Law School Preparation
Printable Version of Law School Preparation
Research the Profession
• Shadow a lawyer who is practicing environmental law
• Contact law firms who specialize in environmental law and find out how large the firm is and how that compares to traditional law firms
• Find out what the typical day is for an environmental lawyer
• Ask environmental lawyers what they read professionally. Pick up the same reading material and see if it interests you
• Talk to current law school students and ask them about their experiences and what recommendations they have
• Meet with the University College pre-law advisor, 450 SSB, 581-8146
• Meet with the University of Utah Law School Admissions Office
Research Law Schools
• ABA-LSAC: Official Guide to ABA Approved Law Schools
• School Materials: Websites, Catalogs
• Ranking Systems: U.S. News, University of Texas, (Insider's Guide), (Gourman)
• Number of students who apply each year and number of students accepted
• Average (or range) GPA of students admitted
• Average (or range) LSAT scores of students admitted
• What kind of accreditation the program and institution have
Questions to Ask Law Programs
• What kind of student that program wants to admit (background, diversity, interests, etc.)
• Where are graduates of the program being placed
• Whether it’s possible to pursue a joint JD/MS program
Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• The LSAT is a standardized exam that measures acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills.
• The test is administered four times a year (most students take the test in December, but it is wise to take it as early as June or October)
• The test can be taken at the University of Utah Testing Center
• Become VERY familiar with the test format – PRACTICE!
• The Marriott Library and the Salt Lake City Library have preparation guides available.
• If you feel like you need a preparation course, don't spend a lot of money on expensive private courses. The university offers a course through the Division of Continuing Education
Registering for the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) & LSAT
• The LSDAS standardizes and centralizes undergraduate academic records to simplify the admission process.
• Register for the LSAT and LSDAS
• Be certain to register for one LSDAS report for each school you are applying to
Application Process
• Applications are available in a paper and electronic format
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• When application materials are complete, and the LSDAS Report is complete you will receive notification.
Personal Statement & Other Materials:
• The personal statement is 2-3 pages long and may substitute for an interview.
• Don’t bore the selection committee! Stand out by being creative and personal
• Have a lot of people read your personal statement (tip: give them the first three sentences and nothing more – if they ask for the rest it means they are interested)
• Applications include Optional Diversity Statements. Complete this form and let the selection committee know how YOU will contribute to the incoming class.
• If you have interruptions in your records, grades you would like to explain, or if you have additional information that sets you apart, complete the Addenda on each application.
Letters of Recommendation:
• ALWAYS obtain letters from Academic Professors who know you well (usually 2 or 3)
• Law programs want to know about how you will perform academically. Do NOT include recommendations from people who do not know you well our how you perform academically (e.g. politicians or clergy)
Transcripts:
• Include transcripts from all full-time degree-seeking schools (some schools require part-time)
• Transcripts should be sent to LSAC (LSDAS) and be updated as soon as new grades are available.