US News put together a top-five list of factors that are weighed the heaviest by law school admission teams when deciding who to admit to their law school each year.
On the list of top-five factors, how the applicant scored on their LSAT came in one the list at number one. The test scores help admissions personnel objectively compare the applicants based on their professional, academic and personal backgrounds. The scores garnered on LSAT tests are typically used by admissions personnel to analyze the applicants’ reading, analytical and logical reasoning skills.
Coming in at number two on the list of top-five factors is the undergraduate GPA of the applicants to the law school. The GPA of an undergraduate helps to tell part of the story of an applicant’s college career including how a student performs long-term and if they are motivated from start to finish.
If you sport a high GPA it means that you worked hard in school and should be able to handle the rigors of law school. The Law School Admission Council combines the LSAT score and the LSAC undergraduate GPA to determine an LSAT/GPA Index. That index is then used to compare you to other applicants at the same school where you applied.
Number three on the top-five list of factors is leadership experience. A law school admission committee views those who have held positions of leadership as a trait that will translate to law school when it comes to taking part in the community. The longer you have been in a position of leadership the better you will look to the admission committee. If you can prove to the admission committee that as a leader you were able to make a positive impact on your group then your chances will increase.
The number four factor on the list is your reason for attending law school. Admission committee are looking for applicants who have real reasons to attend law school, not just to avoid the tough job market. You need to prove to the admission committees using your application and your essays that you really need a J.D.
The fifth factor on the list is that of recommendations. By providing the admission committee with recommendations you are showing them that you are credible in your quest to attend law school. It is best for you to receive recommendations from your professors, who have taught thousands of other law applicants and can help separate you from the herd.