Applying to Law School

Applying to law school can be intimidating, but a clear game plan changes the game.

Here’s a quick roadmap to guide you from knowing if law school is for you, to the LSAT and beyond!

5 minute read.

  • Before you spend thousands of dollars on LSAT tutoring, the LSAT exam, applications and 3-4 years of earning a J.D., ask yourself one question: Do I actually want to be a lawyer, or do I just like the idea of being one?

    This isn’t the glamorous part, but it sure is necessary. Social media and the entertainment industry make law school look glamorous. Courtroom clips, a rewarding internship, and a fancy title. While those moments are real, they’re only a tiny part of the experience.

    Law school is demanding. It’s intellectually challenging, emotionally exhausting, and requires a level of discipline that most people have never experienced before. That shouldn’t deter you, it just means you should know what you’re signing up for.

    So find out your WHY. Why do YOU want to go to law school? Not because someone expects you to, not because you have nothing else to do after college, and not because it sounds impressive. Your reason doesn’t have to be perfect but it should be YOURS.

    Are YOU willing to put in the work? Let’s not sugarcoat it. You’ll be reading hundreds of pages each week for 5-7 courses. Cases aren’t written like novels and no…they do not get easier overnight. If you hate reading and writing now, that’s something to seriously consider.

    Can YOU handle being uncomfortable? Let’s face it, you will be wrong. You’ll get cold-called. You’ll receive grades that humble you. You’ll wonder if everyone else understands something that you don’t. Welcome to law school. The students who succeed aren’t always the “smartest”, they’re the ones who show up every day.

    When I applied to law school, I knew I loved advocacy, problem-solving, and helping people. I also knew I wanted a career that would challenge me every single day. Reading, writing, research…it didn’t scare me, it excited me. I’ve learned resilience, time management, confidence, and how to think in ways I never imagined. I’ve also questioned myself more times than I can count. And somehow….both of those things can be true at once.

    I can confidently say choosing law school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

    So here’s the truth: Don’t choose law school because you’re chasing a title. Choose it because you’re excited by the work. That’s how you know that law school is for you.

  • If you’ve started researching the LSAT, one thing is true: you’ve already realized that everyone claims to have the secret.

    An expensive tutoring package, a guaranteed score, and in big bold letters: “The only method that works.” It can feel overwhelming before you’ve even opened your first practice test.

    The truth? A tutor is only half the battle and the best one isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. It’s the one that helps you understand why you’re getting questions wrong and gives you the tools to improve on your own.

    Before you pay for any tutoring, figure out what you actually need from the tutoring. Is it private tutoring? Is it self-study? Maybe it’s an online group course. Is it in person or virtual?

    Take a diagnostic test and see your starting score, your strongest section, your weakest section, and how much improvement you realistically need to get into the programs you like.

    Green flags include:

    (1) Proven LSAT score and experience teaching

    (2) Creates a tailored study plan

    (3) Is honest about improvement

    Red flags include:

    (1) Guaranteed specific score

    (2) Focuses on selling rather than teaching

    (3) Does not personalize a program for you

    Remember, the tutor can’t do the work for you. They can explain, teach, and encourage, but you have to put in the work. Tutoring is worth it, but it’s not magic. The real progress comes from what you do between sessions.

  • Between LSAT, personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcripts, fees, deadlines….it’s easy to feel like you’re missing something.

    Having a strong roadmap for applying to law schools is extremely helpful.

    STEP 1: RESEARCH SCHOOLS

    Don’t just apply based on rankings. Think about what actually matters to you.

    • Location

    • Tuition

    • Grading Curve

    • Scholarships

    • Bar Passage Rates

    • Class Size

    • Employment Outcomes

    • Practice Area(s)

    • Clinics, Externships, & Student Orgs

    Remember that you’ll be spending the next 3-4 years there. So make sure it feels like a place where you’ll thrive.

    STEP 2: CREATE YOUR LSAC ACCOUNT

    Almost every ABA accredited law school uses the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) application system.

    Through LSAC you’ll:

    • Register for the LSAT

    • Submit applications

    • Send trranscripts

    • Manage letters of recommendation

    Think of this as your application HQ.

    STEP 3: TAKE THE LSAT

    Don’t rush this step. Your LSAT and Undergraduate GPA are the 2 biggest factors in your application for most law schools. A stronger LSAT score can improve your admissions and scholarship chances. Study with intention and don’t be afraid to postpone your exam and take a gap year if you’re not ready.

    STEP 4: WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT

    This IS NOT your resume in paragraph form. Use this opportunity to tell them who you are, why law, what experiences shaped you, what you’ll contribute to the law school community. BE AUTHENTIC! The best essays sound like a real person, not a bot.

    STEP 5: GATHER STRONG LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

    Choose people who know you well. Professors, mentors, employers, judges, research guides, lawyers, supervisors.

    Ask early, give plenty of time, and provide your resume or a short summary of your goals to help them write a stronger letter.

    STEP 6: APPLY EARLY

    Many law schools use rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they arrive. Submitting a polished application early in the cycle can improve your chances for admission and scholarship. Don’t rush to be early, but don’t wait until the last minute either.

    STEP 7: COMPARE YOUR OFFERS

    Getting accepted is exciting, but your decision shouldn’t be based on acceptance alone.

    Consider:

    • Scholarship offers

    • Total cost of attendance

    • Cost of living

    • Grading curve

    • Is it a conditional or non-conditional offer

    • Academic support

    • Bar passage rates

    • Employment statistics

    • Overall fit

    The best law school isn’t always the highest-ranked one. It’s the one that helps you reach YOUR goals.

    Remember:

    Don’t compare your journey. Some people will get higher LSAT scores than you. Some will apply to more schools. Some will get accepted to more programs. Some will get more money. None of this matters in the end.

    All it takes is one acceptance to change your life!

    Focus on putting together the strongest application YOU can and trust the process.