I’m in my third year of college and basically am thinking of working for about a year after I graduate, and then go to law school. Just wondering, are there any law school students/graduates that are willing to share some tips to get into “respectable” law schools in the U.S.?
I know you should aim for a high gpa and lsat, but anything else besides that?
I am going to give you all-around tips for before and during law school.
I would suggest you not do a degree in anything related to law. Lot of law schools like diverse students from different fields of study. Doing a minor in a law related field is a good idea. Working for a year or two is also an excellent idea. People who have worked often do better than students that go straight from college, though this is not always the case of course. At my lawschool, older married students that took evening classes did better than the fresh out of college day-students. It's a very good idea to have a strong support structure once you are in law school. Whether it be a few good friends, family, or a spouse.
While you are in college, I would suggest an internship, whether it be in the summer or whenever. Volunteering is also a good idea. Preferably in fields other than law. A diverse background is good though not necessary. Law schools need to know that you can handle a lot of things at once, because once you are there you will be overloaded with work, and time management is of utmost importance.
When you get a job, if you get one in a law firm it will assist you during your law school years. You will get the know-how and learn the ropes. However, it can be of detriment if you dont know how to differentiate the knowledge you gained at work from that gained in class.
I would also suggest you start practising legal writing now. Otherwise you are going to spend a lot of time having professors mark up your paper and having to revise it 50 times to get a better grade. Some writing professors, like my legal writing professor would mark off for bad grammar and extra words. I once got 42 points marked off an important paper just because of that. sigh Practise writing concisely. Very important on your admission essay. Concise yet high-impact.
Finally, contact admission directors from different law schools and ask them what they would suggest is the best course of action for you to take. This way they get to know who you are, and you get great suggestions.
Hope this helps. If you dont follow any of this, doesnt mean you wont do well or get in, but if you do decide to do some of this, I believe it would only benefit you, Insha'Allah. smile
Anyone taking LSAT anytime soon?
Munni that is some really helpful information. I would like to know what are the prospects for an international student going for a Law School in US.
Hmmmmm 
So maybe I"m not a lost cause after all 
care elaborating?
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*Originally posted by Sharaabi: *
care elaborating?
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Well, last year I was considering going into law. i took a political science course (intro to international), and I didn't do so good in it, unfortunately. Needless to say, it discouraged me from declaring a poli sci major and any further thoughts about a law career.
But since I've ben hearing from more and more people that a poli sci major is not necessary, then maybe my degrees won't be total wastes.