How Do Law Schools Review Applications?

There are 5 parts to a law school application:

1. LSAT Score
2. Grade Point Average (GPA)
3. Personal Statement
4. Resume
5. Letters of Recommendation (From Professors/Employers
*Optional: Addendum

When law schools review applications it really comes down to numbers.  GPA and LSAT score.  Your acceptance really depends on if you meet the school's GPA and LSAT range.  If you do, great! That's usually all a law school needs to make a decision. If your numbers are a few points away from the school's range, they will probably look at your personal statement, resume, and letters of rec.  In those sections, the review board is looking for explanations for why your numbers are short or a compelling reason to accept you.


For example, an internship in a competitive law office or a unique experience that contributes to who you are as a person would definitely things to include in your personal statement and/or resume.  Law schools are looking for strong, diverse students that would be valuable additions to the classroom and their alumni.

They also want to make sure that you will graduate law school.  To help them measure this, they turn to the LSAT score.  The LSAT is based on logical reasoning, which is a skill a law school students use and master while in law school.  The better you score on the LSAT, the better your chances of being accepted.  From my personal research, I've heard the the LSAT is >60% of your application!

Of course, no one actually knows what the deciding factor for admissions is.  This is the general information that law school advisors tell prospective students, but what really happens inside the room when they sit down with your application is unknown.  I'm sure GPA and LSAT are important, but how much consideration they give to the other components of the application are a toss up.

My personal advice is to apply when you are ready and apply to several schools! Remember taking a year off is highly encouraged and may make you a more competitive candidate for law school!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please leave your message below!