There are more than 1.3 million licensed lawyers in the United States. In other words, if you’re considering a career as an attorney, be aware that there’s tons of competition out there.
There’s competition in the market but the competition begins well before that–while getting into law school. It’s getting tougher and tougher to be accepted and so it’s crucial that you prepare.
But this can be easier said than done. So we’ve put together this list of 7 tips to help you prepare for law school. Check them out below.
Study for the LSAT
The LSAT is the law school admission exam that every law school applicant has to take. And it’s known for being incredibly difficult. So for the best chances, start preparing for the LSAT early.
Take some practice tests. This will help you see how you do you with time management and endurance throughout the exam.
Get really familiar with the types of questions on the exam. What are the most common formats? What topics come up over and over again?
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to what you don’t know. Then take the time to study these topics more close before the actual exam.
Keep in mind that there are both classes and books that can help you prepare. Many people find a combination of both to be effective.
Start Healthy Habits
It’s no secret that law school is draining. It’s mentally exhausting and can be emotionally trying as well. To thrive, it’s important that you develop healthy habits, beginning now.
Start with sleep. Make sure you’re getting the recommended 7-9 hours a night and that you go to bed at a consistent time when possible.
Also, take a look at your diet. Now is the right time to incorporate healthy choices. Doing so will give you the energy you’ll need while in law school.
Don’t forget to consider your exercise habits too. Find something that you love to do and start getting in the routine of regular activity. This will improve your energy levels and help you reduce your stress.
Focus on Your Undergrad Education
According to law offices of Spar & Bernstein, your undergrad education is extremely important when it comes to getting into law school. Your college GPA is one of the largest factors in your acceptance or rejection, so don’t mess around.
This, however, doesn’t mean you need a 4.0 to make it as a lawyer. But you should have something in the high 3s for sure.
Also, consider the types of courses you take. In fact, preparing for law school does not mean just taking a bunch of pre-law classes.
Law school admissions boards want to see that you’ve succeeded in a wide variety of challenging courses. They want you to have tested your analytical skills and your ability to problem solve.
So take a variety of courses in science, economics, political science, English, and humanities. It will be for your own benefit.
Be a Part of Extracurricular Activities
In addition to challenging courses, you should also get involved with some extracurricular activities. Here are a few reasons why.
Law schools like to admit well-rounded students. They want students with a wide variety of interests, backgrounds, and expertise in their programs.
By participating regularly in an extracurricular activity, you’re also showing dedication and commitment, two things law schools love to see.
Try participating in student government, a sports team, or simple community service. Keep a record of how many hours you spend doing these things every week because this is a common application question.
Develop Your Writing Ability
Excellent communication skills are one of the most important traits a lawyer can have. Your whole job is conveying a certain set of facts and convincing people that you’re correct.
So to get better at this important skill, practice writing. Take some classes that require a lot of analytical writing so you can stretch your vocabulary, improve your sentence structure, and strengthen your grammar abilities.
The best way to grow as a writer is to practice. There’s no better way to improve your skills.
Join a Pre-Law Group
Surround yourself with people who have similar interests. In this case, it’s a great idea to join a pre-law group. These are often available through your university or in your local community.
Either way, they’re a great place to spend some of your time. As you’re working on your law school application, you’ll have a group of people you can rely on who know what you’re going through. They can help answer your questions and give you tips on your preparation.
Build Bonds with Professors
As you’re preparing for your future as an attorney, it’s also a great idea to get to know your professors. There are multiple reasons to do so.
First, as you’re in their class, you’ll be able to get more one-on-one assistance if they know who you are. You’ll be more likely to speak up in class, ask questions, and be more engaged overall, which will improve your educational experience.
You’ll also create a network that you can use as you’re looking for a job, whether it’s at this firm or somewhere else. Your professors know people in the industry who can help you grow in your career.
Lastly, you need strong letters of recommendation from professors in order to be admitted to law school. By connecting with your teachers, they’ll feel more comfortable giving you a glowing review in the future because they’ll actually be familiar with you and your skills.
Tips That Will Help You Prepare for Law School
There you have it: 7 tips to help you prepare for law school. Now that you’ve read all of them, it’s time to put them into practice.
Depending on your situation, pick which ones make the most sense for you right now. Then get started. You’ll be so glad you did.
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