Factors That Law Schools Consider—Beyond GPA and LSAT

While GPA and LSAT score are important in law school admissions, admissions officers actually consider a variety of factors.

Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently offered insight into a number of important factors that law school admissions officers consider—from life experience to motivation.

LIFE EXPERIENCE

Law schools benefit greatly from having a diverse student body. For applicants, this means that highlighting your unique background and perspective can actually benefit you.

“A monolithic student body would result in dull classroom discussions,” Kuris says. “Like-minded students would overcrowd certain legal clinics, research opportunities and campus organizations and leave others understaffed. Thus, law schools carefully consider applicants’ backgrounds, perspectives and interests as expressed through their personal and diversity statements, resumes and other materials.”

WORK AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

In recent years, more law schools have begun favoring applicants with real-world work experience. Kuris says law schools also like applicants who can showcase interests outside of work too, such as through volunteering.

“More broadly, volunteer activities, internships, sports and research experience can demonstrate skills relevant to law school,” Kuris says. “Law schools value applicants who have demonstrated the ability to lead and serve others, contribute to a team, commit to long-term goals and impact their community. Applicants who bring real-world experience often have more practice at law-related skills like resolving disagreements and engaging with different kinds of people.”

MOTIVATION AND GOALS

At the end of the day, law school want applicants who want to attend their school. Applicants should be prepared to speak to their goals in interviews and convey their reasons for applying.

“Some law schools use interviews to delve into candidates’ interests and goals and assess their professionalism,” Kuris says. “Even if a law school doesn’t interview, convey your seriousness of purpose by carefully preparing and editing your written materials and avoiding mistakes.”

Sources: US News, The Harvard Crimson

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