The time is NOW to Get into Law School [INFOGRAPHIC]
Posted by Ann Levine | February 1, 2013
Law school applications for 2013 are collectively down 38% since 2010, as reported by the Law School Admissions Counsel (LSAC) as of January 25, 2013. What this means is that law schools are hungry for applicants and you will have a better shot at getting into a good school if you play your cards right. Schools are also giving more scholarships as incentives. Here’s what you need to know about how to get into law school any year that you decided to apply, and what goes on behind the scenes in law school admissions departments.
Categories: Law School Admission Trends, Law School Application Tips, Law School Decision, Law School Expert News, Uncategorized
Hi Ann,
I have a 3.23 GPA and a 172 LSAT. I was wondering if your it would be achievable to attend University of Virginia if I applied early decision? Or is my GPA too too low. This is my absolute dream school.
Emma, it’s absolutely worth trying!!!! UVA likes strong GPAs, but if your materials are strong and you have a great application, you’ll be in the running.
I have a masters degree and 23 years of human resources and leadership experience but don’t do well on standardized tests. If I have a high GPA but low LSAT scores, how likely am I to get accepted to law school?
Carmen, it depends how low your LSAT score is and where you are applying. You can look at schools’ 25th percentile LSAT scores and get a good idea of what to shoot for.
Hello Ann,
I just recently took my second LSAT and scored a 149. I have a 3.78 GPA and double majored in Psych and Criminal Justice. I did take a year off from school as I graduated in 2012. Do I have a chance of getting into one of my local law schools? I live in Miami, FL so my preferences are Nova, St. Thomas, FIU, and Ava Maria (worst case). I really would hate to wait another year, I am anxious to get back into school and start this next chapter!
Thank you in advance!
Sam
Sam, I answered this on the other place where you posted it.
Hi Ann,
I feel like I am in that middle category on the graph in between the 25% and 75%. I have been put on “reserve” and on “hold” at two T-14 schools thus far, and feel like this is going to be a trend for the rest that I haven’t heard back from yet. Is this pretty much a pre-WL? Other than sending a letter of continued interest, what would you recommend to enhancing my position on these hold and reserve lists? Also, can I preemptively send a letter of continued interest to try and enhance my chances of not being placed on hold or on a WL?
Thank you!
Kevin,
I always say that you cannot predict what one school does based on what any other school does (with your application). What you should do depends on which schools -some have “Why This School” essays so another letter about your interest in the school can come off as a bit lame. If you have legitimate updates to your application, start with those.
Dear Ann,
I am a HK student in my first year doing science. I should graduate 3 years later. Will the legal market be saturated by then. Also, i want to ask if your admission advice package have a time limit. Finally, i would like to know what additional things an international student need for law school admission and whether your package will include that.
Hi Hugo,
Keep an eye on the legal market as you proceed through your education. Most people sign up with me within 1 year to 18 months of when they hope to start law school. I work with international students all the time and can absolutely help you through these issues when the time is right.
Hi Ann,
I have a question about the best time to take the LSAT? I won’t be able to attend law school until Fall 2014. My GPA is 3.6, I was invited to join Phi Kappy Phi my junior year and I am a non-traditional student with an extensive employment backgroud. My practice LSAT scores range from 163-167, and I want to go to a top tier law school if at all possible. Do you believe that these numbers would give me a decent chance of acceptance where I could go ahead and take the LSAT in June, or should I practice more trying to raise my score?
I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
Thanks!
Hi Jeff,
You should try the June LSAT if you feel you can get a 165+. You still have time to get there! The June LSAT is still more than two months away!
Dear Anne,
I have been following your blog for many months. I currently find myself in somewhat of a difficult situation. I graduated from Cornell in May 2012 with a 3.61( I was a transfer student).
After being in the workforce for couple of months, I realized that I could reach my full potential, personally and professionally through law school. Hence, I took the December LSAT (while working full-time) in an effort to apply this cycle. Unfortunately, I did not score very well- 153 (standardized tests have always been a struggle for me as English is a second-language for me. Its been hard-work due to which I’ve been successful as a student).
I applied to the following six schools in late Feb: Minnesota, American, Maryland, Baltimore, Pepperdine, and W&L. I’ve been wait-listed at Minnesota and American, and was accepted into Baltimore.
In short, I wanted your advice with regards to weather, in the worse case scenario, I should go ahead and attend Baltimore (would be in-state for me) and then attempt to transfer?
Hi Umer,
Thanks for reading the blog.
No, I would not go ahead and attend Baltimore if you still have the potential to improve your LSAT score. I’d rather you start law school at a school you would be happy to graduate from; you only graduated from college a year ago. You could spend more time and prepare for the test.
*whether
Hi Ann,
I graduated in 2011 with less than a 3.0 from Oklahoma State University (terrible I know). I am currently employed full time at a large energy company in Oklahoma and am also working on my M.S. in Energy Legal Studies from Oklahoma City University. I have a strong community service record as well as involvment in various industry related clubs. I think I can graduate with my M.S. from OCU with a 4.0. I would like to go to a top tier law school at some point but I am wondering if my bad undergrad GPA will make that impossible, assuming that I score well on the LSAT? Thank you!
Hi Eli,
I think you have a lot going for you and wouldn’t count you out of a great law school.