The 5 Deciding Factors in Law School Admissions

Graduate School Law School
1

"Every year, Law School Admission officers at any given law school review thousands of student applications, of which only a small percentage are accepted. Naturally, they need ways to quickly evaluate applications.

Because of the large number of applicants, law schools sort students into three groups based on LSAT score and GPA: presumptive admissions, presumptive denials, and the ‘maybes’ in-between.

The following five law school admission factors are considered heavily in a law school’s decision-making process.

  1. LSAT Score As aspiring law students probably know, the LSAT score is one of the most important factors in the admission process. Admission officers use LSAT scores to determine an applicant’s logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills, all of which are essential for success in law school.

Largely different from any other standardized high school or college test, the LSAT is designed to measure and estimate your ability to excel in law school. Preparing for the LSAT is often an overwhelming, long, and stressful process. You should be physically and mentally prepared for the test. Getting the best LSAT score requires months of continuous effort." …

https://www.jdjournal.com/2020/02/28/the-5-deciding-factors-in-law-school-admissions/

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This is a very good overview of factors considered in the law school admissions process.

Nonetheless, most decisions are made on the basis of the first two factors listed: LSAT score & undergraduate GPA.

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I would submit that #5 is almost immaterial for all but Yale and Stanford. LS’s don’t want a recluse, so you have to participate in something, preferably demonstrating team work, but they don’t care what it is. Leadership? Great. Working retail/food services to pay bills? You bet. Just a ‘Volunteer’ at animal shelter? Put it down. Anything to show that you are participating in society is fine.

The missing item is URM status.

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After rereading the article, I agree with @bluebayou that URM status is a glaring omission.

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URM or other demographic status is not under your control or influence in most cases. Perhaps it is unstated that these are the five most important factors that you can control or influence.