Skip These Application Errors
Law school applications have several components, and making a mistake on one of them could lead to a rejection letter.
Find out what some aspiring J.D.s do that hurts their chances of admissions, and how to avoid these mistakes.
Writing About an Overseas Trip
Studying abroad as an undergraduate student can be an unforgettable learning experience — but it’s not unique. Because many students travel to another country while in college, writing about time abroad in a personal statement likely won’t make law applicants stand out, says one admissions expert.
Applicants should spend time brainstorming to figure out which life experiences may distinguish them in an applicant pool.
Ignoring a Low Undergraduate GPA
Law schools look for students who were accomplished as undergrads, but that doesn’t mean students with a low college GPA shouldn’t apply.
Applicants can combat this potential weakness in their applications by taking extra classes or submitting an addendum.
Choosing Bad Recommenders
A letter of recommendation from a member of Congress or judge is excellent — if the letter writer actually knows the applicant.
Prospective students should choose recommenders with whom they have a strong relationship and who will write about specific qualities.
Slacking on Interview Preparation
Having overly rehearsed responses or regurgitating information already included on an application won’t make for a good law school admissions interview, experts say.
Applicants should instead discuss fresh examples of specific accomplishments and elaborate on what they’ve mentioned in applications.
Failing to Study for the LSAT
A prospective student’s LSAT score is usually a critical component of an admissions application, and a low score can lower a chance of admission at competitive schools.
Instead of studying at the last minute or not at all, applicants should consider a four-month study plan, says one expert.
Submitting a Standard Resume
The resume used for a job application shouldn’t be the same one used for law school applications.
Prospective students should emphasize their academic background and avoid using unclear jargon on the resume they’ll use in law school admissions.
Neglecting Extracurricular Activities
Some applicants make the mistake of stretching themselves too thin among many activities or waiting until the end of college to get involved in clubs.
Aspiring lawyers should focus on depth instead of breadth when selecting activities and join established organizations.
Selecting the Wrong Schools
Applicants sometimes apply to schools where they won’t stand out in an applicant pool.
Prospective students should carefully consider how a program’s location and other factors fit their academic needs to strengthen their chances of finding the right school.
Applying Late
Most law schools admit students on a rolling basis. The later an applicant applies, the more competitive the admissions process becomes because there are less available seats.
Late applicants should attend school events to make their interest known and include these experiences in their personal statements.
Forgetting to Proofread
A typo here and there can make an application look sloppy. To lessen the chance of grammatical or typographical errors, admissions experts recommend applicants ask a friend, family member or professional to read their application materials before submitting.
More on Law School Applications
Find more tips about how to be a strong law school applicant on the Law Admissions Lowdown blog and get our complete rankings of the 2017 Best Law Schools.
For additional advice and information on how to navigate law school admissions, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook.
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10 Mistakes That Can Keep You Out of Law School originally appeared on usnews.com
