The Admission Process
There are no
academic course prerequisites for law school admission – though it is
recommended that you take courses emphasizing writing and issue analysis
so as to be prepared for both the LSAT and law school itself. Most
law schools likewise do not grant interviews.
In this environment, law school admissions is a highly competitive, far
less subjective process than the collegiate admissions process or the
typical job search process. The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools, published by the
Law School Admission Council (LSAC),
lists the following as the criteria used most by law schools in
evaluating prospective students.
- LSAT score
- Grade Point Average
- Written Statement
- Course of Study - Difficulty and Depth
- Quality of Undergraduate Courses
- Letters of Recommendation
- College Activities
- College Attended
- Ethnic Background
- Post College Activities
- State of Residency
- Uniqueness
- Personality
- Motivation to Study Law
Practically
speaking, of these criteria, by far the most important are the
LSAT score and the Grade Point Average, which are the two
primary factors for admission into law school. Many schools combine
these two indicators into an index, based on statistics of past
students; fulfilling a school’s minimum index is often determinative as
to a student's ability to be evaluated for admission. Think of all
other items on this list – aside from the LSAT and G.P.A.- more as
factors which can eliminate you from contention if done poorly rather
than factors which will elevate you into admission if done exceptionally
well. The largest law schools will pay slightly more attention to
things like recommendations and personal statements, and all schools in
deciding between two close applicants may look to the strength and
diversity of courseload and extracurricular activities, but it is safest
to think of the admissions process as being based predominantly on the
LSAT and G.P.A.
For that reason,
the LSAT is a critical step, to which you should devote all of your
energies, especially if you have concerns over your grades. It is not
unreasonable to expect to spend months preparing for the LSAT,
with such preparations typically including enrollment of an LSAT
preparatory course and frequent use of written LSAT preparation
materials and practice tests.
Most schools
publish their admission criteria in law guides as well as in their own
catalogues. You can be placed on a school’s mailing list by sending a
postcard indicating that you would like to be sent information, although
law school web sites may be a more efficient way to obtain it. In
addition to online resources, catalogues may be found in Olin Library
and in the Pre-law Advisor’s office. They contain information concerning
course selection, program philosophy, faculty, clinical and
extracurricular opportunities, and facilities. Compiling information can
be a time-consuming process, and many students find it helpful to begin
the application process prior to their senior year. Information sessions
are offered by the CRC for those interested in law school and you are
strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Wesleyan Law School Fair, which
is usually held in the fall. Although few schools conduct evaluative
interviews, most will coordinate campus visits and informal talks with
professors and admission officials.
Return to the Law School Guide table
of contents |
