U.S. law schools attract many foreign applicants seeking training in the American legal system. Most commonly, applicants come from countries with similar common-law legal systems, like Canada, the United Kingdom, India and English-speaking nations in Africa and the Caribbean.
But growing numbers of applicants from Asia, Latin America and other regions also want to either practice law in the U.S. or work on international issues that require knowledge of U.S. law.
International applicants may find the law school application process a bit baffling. In other areas of graduate education, like science and medicine, international applicants can demonstrate technical competencies that cross barriers of language and culture.
The law school application process relies more on subtle nuances in reading and writing, from thereading comprehension section of the LSAT to the personal statement. This puts non-native English speakers at a disadvantage.
Unlike most other countries, where legal education begins at the undergraduate level, nearly all J.D. programs in the U.S. require applicants to possess a four-year or equivalent undergraduate degree. Thus, international applicants tend to prefer one-year programs to receive a master of laws degree, or LL.M.
LL.M. programs typically do not require an LSAT or GRE score. International applicants need a law degree, but not necessarily a J.D. or bachelor’s degree.
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The percentage of foreign students in J.D. programs in the U.S. varies among law schools. At some law schools, it may be as high as 10-15%, but more typically it is under 5%. However, the share of foreign students within J.D. programs has been growing over time.
Here are five tips for foreign students applying to J.D. programs in the U.S.:
— Consider a two-year J.D. program.
— You can master the LSAT without flawless English skills.
— Turn your cultural differences into an advantage.
— Craft the story you tell about yourself.
— Your GPA may be better than you think.
Consider a Two-Year J.D. Program
An increasing number of law schools also offer two-year J.D. programs designed for graduates of foreign law schools, which can save applicants time and money. Many such programs do not require the LSAT, which can make applying even simpler.
Graduates of two-year J.D. programs are typically eligible for the bar, which makes this a great option for international applicants who plan to practice in the U.S.
You Can Master the LSAT Without Flawless English Skills
Because the LSAT is fast-paced and detail-oriented, it can be difficult for non-native English speakers. In particular, the reading comprehension section of the LSAT includes lengthy passages with convoluted syntax and specialized vocabulary that can intimidate readers.
[Read: Advice for Law Applicants Interested in International Law]
However, reading comprehension passages are not written to be readily absorbed like newspaper articles. Rather, it is more important to grasp each passage’s overall subject and structure, and to highlight critical information, then focus on retrieving the specific answer to each question.
Non-native English speakers may find the language barrier to be less of an obstacle on the logical reasoning section, which involves less reading and more deduction. But approach the unscored writing section with care. A writing sample with inconsistent English skills would be a red flag to admissions officers.
Turn Your Cultural Differences Into an Advantage
Written application materials, like the personal statement and optional essays, may worry non-native English speakers. But they can also be opportunities to show the unique experiences and perspectives that foreign applicants bring to the table.
American law schools highly value diversity across a range of dimensions, so show how you stand apart from other applicants in your essays.
If you come from an immigrant background and are the first person in your family to pursue higher education, consider the many opportunities available to first-generation applicants, from fee waivers to scholarships.
Craft the Story You Tell About Yourself
Coming from a highly individualistic culture, Americans talk about their own strengths and achievements with subtleties that foreigners may miss. Foreign applicants who are less accustomed to talking about themselves as individuals may write essays that restate their resume and say little about their strengths.
[READ: Advice for Choosing an Online J.D. Program]
Americans strongly value personal narratives that show qualities like resilience, courage, humility and the ability to work well with others.
Ultimately, if you are concerned about deficiencies in your English, simply hire an admissions consultant, or have a trusted mentor or friend look over your essays for any errors or other issues before submission. Be wary of using artificial intelligence tools, which many law schools prohibit in their application instructions.
Your GPA May Be Better Than You Think
Different countries vary widely in their grading system. The Law School Admission Council, or LSAC, has experience translating such systems to an American context for fairer comparison. While the LSAC does not publicly release these conversion systems, they do account for international variance.
Nevertheless, if you submit an international transcript, be sure to include an addendum explaining the grading system and putting your grades in proper context.
Applying to law school can be difficult for anyone, but foreign applicants face extra challenges. Still, getting in can be within reach with the right outlook, advice and support.
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Tips for International Students Applying to U.S. Law Schools originally appeared on usnews.com
