Decent Softs? Forum

[jeremydc]

I had no real extracurricular activities the first two years of undergrad but recently have been getting involved in as much com service as possible to help boost softs.

Would the following be considered decent softs?

1. Teachers assistant at current Hawaiian immersion summer school
2. Leader at local boys and girls club (once/twice a week)
3. Big Brothers, Big Sister volunteer big brother (This coming up school year July 10- May 11, twice a week)
4. ASPCA Animal Shelter volunteer (once a week, jogging, cleaning, feeding animals, started in Feb)

This is what I have planned until I apply for Fall 2012.


I know some people have softs with school activities but I never really got involved and would rather have served my community like I am currently doing

[tadams86]

Nothing here is game changing, still going to be all about the numbers.

[jeremydc]

Thanks, thats what I figured. but these would be at least decent right?

[MorningHood]

I'm sure some people might agree with me on this: Those are below average softs; pretty much all of the stuff that you'd include as an EC, others wouldn't even bother including on their resumes.

[jeremydc]

Whats EC? Sorry Im still a newb.

Dang below average, that sucks.....

[tadams86]

Honestly this is shit you can do in your spare time, I think something that becomes a good soft is an activity you earn, or there is some kind of competition for, i.e. rhodes scholar or americorp.

[20160810]

You'll be applying against people who took YEARS off to dedicate themselves to legitimate careers (teaching, military, nursing, etc.) prior to law school. Those are softs (and even then, not often game-changing ones). Yours is a typical college resume and completely unexceptional.

[jeremydc]

Haha, thats exactly what they were, things I did when I had time away from school. O well, maybe my mma training the first two years of UG might be worth more.

[jeremydc]

Well can't let this shit get me down. Here's hoping for a 170 on the Feb LSAT test.

Thanks for the advice guys, appreciate it.

[BriaTharen]

LS like to see volunteer work, but like everyone else has said, there is nothing on here that is going to make up for a weak LSAT

[rockstar4488]

Yeah, standard below average softs. Honestly, study for your LSATs unless you are actually into volunteering.

[gdane]

Regardless of what people on here say about the "quality" of your softs, you've done some great things. Helping others and volunteering your time to a good cause doesnt always have to involve expecting something in return. Its unfortunate that many law students look toward volunteering and things like that in a self serving manner. I would say this, dont worry about whether or not the things youve done are decent/below average softs. You've done some nice things and you should feel good that youve helped make the world a little bit better, even if only for a minute or two at a time.

Admissions really is a numbers game. Softs are great to differentiate between similar candidates, but in the end most softs are not major game changers and you will probably not get into a a school solely on the merits of your soft factors. Just do well on the LSAT and keep your grades up. Everything else will fall into place, including your softs.

Good luck!

[merichard87]

Regardless of what people on here say about the "quality" of your softs, you've done some great things. Helping others and volunteering your time to a good cause doesnt always have to involve expecting something in return. Its unfortunate that many law students look toward volunteering and things like that in a self serving manner. I would say this, dont worry about whether or not the things youve done are decent/below average softs. You've done some nice things and you should feel good that youve helped make the world a little bit better, even if only for a minute or two at a time.

Admissions really is a numbers game. Softs are great to differentiate between similar candidates, but in the end most softs are not major game changers and you will probably not get into a a school solely on the merits of your soft factors. Just do well on the LSAT and keep your grades up. Everything else will fall into place, including your softs.

Good luck!

I don't think anyone is dismissing the quality of his softs. They were impactful to him and his community BUT if we are talking about a law school context those softs are below average. And I doubt they would even do much to differentiate him from a candidate even a lil below his numbers. Just sayin.

[bestusernameever]

these softs are not even mediocre. make sure you do well on the LSATs. Are you Native American, Black or Mexican. If not, these softs will mean sht. good luck!!

[Haribo]

Like most are saying, those softs aren't going to do much for you. However, even if your resume doesn't blow anyone away, it's still important to have a few extra-curricular activities to show law schools you aren't a robot devoid of human emotions. Basically, don't expect to over-perform your numbers with those softs, but stick with it because if you have a truly empty resume, showing no involvement at all, you'll likely under-perform.

[jeremydc]

Thanks again for some encouragement. My volunteer service was never meant to "boost" my chances. I just felt it was time for some change.

Even though I might not be a URM exactly, I am a Native Hawaiian with a tribal card issued by the State of Hawaii.

My goal is being accepted into Cinci with a 3.0 GPA, 170ish LSAT (v thanks), and with a great diversity statement.

[merichard87]

I think you meant 170ish LSAT on that last post.

If so, aim higher than Cinci.

[nealric]

My goal is being accepted into Cinci with a 3.0 GPA, 170ish LSAT (v thanks), and with a great diversity statement.

You shouldn't need a 170 LAT for Cinci - but don't talk about a 170 LSAT until you have one- no matter what you may be practicing at.

In the event that you do, apply to all the lower T14 and maybe a few higher ones. You never know what the URM thing could do for you.

[jeremydc]

I have Cinci stuck in my head and the only reason I want a high score is for a decent scholarship opportunity. If I obtain a 170 on the LSAT in Feb , I will apply to higher ranked schools (fee waivers) just to see what kind of money I can get and where else I can go. I am hoping to negotiate scholarships if I am able to get the 170.

[Mattalones]

Decent Softs = --ImageRemoved--