Honors Path Scholar Elijah Conley, a political science and journalism major from Melbourne, Ark., has been active in Associated Student Government and the Student Alumni Board and interned with the Congressional Black Caucus in 2020. He was accepted to several top law schools and will head to Georgetown Law next fall.
So you want to go to law school? Maybe you’ve known since you were five, were inspired by Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods, or had other plans change, leading you to the law– whatever the case, you have chosen to embark on the journey to become an attorney. There is no singular path to a Juris Doctor. From political science to theater, history, math or business, all majors are welcomed and accepted into law schools. Yet there are a few things that all candidates should do to prepare. As someone who will matriculate at a law school in the fall, this process has taught me many things! I have five tips I’d like to share for those wanting to attend law school.
1. Plan Early and Strategically
Once you know the law is the career path you want to pursue, begin planning! It is never too early. Begin by planning out courses that will help you tackle the LSAT, like logic. Schedule when you would like to intern, study abroad, and take the LSAT. I planned to take the LSAT in the summer before my senior year, so I began studying in the spring of my junior year. It is a good idea to take the LSAT early enough so that you can retake it if needed.
2. Get Involved
Law school admission is not just about test scores and GPAs. While the numbers are very important, admissions counselors also want to see what you’ve done outside of the classroom and what you have contributed to your community. Find an organization that you’re passionate about, get involved, and work your way up to a leadership position. Don’t sign up just to add something to your resume. People can detect when you’re truly passionate about an experience. Let passion guide your involvement, and you and those around you will be impacted for the better.
I interned online with the Black Congressional Caucus in 2020.
3. Get Experience … Any Experience
Professional experience is important. You want to be able to show you have applied the skills you’ve developed through your studies to real-world situations. Law school admissions are not expecting everyone to come in with legal experience. Intern in the fields that you are studying or are passionate about – experience of any kind is experience!
4. Network
Perhaps the most important thing I have learned through this process is the power of networking. Who better to help guide you as you work to achieve your career and educational goals than someone who has already been through that process? When applying for law school it is so important to talk to current law students. LinkedIn is one of my favorite ways to network. Are you interested in a certain law school? On LinkedIn, you can view a law school’s page and see University of Arkansas alumni who attend! I used this feature to connect with students at the schools I was interested in. I then messaged them introducing myself and set up a time to speak on the phone. They were happy to answer all of my questions because they were in my shoes at one point. I also connected with attorneys who practice the type of law I hope to practice. They were able to provide me with advice to aid me on my law school journey.
Louise Hancox, one of four professionals in the Honors College Futures Hub, was a huge help in reviewing my law school applications.
5. Use your resources
You are surrounded by people wanting to see you succeed! I spent many hours meeting with John Treat and Louise Hancox from the Honors College Futures Hub and Emily Wright and Jonathan Langley from the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. Take advantage of the Pre-Law Sharepoint page that breaks down the application process. The Honors College Futures Hub is full of professionals who are there to help you plan and achieve the next step in your career and yes, this includes preparing for law school admissions! From resume and personal statement review sessions, to helping you locate internships, they have so many resources for you to use. Only you can write your application materials, and only you know what you want to convey through your application. However, there are dedicated people on campus who are here to guide you through that process so that you can produce the best application possible.
It’s an exciting time to go to law school! The legal profession is full of opportunities. Don’t be overwhelmed by the process. Start planning early, rely on the people here on campus to help you succeed, and use every resource available. When the acceptance letters begin flooding your inbox and mailbox, you will be glad you did!