Do you ever wonder what goes through the minds of those lucky souls who evaluate the piles of law school application folders -- virtual or physical -- and decide your fate? Are they wowed by your prose? Impressed by your attention to detail? Bowled over by your brilliance.

Doesn't look like it. At the Legal Writing Prof Blog, Sue Liemer, Associate Professor of Law and Director of Lawyering Skills at the Southern Illinois University School of Law, reflects on several years of reviewing law school applications. 

A few take-aways:

• Ask your recommenders if they are willing to write a supportive letter of recommendation for you. If the answer is "no" or even hesitant, move on.
• Follow the application instructions.
• Have good basic writing skills before you start the application process so your LSAT writing sample doesn't earn you a rejection.
• Have someone else proof your application, including any explanations of academic probation or legal infractions.

Some of you may find these lessons unnecessary or obvious. Good for you. Based on Dr. Liemer's musings, they are not obvious and bear repeating.