Admission requirements
There are a number of application requirements and deadlines that you will need to meet in order to be considered as a qualified candidate for law school. The Law School Admission Council has a checklist that can help you plan ahead so you can meet the deadlines.
Doing well on your undergraduate coursework, standardized tests, and personal statements can help you get accepted into law school.
LSAT
An important determining factor in getting into law school is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Take your initial LSAT one to two years prior to your planned entry to ensure that you have time to retake the test. Consider taking as many practice tests as possible.
Undergraduate Education
There are no particular majors or groups of courses that the ABA recommends. Most importantly you should look to develop your research and writing skills. Challenging yourself and building a strong foundation to prepare you for your law education.
You can find out more about preparing for law school from the ABA website.
GPA
Law schools look carefully at college GPAs during the law school application process. In addition to an applicant’s numerical average, the admission committees also consider the rigor of the undergraduate courses taken and academic performance trends over the course of the undergraduate period. Law school applicants may provide commentary and clarification during the application process on irregular undergraduate grade trends.
Source: http://www.lsac.org/jd/apply/academic-record.asp
Personal statement
Let the admissions committee know who you are through your personal statement. Don’t just tell them why you want to be a lawyer or simply rehash your resume. Tell them your significant life accomplishments and what sets you apart from the other applicants.
This will be the admissions committee first true impression of you, so make it count. Once you’ve written your statement, have several people review it. Choose tough reviewers who will truly critique your essay.
Law school curriculum
- First year: During this time, students typically take all the required (core) courses. These courses may include civil procedure, contracts, constitutional law, criminal law, legal writing, professional responsibility/ethics, property law, and torts.
- Second and third year: This time is occupied mostly with electives and any remaining core courses. Specialized courses begin now. Students gain hands-on experience by working in law firms, participating in mock court sessions and practice trials, researching and writing for the school's law journal, and/or participating in law clinics.
