If you are applying to study law in the US then you will need to navigate your way through the US admissions process. Planning and executing your applications to law school can seem very daunting. There are several components of the application, so make sure you start early and plan thoroughly.
After having decided where and when to apply, your next step is to obtain application forms from the various schools that you've selected. Call the admissions offices and have them put you on their mailing lists. Also check the schools’ websites as many have downloadable applications. Once the applications begin arriving, you'll notice one thing quickly: No two applications are exactly alike. But despite their differences, most follow a general pattern with variations on the same kinds of questions.
A Marketing Tool
When it comes to applying to law school, think of yourself as "the product." Your application is your marketing document. Marketing yourself doesn't mean that you should lie or even embellish the facts. It simply means that you need to make a lucid and convincing presentation. Everything on your application should contribute to an overall picture of yourself that clearly demonstrates that you belong in the class and will make a solid contribution to the learning of your peers. Sell yourself.
The Admissions Essays
You should think of the personal statement as an opportunity to show admissions officers what you're made of. They want to know why you want to attend their law program and this is your chance to tell them as clearly and compellingly as you can.
Two Basic Purposes
Personal statements can serve two basic purposes. First, they show whether or not you can write a clear, coherent essay that's logically and grammatically correct. These days, a student's writing ability is often presumed deficient unless proven otherwise. Second, they provide you with the opportunity to present the admissions committee with more of a "three-dimensional" portrait of yourself as a deserving candidate than grades and LSAT scores possibly can. What you choose to write sends clear signals about what's important to you and what your values are. You can explain why you really want to pursue law work and the career path it will enable you to follow. Your essay also enables you explain things like a bad grade or term in an otherwise creditable record.
Recommendations
Recommendations rank among the most important items in your admissions file. In many cases, they are the most important, making or breaking many an application. So start thinking about them as soon as possible. The whole process of identifying good recommenders, lining them up, and then making sure they follow through with winning letters can take a lot of time.
Make It Personal
If you're still in college or a recent graduate, your professors will likely make the best references. Choose people who like you, and who think you're good at what you do. Choose good writers who can express their opinions clearly. Keep your recommendation writers on schedule. Provide a gentle reminder when a deadline is approaching. Pave the way for this reminder when you first ask for the recommendation by mentioning a date for a follow-up call. And, of course, a thank-you letter at the end of the process is always appreciated.
Out of School for a While?
If you've been out of college for a while, it can be harder to find someone to write a letter of reference. Most law schools will make a reasonable accommodation for older students and accept letters from your bosses or colleagues who can attest to your intellectual abilities and suitability for law school. But getting a boss or work colleague to attest to intellectual abilities that specifically relate to law school can be a challenge. Sometimes taking a college or grad-level course and asking that teacher for a reference can be a good solution for this problem.
