Getting into business law school requires diligent preparation. Beyond having strong grades and test scores, you need to demonstrate passion, aptitude, and the ability to thrive in the rigors of legal education. Here are some top tips to prepare for success in your business law school application and studies.
Research Programs Thoroughly
With so many options, research business law programs extensively to find the best fit. Look for schools with strengths in your interests like corporate law, tax law, mergers and acquisitions, etc. Talk to current students to get insights on academics, quality of teaching, and career support services. Visit campuses, if possible, to get first-hand experience. Apply to a range of reach, match, and safety schools to maximize your chances for admission.
Get Excellent Recommendations
Admissions committees rely heavily on recommendations to assess applicants. Secure letters from professors and employers who know you well and can speak in-depth about your abilities, integrity, and passion for law. Give them plenty of notice, information on your background, and stamped/addressed envelopes. Letters from respected lawyers or judges carry particular weight. Choose your recommenders carefully.
Ace The LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial part of business law school applications. High scores help offset lower GPAs. Sign up well in advance, then create a comprehensive study plan. Take practice tests under real conditions and thoroughly review mistakes. Enroll in an LSAT prep course, use study guides, and leverage online tools. Plan to take the test more than once if needed to maximize your score. The effort will pay dividends in admissions and scholarships.
Craft An Outstanding Application
With so much competition, you need to make your application stand out. Follow directions carefully and provide all required information. Write an engaging personal statement conveying your passion. Showcase unique experiences like legal internships or pro bono work. Provide compelling explanations for any weaknesses like low grades in certain classes. Strive to paint a complete picture of yourself as a promising future lawyer.
Choose Classes Strategically
As an undergraduate, enroll in challenging classes that sharpen critical reasoning and communication skills. Good options include debate, legal writing, political science, history, economics, and statistics. Take ethics courses exploring complex issues relevant to the legal field. Consider minoring or double majoring in political science, economics, or history to demonstrate your commitment. Mastering relevant concepts and analytical thinking is great preparation.
Consider A Legal Internship
Gaining hands-on legal experience can give a big boost to your application. Seek summer or school-year internships at law firms, courthouses, government legal offices, or nonprofit legal organizations. You’ll gain exposure to different practice areas and make professional connections. Interning shows your initiative and gives you insights into legal careers. Convey your internship experiences compellingly in your essays and interviews.
Join Relevant Extracurricular Activities
Admissions officers look for well-rounded applicants who are engaged outside academics as well. Pursue extracurriculars that complement your interests like student government, Model UN, campus legal organizations, speech and debate, etc. Seek leadership roles that display your abilities to motivate peers and accomplish goals. Be prepared to discuss how your involvements have impacted you.
Prepare Financially
Law school involves major financial investments in tuition, fees, books, housing, and other costs. Review your budget and explore all options to fund your education including scholarships, grants, work-study, federal loans, and private student loans. Submit financial aid forms promptly to qualify for maximum assistance. Have a clear plan to manage your costs and repayment options after graduation.
Get Comfortable With Case Law Studies
The case method is the foundation of legal education. Start getting comfortable dissecting real court decisions in your classes and reading case law examples online. Identify key legal arguments, precedents, analyses, and conclusions. Practice briefing cases concisely, a critical skill in law school. Exposing yourself to case law now will ease your transition to law school academics.
