The profession of law has always held high esteem, in all civilizations, at all times. Today, if you are in America, the system continues to be very nitpicky about who gets to study the law. And that is only the beginning of the journey. You will have to cross a few more hurdles before you actually get the license to practice.
If you find yourself even remotely enticed by profession, here is all you need to know about getting started.
Step 1: Get your Bachelors degree
Law schools do not have a prerequisite for you to complete any particular college major. However, you still need to hold an undergraduate degree to apply to law school. There is no restriction on which courses you need to take; lawyers come from all areas of academics.
The important thing is you successfully complete the program, and preferably with a high GPA. You might also want to focus on extracurriculars, making sure that you have a well-rounded college experience that will reflect on your application.
Step 2: Pass the LSAT
Your LSAT score is the most important factor in getting into law school. You need to dedicate at least three months to study for this test. Even easy law schools might prefer an average score of 152 on 180. However, if you have your eyes set on the best law schools, then you are looking at a target of 170 and over.
It is up to you whether you enroll in an LSAT training program or prepare for the test yourself. Now, there is no difficulty in procuring the study materials online, including practice tests.
Step 3: Write a Personal Statement
Another critical element in your admission is your statement of purpose. This is where you add the personal touch to your file, talking about your individuality and tailoring it to the college. The goal is to show why you chose a particular college and why you would be a good fit.
Step 4: Collect Documents and Recommendations from College
The official transcripts are mandatory to include in your application file. It might take a considerable time to get this done, so you might want to make sure that you have enough time to meet the deadlines. Alongside this, you should also get recommendations from your undergraduate professors.
Step 5: Choosing your Law School
It is best to narrow your searches to ABA accredited colleges. There is no limit to the number of colleges you can apply to. Though students tend to have more on the list to increase their chances, you should also consider the application fee. Law schools are also quite expensive, but many come with financial aid. If you cannot afford the fees, look into scholarships and financial assistance.
Most importantly, envision what kind of legal career you want to have. Think of what type of law you want to practice and where you want to? Some schools might offer specializations such as corporate law, industrial law, contract laws, and more.
Ensure that you send in the application as early as possible. Your chances of admission might significantly reduce with the rolling admission process as it gets closer to the deadline. Give yourself ample time to research, and prepare for law school well before you intend to enroll.
