Advice for improving softs - applying next cycle Forum

[KibblesAndVick]

I've been lurking TLS for a while now and I would like to thank everyone for their contributions. I got a 179 on the Dec test and I contribute my success to all of the wonderful LSAT advice that has been compiled here. I originally was set on T-14 admission but after seeing my score I'm thinking YHS could be possible. I'm going to graduate this semester with ~3.7 from a unimpressive(middle of the pack) state school. My prediction at this point would be in at H, out at Y, and on the fence at S. I understand that admissions is a number game and the most important thing I can do is get my GPA as high as possible. Having said that, my worry is that I don't have very much in the way of softs. I work 30-40 hours a week to help pay for college and don't have enough free time to be heavily involved in extracurriculars. I'm looking for suggestions of ways to improve softs between now and next cycle. Add volunteer work? Quit my job and join several clubs? Try to land a 9-5 for next year? Any advice would be appreciated.

[dynomite]

Working 30-40 hours a week as an undergrad to pay for school IS a soft, and written the right way will be plenty good enough to get you into one of HYS. Beyond that, do something that you want to do -- softs matter to a small extent, especially at the upper upper tier, so don't just pad your application.

If you care about education, see if you can find time to tutor at a local elementary school or see if there's a club on campus that does so.

If you care about the environment, work for an on-campus club.

If you care about homelessness, form a relationship with a local shelter and see if you can spend one weekend day a week/a few days a month there.

With all of these places, you'll want to form a real relationship with whichever club or issue you pick -- if you don't, it won't help you.