softs and internship question Forum

[secondshot]

Hey guys, I'm in my sophomore year. I've joined an honors club, law club and social justice club. I figure these types of things will eventually help as far as softs go? Let me know if it's just a waste of time doing these types of things.

Also, I was offered an internship at a small law firm (3 attorneys). It's only a few hours a week (unpaid), but I don't want to waste my time if you don't think it will mean much when I'm applying to law schools?

Basically I'm clueless about softs and what matters, and what does not. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

[iamgeorgebush]

people on tls will tell you that softs play a minimal role in your application

especially those softs

try doing something interesting and unique

instead of joining a social justice club...why don't you try to actually obtain social justice for people?

but tbh the most important thing you can do is keep up a good GPA, and when the time comes, study hard (and right) for the LSAT

hth

[secondshot]

Lol, I spent over 15 years in various volunteer orgs helping people so take it easy. I was just asking what impact these types of clubs, and the internship would mean when it comes to applications. Thanks.

[TheSpanishMain]

These types of things won't really help you that much. They're pretty typical as far as applicants to strong schools go. The absence of any extracurricular involvement, though, could hurt you.

The softs that really seem to help people are rarely accumulated in college, in my opinion. They're usually things like prestigious postgraduate fellowships (Rhodes, Fullbright, etc) substantial professional work experience (as in, a "real job" after college, not delivering calzones on campus) military service (particularly with deployments) and really interesting, unique life stories.

[secondshot]

Perfect! Thanks for the reply, makes sense.

[Attax]

These things are typical amongst LS applicants, especially those who are K-JD. They will, at most, be the equivalent of 1-2 points on the LSAT. Keep the grades up and study for the LSAT. That will matter much more.

[secondshot]

These things are typical amongst LS applicants, especially those who are K-JD. They will, at most, be the equivalent of 1-2 points on the LSAT. Keep the grades up and study for the LSAT. That will matter much more.

Wait, just to clarify, the softs I'm considering would be similar to a 1-2 point LSAT boost? That's sort of a big deal, right? Also, if it's common to have these softs, then I should in fact take the internship and join the clubs?

I completely understand the LSAT and GPA are the most important, that's implied at this point. Just trying to add softs where needed if it will help.

Also, what does the term "K-JD" mean?

Thanks guys.

[encore1101]

These things are typical amongst LS applicants, especially those who are K-JD. They will, at most, be the equivalent of 1-2 points on the LSAT. Keep the grades up and study for the LSAT. That will matter much more.

Wait, just to clarify, the softs I'm considering would be similar to a 1-2 point LSAT boost? That's sort of a big deal, right? Also, if it's common to have these softs, then I should in fact take the internship and join the clubs?

I completely understand the LSAT and GPA are the most important, that's implied at this point. Just trying to add softs where needed if it will help.

Also, what does the term "K-JD" mean?

Thanks guys.

"K-JD" refers to an individual who hasn't had a break in school (other than school vacations) since they started attending school. People who spent a few years working or doing other things, other than going to school, are not K-JDs.

[xRON MEXiCOx]

These things are typical amongst LS applicants, especially those who are K-JD. They will, at most, be the equivalent of 1-2 points on the LSAT. Keep the grades up and study for the LSAT. That will matter much more.

um... WAT

[Attax]

These things are typical amongst LS applicants, especially those who are K-JD. They will, at most, be the equivalent of 1-2 points on the LSAT. Keep the grades up and study for the LSAT. That will matter much more.

um... WAT

I'm not basing this off of any data, but more of as an analogy that they really don't matter much and that time should be spent studying for the LSAT rather than worrying about softs. Can they make a difference? Sure if they are really really unique and awesome, but even then I'd say they aren't worth more than, if you could put an equivalence level on them, 1-2 points. Or in other words, they won't really make much of a difference unless you are a borderline candidate.

[xRON MEXiCOx]

1-2 points on the LSAT is a lot. I doubt being in some stupid club and doing an illegal internship is worth more than .25 lsat points.

[Attax]

1-2 points on the LSAT is a lot. I doubt being in some stupid club and doing an illegal internship is worth more than .25 lsat points.

Agreed with you, because those aren't outstanding softs, and that it could apply in that case. That being said, it was a poor analogy that I made initially. Average to crap softs = not worth anything.

[secondshot]

So then, what types of softs are best to have? I'd like to see some examples so I can look into them over the next two years before LS. I already have an extensive law related work history, so I assume that will help. I also have several years of various volunteer positions. But again, I'm just trying to maximize my softs, that's all. I KNOW the lsat and gpa are my priorities, but it's clear you guys think an internship and college clubs are "shit", so what else would you suggest (without sounding like a dick, please).

Thanks guys.

[iamgeorgebush]

So then, what types of softs are best to have? I'd like to see some examples so I can look into them over the next two years before LS. I already have an extensive law related work history, so I assume that will help. I also have several years of various volunteer positions. But again, I'm just trying to maximize my softs, that's all. I KNOW the lsat and gpa are my priorities, but it's clear you guys think an internship and college clubs are "shit", so what else would you suggest (without sounding like a dick, please).

Thanks guys.

maybe start a nonprofit and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars (or better yet, millions). something that shows outstanding leadership.

but then i'm not an adcom so what do i know?

[xRON MEXiCOx]

extensive work experience? Youre what like 19?

[secondshot]

extensive work experience? Youre what like 19?

I'm 40. Anything else?

[iamgeorgebush]

extensive work experience? Youre what like 19?

I'm 40. Anything else?

oh well this changes things. you might have mentioned that.

[secondshot]

extensive work experience? Youre what like 19?

I'm 40. Anything else?

oh well this changes things. you might have mentioned that.

So you're going to let me guess how?

[iamgeorgebush]

extensive work experience? Youre what like 19?

I'm 40. Anything else?

oh well this changes things. you might have mentioned that.

So you're going to let me guess how?

i really don't know where to begin...it's hard to say anything since i don't know what you did before law school or why you're going to law school. but if i were you, i'd focus on doing whatever fits into the story you're going to tell about why you're going to law school.

[secondshot]

Will do, and appreciate the help.