Help for a newbie? Forum

[dancer566]

I am literally a sophomore, and I am just looking into LSAT/Law School, etc.


Any advice for a newbie?? Thank you so much! I will appreciate any advice you have. Things to do, things not to do, studying, clubs to join, what will enhance my app, hurt my app??


Hope you're all well!

[dvlthndr]

90% of admissions is your GPA and your LSAT score. The rest is "soft factors" (i.e., recommendation letters, work experience, etc.). The calculus changes a bit for underrepresented minorities.

The most important thing is keeping your grades up and going to office hours. Make sure you are close with a couple professors so that they can write you recommendation letters.

You should set aside at least a couple months to study for the LSAT. Most people work for a year or two before law school, and take the LSAT the summer before they apply. If you have the energy to study/take it this year, it opens up some interesting options like the Harvard Junior Deferral program. But most people won't worry about the LSAT until after graduation.

The last thing is to sure that you don't have huge gaps on your resume. You don't need millions of clubs and legal work/internship experience. Just make sure you have something on there.

[dancer566]

Hi everyone, hope everyone is well in Quarantine.

I have a tricky question. I am a sophomore, but pretty much ahead on everything. I have two options.

1) Take summer courses the summer before senior year. Apply in October with around a 3.84. Then get my fall grades, and hopefully send in a 3.86ish but not till Jan. I would be done and not need a Spring semester.

2) Take a normal Fall Senior Semester, apply in October with a 3.81ish. Then get my Fall grades, and once I do get them in January send them in it'll be around a 3.83. Then I would need spring classes and finally finish with that 3.86ish.

The dilemma may not be clear. Is it better to apply initially with a slightly higher GPA. I know it is best to apply ASAP, so if I apply in October would it actually be beneficial to present a 3.84 than a 3.81? Regardless, they will get my grades, but I feel like I really should consider graduating early?

Any advice is helpful. thank you!