Common Questions and Answers for Law School

Yes, everyone that wants to get into law school has questions. It may be if dogs are smarter than cats, or if lawyers wear ties but here, I will only list things relevant and important to law. Hopefully, you will find one of your questions below somewhere.

Q) How is the LSAT weighed compared to GPA.
A) Every school has a different formula that weighs LSAT scores and GPA, but in general, LSAT scores are usually weighed higher than GPA. A high LSAT score could balance out a low GPA, and a high GPA may balance out a low LSAT score. For example, one prestigious law school has a special formula in calculating student acceptance scores [(LSAT x .240) + (GPA x 4.159) + 2] as you can see, LSAT is weighed much higher than GPA in this calculation.

Q) How many law schools should I apply to?
A) There is no set amount but generally, 5-10 would be decent, to balance: for 5, 2 easy schools, 2 medium schools, and 1 reach school for 10, 3 easy schools, 4 medium schools, and 3 reach schools

Q) Are there any benefits to being a minority?
A) Of course! This is the US isn't it? Generally speaking, if you are American Indian, you have a huge advantage in getting accepted to whichever school. If you are of the Hispanic race, just think about
adding 15 points to your LSAT score and you get the picture. Asians, I'm sorry but you folks are not a minority anymore, no advantage whatsoever. White / Black people same thing.

Q) I graduated school a long time ago, WHAT DO I DO?
A) Get a transcript from the school that you graduated from, Letters of Recommendation can be taken from your boss, co-workers, professionals that you know; send all that information to the Law School Admissions Council. (www.lsac.org)

Q) How long does it take to graduate from law school?
A) About three years if you are doing full time with internships during the summers.

Q) What is law school like?
A) Law school is totally different from your usually undergrad college, most law professors teach using the Socratic method. Basically the teacher picks students during class then discusses about a topic.
Unlike undergrad, where students have midterms and finals... Law school generally uses one final to determine your grade, students will most likely be able to use notes and books for the final.

Q) What score do I need to get into ____ school?
A) There is no set score a person needs to get into whichever school, but for a rough score guide, you can find information on LSAC.org and click on Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, then all law schools, the school you want, click descriptions, then at the bottom there should be a table with what GPA or LSAT scores that the school has accepted.

Q) How to maximize my chances of getting into law school?
A) Be flexible on where you can go, have strong academic and LSAT scores, be active in community service, or work during college. Do not have gaps, or at least explain gaps in the application to not have the admission committee wondering. Show a desire to become a lawyer. Do not lie.