How to Spend Your Summer Before Applying to Law School
Ah, to be a college junior again! You can finally drink (legally). And all those pesky prerequisites are out of the way. Now, you can focus on your major and enjoy the good life before you’re pushed out into the real world.
That is, unless you plan to apply to law school.
In that case, you’ll spend your senior year pinballing between studying for the LSAT, writing essays, and picking a school (and that doesn’t count your undergrad courseload). So where do you get the time (and energy) to do all that?
Think summertime.
If you want to get into the right law school, you need to start early. That means you’ll be hitting the books and the phones, not the beaches and the clubs. That’s the advice of Ann K. Levine, who heads the admissions consulting firm Law School Expert. In a recent essay in Above the Law, Levine outlines some steps for using the summer to save time, reduce stress, and figure out exactly what you want to do.
It starts with knowing deadlines. For example, Levine offers an overview of the application process, along with an application checklist. By preparing early, you can formulate a plan to ensure all tasks are completed on time (and not at the last possible moment).
After understanding the application process, you should sit down with three or more practicing attorneys. Why? For starters, it gives you an insider’s look at your potential future, so you can see if it’s right for you. Levine advises students to meet with attorneys from different practice areas, age groups, and even genders. In the process, you should cover topics like organizational culture, work-life balance, and what it takes to become a strong candidate for hire. Who knows, you may just cultivate a future mentor this week (chances are, you won’t have to pick up the tab, either).
Law students are another source of guidance, according to Levine. Law school requires endurance more than anything. But each school has unique benefits and potential draw backs. “While it’s rare to find a current law student who raves about the process,” says Levine, “listen to what they’re telling you. Frustration with the long hours and the bad parking is one thing. But if they’re ranting about the lack of response from the career services office, that’s another story altogether.” At the same time, ask them for advice on crafting essays and appealing to adcoms. These students have successfully navigated the process – and they can clue you in on best practices (and even shortcuts).
Finally, start studying for the LSAT over the summer. Fact is, law school admissions is a numbers game. The higher your score, the better odds you have for being accepted. “Your performance on this test both expands your list of potential schools and increases the amount of scholarships you may be offered,” Levine tells students. “If you’re taking the September LSAT… you need to plan your summer around your prep schedule. Choosing an LSAT prep course or study plan will help you get ready in an organized and methodical fashion.”
For additional insights on how to maximize your summer, click on Levine’s essay in Above the Law below.
Source: Above the Law
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