10 practical tips for getting into law school

Becoming a lawyer requires a college degree, typically three years of law school, and passing the state bar exam. If you are thinking about going to law school, there are several steps you can take while you are an undergraduate to help you succeed.

Here are 10 tips to help you prepare for applying to law school:

1. Choose a major that interests you.
   
   Many majors can give students a competitive edge in law school. Three examples: English bestows reading and writing skills, psychology informs students on human nature, and criminal justice teaches students about legal processes. Law schools don’t require specific undergraduate courses, so select a major that interests you and challenges you to develop your critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. Communication, history, political science and public policy, and business administration are other good options.
   
   
2. Manage your time.
   
   For law students, few things matter more than time management. Learn to manage a busy schedule by participating in activities beyond the classroom as a student-athlete, in student government, as a volunteer, or by working a part-time job.
   
   
3. Get used to scrutiny.
   
   Law professors teach using the Socratic method, which entails openly challenging students. This may feel like they are picking on you, but your professors are actually trying to see if you can think on your feet. Become used to scrutiny by practicing public speaking, running in a student election, or speaking up more in class.
   
   
4. Look for internships.
   
   Internships give you insights into a potential profession in ways textbooks and the classroom can’t. If you’re intrigued by the law, find an internship that allows you to see how attorneys work. Internships with law firms, the court systems, lobbying organizations, and a company's legal department are just a few options to pursue.
   
   
5. Get involved outside of class.
   
   Law schools get to know student applicants through their extracurricular activities. School admissions officers want to build a diverse student body and look for applicants who demonstrate a diversity of thought and experiences. Use your undergraduate years to explore many different activities.
   
   
6. Write a strong personal statement.
   
   When it comes time to complete your law school applications, the personal statement is key to showing law school admissions officers who you are. Spend weeks honing this statement. Outline exactly what you want to say. Remember: It’s harder to write a short, concise statement than it is to write a long, rambling one.
   
   
7. Keep up your GPA.
   
   Focus on academics. Earning a high grand point average is one of the most important factors in getting into law school.
   
   
8. Invest time in studying for the LSAT.
   
   Just like your GPA, your Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score is a determining factor for getting into law school. It also affects your ability to earn scholarships. Plan to study hard, either on your own with study guides or through a preparation course. Be sure to take practice tests, so when you sit for the LSAT, you are prepared.
   
   
9. Read landmark cases.
   
   Every panelist agreed: Students interested in law school should read Marbury v. Madison, a Supreme Court case in 1803 that established the principle of judicial review in the U.S. The landmark case is considered one of the foundations of U.S. constitutional law.
   
   
10. Keep an open mind.
    
    Just as many undergraduates change majors, once you are in law school, you may find yourself interested in new areas of the law that you hadn’t considered. Lawyers have a wide range of jobs in many different fields such as business, entertainment, environment, estate planning, family law, government, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, medical malpractice, military, and tax. Keep your mind open to be sure you find the area of law you most enjoy.

Updated January 21, 2025