Law school question?

Question

I am going to apply to law school when I graduate. I am getting my bachelors degree in accounting. I am just a sophomore right now. Is there anything I need to be doing to be preparing for law school during the next few years? Or do I just concentrate on my grades and begin preparing for the lsat when I'm a senior. I don't know anything about law school nor do I know anyone that has gone to it. Any information about law school will help. Thanks

Answer 1

I, too, am considering law school. I hear that one should begin studying for the LSAT as early as your sophomore year. Business school is where it's at, I hear. It is just like undergrad, the objective is to meet people and make connections to help in your future business career.

Answer 2

First of all, I'm impressed that you are looking ahead to the challenges of law school. Getting a law degree can be a rewarding experience, but the value of a juris doctor ultimately depends on your institution and area.

I'm assuming that you intend to specialize in tax or corporate law since you are now studying accounting. This is a good choice with job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. I would suggest the following as ways to prepare and improve your application:

1. Study hard (really hard). Your academic credentials are a necessary but insufficient condition of acceptance into a top law school. You'll need to graduate summa *** laude or better.

2. Take electives in latin, logic, and government. An accounting background is necessary; however, many of your competitors will have an extensive background in political science and government. You need to at least have the basics down. Latin and logic will develop your creative thinking skills. Also consider creative writing if you're not a strong communicator. This will help on the LSATs.

3. Get connected and network. I suggest applying an undergraduate teaching or research assistantship with law or pre-law faculty at your institution. You may also choose to join a legal fraternity which will expose you to a great network and other letters of recommendation.

4. Compete for legal internships, even if they are unpaid. It will look good to have legal experience. Yes, you're going to be a donut/copy man, but these people will also have connections that can help faciliate entry to law school and a job afterward.

5. Take the LSATs early. This will provide you with enough time to retake them in the event that scores are not acceptable for your target institutions.  

Answer 3

It's best to take the LSAT June before your senior year. This is when most people take it and it gives you time to research and prepare applications the rest of the summer. You'll want to start preparing a few months in advance - do not under prepare! It's a learn-able test. Most people I know studied around 2 months before the test date.

The LSAT is the most important factor in admission. Most law schools use a formula involving your GPA/LSAT to determine admission, yet the LSAT carries more weight. You'll still want to keep up your GPA. I've heard that extracurriculars don't matter much to admissions staff, just the hardcore numbers.

Good luck!