Stetson Law Admissions Blog

If you are in the process of applying to law school, take a few minutes to think about each of the components of a file and why they are important to law schools. In addition to reviewing LSAT performance and grades, a lot more happens behind the scenes when your file is reviewed. Law schools look at your writing skills, attention to detail, ability to follow directions, and demonstrated interest or research showing why you are applying to their program, along with the other components to your file.

I hear this question every year: Will you accept a June LSAT for fall?

The answer these days is a resounding yes!

Unlike in the past, many schools (at various rankings) accept the June LSAT for a fall entry. Because each school is different — and has different requirements— you need to ask your schools whether they will accept a June test.

Law school is hard — and can even be described as grueling. Tell any attorney about your dream to go to law school and they will reflect on their horror stories from the first year, the bar exam or even their notorious property professor.

Personal Statements are often thought of as the core of a law school application. Even if you have perfect grades and a perfect LSAT score, a poorly written personal statement will leave doubts about your ability to effectively communicate. Also, you may come across as arrogant because admissions will see you did not take a requirement seriously. This does not make you look good and might overshadow your high marks.

Before we begin, take a moment to recognize yourself for all the great things you have accomplished so far. Thank yourself for being you. Now, I have a sneaking suspicion that you did not actually take a moment for self-gratitude. That’s O.K. However, I encourage you to do this because it will help you get the application process started.

You may have read my Top 8 Most Common Mistakes When Writing a Personal Statement blog. These mistakes focused mostly on grammar issues, inattention to detail and the result of poor editing. Here are a few additional tips focused on what not to say in the statement itself.

If you are applying to law school, you are likely aware of the many steps involved in the process.  The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has even created a helpful infographic to describe what to do and when. 

I am sure if you are contemplating law school you are wondering if it is really worth the financial investment. You hear and read stories about the debt graduates face and how hard it is to get a good-paying job. You also hear success stories about lawyers who help make a difference in the lives of others.

We get a lot of questions about what we look for in applications to law school. Students perceive the application review process as a great mystery to be solved…cracked even! Books, articles and blogs have been written for nervous readers who hope to get an insider tip that opens the door to their dream school.

Many applicants have something in their file they need to explain. It could be a medical situation that adversely affected the GPA or an illness that impacted the first LSAT score and resulted in a retest. That explanation may take a paragraph or even two pages. Many personal statement instructions include page limits and topic guidelines. So, how can you convey important information to your law school to help place your GPA, LSAT or life story in the proper context when most schools don’t allow for interviews?