by Sadie Polen
So You Didn’t Get into Law School…
If you didn’t get into law school this year, it’s not too early to start planning a strategy for the next application cycle. First, take some time to lick your wounds, and then use the following tips to prepare yourself to achieve better results next time.
1. Evaluate your application.
Take a hard look at your application. Where do you think it fell short? Is it your LSAT score? Your grades? The schools you chose to apply to? Your letters of recommendation? Take some time, and really think about yourself as an applicant. What do you want to focus on improving? Consider your list of schools and whether you might need help selecting more appropriate programs. This is an opportunity to really contemplate both the strengths and weaknesses of your candidacy. What can you to do to make yourself a more compelling applicant over the next few months? Accepted can help you figure this out!
2. Retake the LSAT.
Some of the elements of your application are more difficult to improve than others, but your LSAT score is an important part that you can change to increase the competitiveness of your application. If your LSAT score is under 160, and you are applying to top programs, strongly consider retaking the exam. If you decide to do so, give yourself plenty of time to prepare, and dedicate the attention necessary to improve your score. You should plan to set aside at least three months to study for the LSAT. Of course, if you have already taken the LSAT multiple times and don’t anticipate being able to increase your score any further, you might want to skip this step and focus your efforts elsewhere. Consulting with an Accepted expert might help, too!
3. Work.
Have you worked for a law firm in an area of law that interests you? This is a great way to get an idea of how the legal system functions and determine whether a legal career is truly for you. Working in the field could also be an opportunity to obtain stronger letters of recommendation. If working at a law firm isn’t an option for you, consider pursuing a different business-related job, interning at a district attorney’s office or judge’s chambers, or volunteering in the legal field. The goal here is simple: build relevant legal experience that demonstrates your interest to both law schools and potential future employers. If you’re not able to find a role in the legal field, any work experience that shows that you are hirable and can maintain a job lets the admissions committee know you can hold your own in an interview and in the workplace. Just do something!
4. Network.
The law school application process is very one-dimensional, and you are a complex human being. So get busy making yourself known. Many schools offer the option to “connect with a student” on their website, and if your target program does, make sure to take advantage of it. Ask students about their experience at the school and in the application process. It can be valuable to research the student profiles for your target law schools and to make personal connections amid what can sometimes feel like an impersonal process. Networking can also strengthen your application by giving you a better understanding of why a school is a good fit for you, which you can weave into your statements and interviews.
5. Try again.
Try applying to other law schools – and consider other grad schools, as well!
It might not be too late in the cycle to apply to other law programs; some schools continue looking for students through July or August. Although you didn’t get into your top-choice programs, others might still have spaces available. There are plenty of options beyond the T-14 or even T-30 where you will get a great education and be able to take advantage of opportunities.
And there are even more options aside from law school. Think about your motivation for applying to JD programs. Are there other grad schools that would also allow you to achieve your goals? Consider all the other graduate programs out there, and think about what they could offer you. This could be a great opportunity to reflect on all the different ways you could get to where you want to be. There is no denying that not getting into law school is disappointing, but the best response might be to work with an expert on fine-tuning your application and making yourself a more competitive applicant for next year. Most schools welcome reapplicants, particularly those who have taken significant steps to show their interest in law school and improve their qualifications.
Sadie Polen has more than ten years of experience in higher education. She reviewed statements of purpose, personal statements, and resumes for political and public service opportunities and made candidate selections for elite programs at Harvard University. She also has experience advising individuals on their career and post-graduation plans. Sadie holds a BS from UC Davis, an EdM from Harvard, and a DEI certificate from Cornell. Want Sadie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch.
Related Resources:
