<p>I'm a second year undergrad at NYU and I've been working my butt off to get the best possible GPA and at the same time trying to prep for the LSATs. Since I have a job, I can fully dedicate myself to only one community service club, Habitat for Humanity, and one extra-curricular club. Do law schools look at what I've done over the years? Will this suffice or should I start looking for other organizations? Aside from the academic year, is it necessary to have a legal internship over the summer? Thanks!</p>
<p>No, it doesn't matter.</p>
<p>Is it ever possible for an undergraduate student to get some sort of internship/work with a law firm in order to investigate the field?</p>
<p>yes, but most of the time it is going to be unpaid</p>
<p>How do you go about finding a firm willing to take an undergrad?</p>
<p>Most colleges and universities have career centers or programs, of some sort, for their students where positions are usually posted. For example, NYU has an online network called CareerNet, through which I can apply for internships.</p>
<p>Does one recommend to solely focus on one's GPA and LSAT? Would this suffice? And any recommendations as to internships...does it look better if it's unpaid?</p>
<p>It doesn't matter if it's paid or not, but most of the impressive ones will not be paid, since they're usually taken by trust fund babies who can afford not to make any money. But focusing soley on the GPA and LSAT would be a good idea.</p>
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<p>Do law schools look at what I've done over the years?</p>
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<p>Yes, but only at the margins. Your numbers will determine what range of schools are realistic for you, and will probably guarantee some rejections and some acceptances. The schools in the middle, where you're right on the edge, will indeed pay attention to things like your internships, letters of recommendation, and essays. (And if you have the numbers for Yale or Stanford, these factors make or break you.)</p>