areas of weakness and take steps to address them. Identifying Weaknesses in Your Transcript Review your transcript for patterns or trends in your grades. Seek feedback from teachers, guidance counselors, or academic advisors to gain valuable insight into your academic strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to address any areas of concern. Calculating Your GPA for Target Schools Research the GPA requirements for the schools you are interested in. Use a GPA calculator to determine your GPA for each school. Keep in mind that GPA is just one factor in admissions, and other aspects of your application, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, are also important.

Strategic Academic Planning

Selecting Courses to Boost Your GPA Taking additional courses that align with your interests and strengths can boost your GPA. Choose challenging but manageable courses, and consider retaking courses in which you received a low grade to demonstrate your commitment to improving your academic performance. Utilizing Academic Support Resources Use academic support resources such as tutoring services, study groups, and academic coaching. Developing good study habits and time management skills can help you stay organized and focused, leading to better academic performance.

Alternative Evidence of Academic Ability

Applicants with a low GPA can still demonstrate their academic ability through alternative evidence, such as highlighting relevant coursework and projects and demonstrating competency through standardized tests. Highlighting Relevant Coursework and Projects Showcase your strengths by discussing how you excelled in specific courses or projects related to your field of interest. Highlight any research or publications you have completed, focusing on their relevance to your desired program.

Extracurricular and Leadership Activities

Extracurricular activities and leadership positions can significantly help overcome a low GPA. Admissions committees value well-rounded applicants who have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to their community. Showcasing Leadership and Teamwork Participate in extracurricular activities to demonstrate leadership skills and teamwork abilities. Highlight specific examples that showcase your role and the impact of your efforts. Community Service and Volunteer Work Community service and volunteer work demonstrate a commitment to your community and a desire to impact positively. Provide specific examples and quantify the impact of your volunteer work.

Effective Application Strategies

Crafting a compelling narrative can strengthen your application when you have a low GPA. Admissions officers want to see that you have overcome challenges and have a clear vision for your future. Writing a Persuasive Addendum Use the addendum as an opportunity to explain your low GPA and showcase your strengths. Be honest about any extenuating circumstances, focus on how you have overcome challenges, emphasize your strengths and achievements, and use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. Remember to ‘explain’, not make excuses, as to why you do not have a high GPA. Make sure to check out our College Admissions Mastery Course for exactly how to create a bulletproof addendum! Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation Strong letters of recommendation can strengthen your application. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential. Provide them with specific information about your academic and future goals and any challenges you have faced to help them write a personalized and persuasive letter. Applying Early or Through Rolling Admissions Applying early or through rolling admissions can increase your chances of acceptance, especially if you have a low GPA. Early applicants are often reviewed before the application pool becomes too competitive. Rolling admissions allow you to submit your application as soon as it is ready, rather than waiting for a specific deadline.

Conclusion

A low GPA does not have to be the end of your academic journey. By taking a holistic approach to your application, assessing your academic record, strategically planning your courses, and highlighting your strengths, you can overcome a low GPA and strengthen your application. Focus on demonstrating your potential and commitment to academic success to increase your chances of acceptance into your desired program. Again, make sure to check out the College Admissions Mastery Course to ensure you have all the leverage necessary to overcome a low GPA and get yourself into your dream program!!
All Things LSAT- A Practical Guide on Preparing for the LSAT
Reading Time: 4 minutes   Are you confused about all things LSAT? Do you feel unprepared and overwhelmed? Well, you’re not alone and we want to help. The next LSAT test date is fast approaching, and here are some study tips to make sure that you are successfully preparing. Most law school applications open any time between the end of August to the beginning of October. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that it’s time to start preparing, and Write Track Admissions has some tips to help you out. 

When to take the LSAT

It is best to get the test-taking done ASAP, for peace of mind and for the optimal admissions decision. Also, the longer you hold off on taking your LSAT, the later you finish your application. Law school has rolling admissions, so if  you wait to apply to your top choices, your chances of admission will have diminished. Taking the LSAT early, allows you to retake it, so that you can improve your score with time to spare.  There are several more LSAT testing dates available in 2021. Be sure to keep track of when you need to register.   

Hacks to Help you Prepare

To prepare yourself for the harsh reality of standardized testing, here are some LSAT prep tips from Write Track’s founder, Hamada:
  • TAKE PRACTICE EXAMS: Note the common mistakes you make in each set of questions and keep practicing them until you feel confident. 
  • REAL EXAMPLES: Don’t use anything but REAL past exam questions (also known as LSAT Direct Questions), because once you see and understand the patterns in real questions, you will be able to master anything they give you.
  • TESTING CONDITIONS: Make sure to simulate real exam conditions and timing. For example, do three sections back-to-back with a minute break. Then, take a 15 mins break and do two sections back-to-back. Also, use the same pencil, timer, and chair you will use/find in the exam. If they don’t allow ear plugs then don’t use them in the practice exams.
 

The Digital LSAT

The digital LSAT is being universally administered electronically on Microsoft Surface Go tablets. They have been pre-loaded with LSAC patented software that features a timer with 5-minute warnings, and interactive options such as answer elimination, text highlighting, and question flagging (so you can revisit those tough ones later).  The digital LSAT is comprised of Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Writing Sections. 

Here are some hacks that can help during the LSAT:

  • Figure out the question type to help you narrow down the answers.
  • The digital LSAT test allows you to flag questions. Skip ones that take you a long time to answer, and come back to them questions later. 
  • Use the text highlighting feature to flag the root of each question. The question is often hidden amongst a lot of other extraneous information. 
  • Read all the answers before selecting one to help you identify potential test, tricks, and red herrings.
  • Practice for speed, because often the exam comes down to technique, practice, and timing.
  • If all else fails, just skip hard logical reasoning questions, then come back to it at them at end.
If you follow this methodology, you will already be ahead of the game. And if for some reason you don’t score where you want to, keep a cool head and try again! Write Track’s Founder, Hamada, took the LSAT 3 times and still did not do great. However, by using storycrafting he managed to get into Berkeley Law. It is important to stay strong in the face of adversity, even when that face is the LSAT staring you down.  A strong application can help balance out test score weaknesses!

LSAT Scoring

While on the subject of test scores, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page regarding how, exactly, the LSAT is scored. Your LSAT score is comprised of a raw total of the number of questions you answered correctly. There are then converted into a score in the range of 120-180. The average LSAT score is 150… but if you have your sights set on attending a top law school, your score should be in the “well above 160” range.    If you are not meeting your LSAT score goals, contact Write Track for help with rounding out your application. We will use your story to craft a winning application, ensuring that you have the best chance at getting admitted to your dream law school, just like our founder, Hamada.     Aly Hartman | Write Track Communication Officer Write Track Admissions  
Should I be deferring my acceptance?
There are plenty of reasons to want to defer your acceptance to a college, law school, or an MBA program, especially with the projected lasting effects of COVID-19. Perhaps your health or the health of a loved one depends on it. Maybe you did not receive enough scholarship funding and need the extra time to bolster your bank account. A career opportunity could arise that you need to undertake in order to become a better student or professional. Most of all, you might be experiencing extenuating circumstances due to COVID-19.    Universities typically grant deferment on a case-by-case basis. For example at the University of Utah, such circumstances include illness, military/humanitarian/religious service, and financial restrictions.    The Deferment Process works as follows: You receive your acceptance, pay your enrollment deposit, get in contact with the admissions office regarding deferring, gather supporting evidence, and receive the university’s decision after everything has been submitted. If you are granted a deferral, you must follow the university’s requirements.    Deferring for a year is not uncommon, and there are definitely some ways of going about it that are better than others. Write Track Admissions has compiled some tips to help you successfully defer your acceptance with minimal consequence.   

1.Before deciding whether or not deferring is right for you, it is imperative that you explore all facets of your university’s deferring policies, such as:

    1. Is there a deadline for requesting deferment?
    2. What documentation do you need for your request?
    3. Do you need to document how you plan to spend your deferred time?
    4. What will you need to re-enter the program? 
    5. Are there re-entry deadlines? 
    6. How will the deferral affect your financial aid when you re-enter?
 

2. Timing is critical – write and send your letter of continued interest (LOCI) as soon as possible after receiving your acceptance letter and mention in the letter your request for deferment. Don’t wait until the last minute for this as there may only be a finite number of deferrals granted by the institution/program.

 

3. Craft the deferring essay with precision and care. It should include the following points (you may be asked for substantiating documentation for your deferral request): 

    1. Why you are seeking to defer
    2. Why you need to defer for the year (health, finances, career, COVID-19, etc.)
    3. What you will be doing during the deferred academic year
    4. How your deferrence will help you become a better student/candidate
    5. How the school/program will remain integral for your career and future
 

4. Uphold professional writing standards. Be concise, specific, and ensure that you address the “Why.” Prioritize quality over quantity, and stay away from composing a winded and emotional rendition awash with “Woe is me.” Be practical and calculated.

 

5. It is recommended that you try and visit the institution you are trying to defer, but due to the quarantine regulations, you can opt for a phone call or video conference. Adding this personal interaction to your deferment can help paint you in a better light to the one reviewing your request. You can also mention the discussion in your letter that will go to the program for review. You can also have a candid discussion about deferment with the name of the person on your admittance letter. 

 

6. You should have a Plan B in case the deferment is not granted. You may first try to appeal the decision but if that is not granted then you will have to make a judgment as to whether you attend despite why you sought the deferment or opt to let the acceptance lapse and reapply as a new candidate the following year. 

  Deferring for a year is not the end of the world. In fact, according to the Gap Year Association, admissions departments anticipate and prepare for deferment every admissions cycle. The most important thing to do is tackle it in a professional and timely manner. And if you choose a Gap year make sure it is worthwhile so that you can come back even more prepared to excel as a student. In fact, we created a blog piece on how to best leverage your gap year to help guide you in your decision.    If you need help deciding if deferring is right for you, or if you plan on deferring and would like help crafting your statement, contact Write Track Admissions for help!   Aly Hartman,  Communications Director – Write Track Admissions
5 tips to jumpstart your LAW application
Reading Time: 6 minutes – 
1) Meet… 
…with a Law School advisor/consultant as early as possible – even as early as during your undergrad years. They can advise you to pick courses or a major that will serve as a platform for your law journey (some popular pre-Law majors are Political Science/Government, Social Sciences and Economics). An advisor can also ensure that you are checking off all your law school requirements as you go – your college major, GPA, LSAT prep, Letters of Recommendation, and building your STORY for the Personal Statement.  
2) Research…
…everything to make sure this is the right path for you. It is important to ask yourself: Is law school the right fit for you? The financial and temporal commitment of law school is what makes this step crucial. Some things to consider are where you want to study law, potential law tracks (including specializations such as tax, IP, and corporate), which state to practice law, and what your long-term career/life goals may be. This will also help you when it comes time to draft the personal statement. A major factor to ponder is the potential to incur debt, and whether or not you are truly committed to the field – which is a sentiment that is necessary to pay off the debt.   
3) Register…
… for all the necessary accounts!
  • Create your LSAC account
  • Register and prepare for the LSAT. It is recommended that you spend around 300 hours preparing for the LSAT over the course of 3 months. Taking a LSAT practice exam can give you a baseline in order to guide how much LSAT prep you need. It can also help you better accommodate yourself to the LSAT testing conditions and time pressure.
  • Register for the Credential Assembly Service – an online resource that allows you to compile all your required documents. You should be regularly collecting and updating this cache of documents. 
  • Register for the Candidate Referral Service to be discovered by law schools you may not have considered. 
 
4) Review…
… all your compiled research, documents, and advisor assistance. Do some soul searching and start your LSAT prep as well as outline your personal statement. This is a pivotal component of your Law School Application, as it is your opportunity to showcase yourself as more than just your GPA or LSAT score. Your personal statement rounds you out as an individual and oftentimes acts as an interview, as most law schools do not conduct admissions interviews. Furthermore, what you choose to include and exclude in your personal statement can help offset any weaknesses in your applications.  
5) Strategize…
… a timeline from late summer prior to your application process, through the fall season with hard, fast completion and submission dates. Too often students push back taking the LSAT or drafting their application materials in favor of doing it over a break, which is never beneficial. While, some experts say that rushing your application to apply early may backfire as it can be less thorough than if you were to spend a great deal of time on it, procrastinating until the winter holidays or beyond can also be fatal. So make sure to submit your application well before Thanksgiving break.    If you are still lost, Write Track Law School Admissions offers top-tier law school admissions consulting including a unique SWOT analysis, school selection strategies, storycrafting, editing, and over a decade of guidance experience.   Aly Hartman | Write Track Communications Officer Write Track Admissions

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