The current law school application season is starting to wind down, with deadlines for some of the top universities quickly approaching. Those hoping to apply to Harvard Law School, for instance, must submit their applications by Feb. 1.
Other law schools, such as New York University and Yale University, have deadlines in mid- and late February, while applications for others like the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania are due March 1.
For those who hope to start law school this fall and haven’t completed their applications, it’s time to finish them immediately. But for those who have already crossed this item off their checklist, it’s time to think about next steps.
[Read five last-minute questions about law school applications.]
Here are three actions law school applicants should complete to position themselves for success.
1. Finish your applications: It’s often said that good things come to those who wait, but that’s not necessarily the case for law school applicants. The time to apply to your top-choice schools is ticking down.
With days to weeks left to apply to most law schools, take an inventory of the application tasks you still need to complete. Use a checklist to help you narrow down and prioritize remaining tasks. Make sure you have:
— Registered with the Law School Admission Council and the Credential Assembly Service.
— Submitted all applicable transcripts to LSAC and CAS.
— Taken the LSAT or GRE and have a clear understanding of which schools will accept the GRE.
— Submitted at least two letters of recommendation to LSAC and CAS.
— Downloaded and completed online applications for all law schools you intend to apply to.
— Answered all application questions.
— Uploaded your finalized resume.
— Uploaded your finalized personal statement and diversity statement, if applicable, in accordance with individual law school specifications.
— Uploaded any finalized addenda or supplemental essays, if applicable, in accordance with individual law school specifications.
— Requested an interview, if that option is available.
— Submitted completed applications.
Develop an action plan to complete all outstanding tasks with clear milestones. You can even assign rewards for each milestone you achieve — this can motivate you to sustain the forward motion and get everything done.
Most importantly, if you need support, ask for it. Your endeavor to get into law school is too important to languish in procrastination or a state of panic, so ask for help to ensure you finish all remaining application-related tasks. You are in the homestretch.
[Understand bar exam character, fitness requirements as a law school applicant.]
2. Thoroughly research schools you’ve applied to: You likely did preliminary research on law schools before choosing to apply. Perhaps you considered distinguishing features, such as geography, size and rank.
Once you’ve submitted the applications, do a deeper dive into the more nuanced aspects of each school. For example, the types of courses and clinics each school offers and how well they match with your areas of interest.
Investigate any unique or atypical centers or initiatives the schools may offer that would give you an advantage in a particular practice area. Look at how well-staffed the career services offices are and whether counselors are readily available.
Then visit your top-choice institutions and test your gut reaction to being there. Talk with current students and alumni to get firsthand accounts of their experiences.
It is in your interest to thoroughly research and assess which schools are the right fit. This can help give you clarity when you need to decide where to enroll.
[Explore how to choose a law school based on teaching style.]
3. Prepare for interviews: Some prospective law school candidates request an evaluative interview or accept an invitation to interview as part of the application process. If you are one of them, regardless of past interview experience, take the necessary steps to be prepared and polished.
First, check the law schools’ websites and review all information related to interviews, including acquainting yourself with regularly asked questions. Knowing any school-specific interview information can only help you.
Second, make sure you are intimately familiar with all aspects of your applications so that you are able to answer any related questions. Anything in your profile is fair game for interview questions.
Third, put your interview skills to the test. Practice responding to questions on your own, but consider recruiting a friend or family member to help you complete a mock interview.
Practice answering questions fully and authentically without coming across in an overly scripted way. Use body language, eye contact and overall self-presentation skills to convey poise and confidence.
Ask for feedback from the mock interviewer and make any adjustments to style and content, as necessary. The interview can be a very persuasive addition to your overall candidacy.
After you have completed these steps, be sure to reward yourself for your efforts. You are about to embark on an exciting new phase of your life — and one that will be demanding at times. Give yourself time, space and permission to revel in your accomplishments. This is a good practice to undertake before you embark on your law career.
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