<p>For the most selective law schools, I can't imagine that admission is solely based on GPA, LSAT, essays. How do they distinguish between the similar candidates?</p>
<p>Go read “How to Get Into the Top Law Schools” by Montauk & Klein.</p>
<p>ECs are a factor in terms of indicating that an applicant is well-rounded. Outside of that, though, they really don’t serve too much of a purpose.</p>
<p>If your numbers (GPA and LSAT) are within the range that might gain you acceptance at a particular law school, then many law schools will look at your ECs to determine not only whether you are well rounded, but also to learn more about your interests and to see whether you have any demonstrated leadership skills. Obviously, some ECs will be more meaningful in law school admissions than others. Take a look at the websites of top law schools. Few shout about the LSAT scores and GPAs of their incoming classes of law students (good numbers are generally assumed). Instead, websites speak of the work experience and other EC-type qualifications of their incoming students. They speak of Olympians, fellowship winners, authors and those who have been employed for several years post-college before attending law school. </p>
<p>Moreover, they speak of “ECs”, but not in the college club/EC kind of manner that you might be expecting.</p>
<p>If your EC earns you a Rhodes scholarship, a Pulitzer, or an Olympic Gold medal, yeah, it can count for quite a bit! :D</p>