Q. How do I know if law school is right for me?
Ask yourself why you want to go to law school. John Jay College is a wonderful place to help you with that decision. We not only offer classes that give you a” taste” of Law School (ex. Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Law and Evidence), there are also many practicing attorneys among our faculty. Take advantage of that fact and feel free to approach them with your questions and concerns. The College also places interested, qualified students in legal internships—with law firms, the District Attorney’s offices and the Attorney General’s Office. Four years at John Jay College will give you experience with both the theory of law and the day to day life of a working attorney. You will be in a unique position upon graduation and able to make the necessary decisions for a successful professional life.
back to top
Q. What should I major in?
While the American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any specific major or group of courses, it does emphasize the necessity of seeking “courses and other experiences that will engage you in critical thinking about important issues.” The ABA warns undergraduates that “Law school should not be the first time that you are rigorously engaged in the enterprise of carefully reading and understanding, and critically analyzing, complex written material of substantial length” (Report by the Pre-Law Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar).
Although there is no such thing as a “pre-law major”, there are certain disciplines that provide a solid basis for a successful law school career. Law school demands outstanding communication skills—both verbal and written. Search for classes that engage you and are “writing intensive” with professors who are demanding. English, history, economics, and philosophy courses are strongly recommended. Remember, law schools look for majors that are intellectually challenging and do not necessarily seek out students who already have a background in legal studies or criminal justice.
back to top
Q. What is the LSAT test?
The LSAT is designed to measure certain intellectual abilities believed to be critical for successful legal study: verbal ability, analytical skills and logical reasoning. It is also designed to test how well the test taker deals with pressure (a time factor is built into the test), tolerates ambiguity and understands unfamiliar materials.
The LSAC regularly conducts “validity studies” in which first year law students’ grades are compared with their LSAT scores. Although there is no perfect correlation, there is enough correlation between the test and law school performance for the admissions committees to place great weight on the LSAT number.
back to top
Q. Should I take an LSAT prep class? Which one?
Neither LSAC nor John Jay recommends a specific course. You may choose to study on your own using the many review materials put out by the LSAC and the various prep groups. However, unless you are very disciplined when it comes to studying, and you are an expert test taker, there are definite advantages to taking a prep class. These courses can help you become familiar with testing in a group setting as well as learning tools and test “tricks.” The Pre-Law Institute has a list of various test prep classes. Remember, the Law School Admissions Counsel (LSAC) emphasizes that getting a strong LSAT score depends on practice, practice and MORE PRACTICE.
It is important that law school applicants understand that no prep class can make up for shortcomings in their college education; four years of intense study and challenging classes is a critical component of a solid LSAT score. However, repeated real time practice with real past LSAT tests is also essential. To help you with this, the College will administer two free LSAT practice exams on campus each semester. You can also for purchase past LSAT tests from the LSAC web site.
back to top
Q. When should I take the LSAT?
When you take the LSAT depends on when you start preparing for the exam. If you are planning to enter law school the fall semester after your senior year, you should be preparing for the test during your junior year and take the LSAT soon thereafter. The early summer (June) after your junior year or the fall semester (September/October) of your senior year are the best times to take the LSAT. These dates will allow you to make any necessary accommodations in case the score is not what you expected. For example, you may want to reassess which schools would be appropriate for you may want to take the exam a second time. Taking the test this early also allows you to get your applications in as early as possible. It is preferable to submit your application by Thanksgiving of your senior year. Many schools have” rolling admissions” which means that applications are reviewed as soon as they are received and seats can fill up early. Early submission is particularly crucial if you are seeking financial aid.
Under no circumstances should you take the LSAT “for practice.” When applying to law schools, all of your test scores will be reported. Most schools average the scores or subtract points from the second one if it is higher.
Please note that you may not take the LSAT more than 3 times in any two year period. This is the case even if you cancel your score. You may retake the test if a law school to which you are applying requires a more recent score than any you have on record. Keep in mind that you are expected to go up at least 10 points the second time you take the test. The best way to approach the LSAT is to assume that you will only be taking it once. (only if you really freak out or something out of the ordinary occurs should you take the test a second time).
back to top
Q. What is more important—my GPA or the LSAT score?
Both are important. However, law schools do place a great deal of weight on the LSAT score. Grades are not standardized across the country and admissions committees feel that the LSAT is the only method that allows for valid comparison among the applicants. Although the LSAT is not an accurate predictor of law school performance for all students, some studies have found that the score is a valid forecast for first year law school performance.
Again, please remember that it is not only the grade you receive that is important but also the classes listed on your transcript. Having a high GPA (3.5- 4.0 for example) is not going to impress law school admissions committees if many of your courses are not demanding. Admission committees are looking for rigorous disciplines— science, economics, physics, upper level English, history and philosophy courses. They look at your transcript very carefully and know the difference between a demanding course and an “easy A.” College is a time for expanding your academic horizons—in a challenging fashion.
In 2003 John Jay applicants with a GPA of at least a 2.5 and an LSAT score of 150 or above had an above average rate of admission. No applicant with an LSAT score below140 was accepted by any law school regardless of GPA ( Final Draft, Pre-Law Working Group, September 2005). It is clear from LSAC data that LSAT scores are the determining factors for law school admissions for our students.
back to top
Q. What about extracurricular activities? Aren’t they important?
It is important that you engage in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership and communication skills. Although a strong resume will seldom make up for a weak GPA or LSAT score, extracurricular activities can be an asset in demonstrating unique skills, maturity and analytic capabilities.
Q. When should I apply to Law School?
This bears repeating because it plays a critical role in the success of your application. It depends on when you want to start attending. Assuming you wish to enter in the fall after graduation, you should apply in the fall of your senior year. Each law school will have its own admission date, and some let you apply as late as June, but it is advisable to get your applications in by Thanksgiving. Early applicants have a definite advantage as places fill up quickly, especially at those schools that have “rolling admissions.” You should have everything in the mail before Christmas.
Q. What is the LSDAS?
The LSDAS is the Law School Data Assembly Service. It provides the means of centralizing and standardizing your undergraduate admissions records. Practically all ABA approved law schools require their applicants to use this service. The LSDAS prepares a report for each of the law schools to which you apply The report includes your undergraduate academic summary, copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate transcripts. LSAT score(s), personal statement and letters of recommendation(LSAT &LSDAS Information Book,2006-2007).
Please note that the LSDAS counts all F or WF grades that appear on the transcript even if the undergraduate school does not figure the F into its GPA.
You should register with the LSDAS by the end of your junior year. There is a registration fee for the service and a fee for each law school report. Please go to www.lsac.org for information on fees and the information necessary to obtain a “fee waiver”
You may obtain an Official LSAT registration booklet, generally published every March, by calling the LSAC at 215-968-1001, or by going their site—www.lsac.org. Please come by my office (3235 North Hall) to pick up an LSAT &LSDAS Information Book.
back to top
Q. What should I do about recommendations?
This is one reason why you should start developing relationships with professors early in your academic career. Although recommendations from those outside academia might be helpful for other reasons, you must have recommendations from one or two professors. It would be best to approach faculty from whom you have received a top grade (A, A-). In fact, many professors will not write a recommendation letter for any student who has received less than an A. It is not in your best interest to get a letter from just any member of the faculty. A letter that is less than glowing will hurt your chances more than a positive recommendation will help!
Q. Are there any specific tasks I need to accomplish in my freshman/sophomore year?
- Make an appointment with the Institute Director who will assess your individual needs and help you to map out a tentative four year plan
- You want to make sure that you take advantage of all College offerings, especially anything that may help you with the application process. This is a time when you must concentrate on building a solid academic foundation, especially in liberal arts.
- Start developing strong relationships with your professors, who will help you with letters of recommendations. When it comes to letters of recommendation, the better that the faculty member knows you, the more persuasive their letters will be.
- Look at the “practice” LSATs (available on the LSAC website) and set up a specific schedule to take the practice tests on a regular basis. You should start practicing the LSAT when you are a freshman and continue this throughout your undergraduate career
- READ, READ, READ! Buy and read The New York Times (or The Economist) on a daily basis. Get used to using a dictionary whenever you see a word of which you are unsure. Consistently reading these publications will help develop your vocabulary and reasoning skills.
- Students who maintain a 3.O GPA may be able to apply to a small number of summer internships. These placements will introduce you to the legal world and help you decide if law school seems like the right place for you.
- Sophomores should keep their eyes open for the summer pre law program at St. John’s University. This program is designed to help increase the presence of underrepresented groups in legal education by providing eligible John Jay students with an intensive summer program in the study of law. For more information, contact Professor Jodie Roure at 212-237-8751. Another possibility is LAWbound week at The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLDEF). The fund has a one week intensive program in the summer for Latino freshman and sophomore students who are interested in pursuing a legal career. For more information, please contact Sonji Patrick at PRLDEF, 212-739-7497.
back to top
Q. What is most important for me as a junior or senior?
- Concentrate on your studies. Make sure that you are taking 300 and 400 level classes in your junior and senior year. If your LSAT is less than great, your GPA will be particularly important.
- Keep in continual contact with your Pre-Law Director. Make sure that you resolve any problems and stay on schedule. Completed applications should be submitted by Thanksgiving, or Christmas at the latest.
- You should have your personal statement completed before the start of your senior year. Start working on it during your junior year and hone the statement during the summer. Although there is usually a 2-3 page limit, many students find it difficult to write about themselves in a convincing manner, even for 2-3 paragraphs! Make sure that you have the statement reviewed—go to the Writing Center, ask a faculty member or speak with the Pre-Law Institute advisors. It must be letter perfect!
back to top
Q. What if I am a senior and my GPA is low (3.0)? Should I still apply to Law School?
Consider taking a break after your senior year and delaying law school for a year or two if your GPA is not strong. This is an option you may want to consider especially if your GPA is low (anything less than 3.0, and frankly, it should be at least 3.5) and your LSAT is under 150. One may balance the other to some degree but if both elements are low perhaps you will need to do some thing extra to convince law schools that you are a good candidate for their programs. Have you ever done work in the legal field? If not, think about taking some time after you graduate and working for a law firm or an advocacy group. Perhaps you should consider getting a Master degree to show the law schools that your low undergraduate GPA is not reflective of your true academic potential
Q. Is There Anyway to Assess my Chances for Admission?
Review your GPA objectively, think about your SAT scores and how comfortable you are with standardized tests and remember, even the best test prep courses cannot do the work for you. You must not wait until the summer of your junior year to start looking into LSAT practice. The LSAT is a test that requires practice, practice and MORE practice. Look at the diagnostic/ practice tests early in your college career and remember the sooner you have an idea of your strengths and weaknesses, the sooner you can enhance your strengths and attack your weaknesses.
Helpful Hints for your Personal Statement
Remember a personal statement is not a resume; you are being given an opportunity to persuade the law school admissions committee that you will bring something special to their school. This is a chance to advocate for your application. Ed Stern, a Boston University pre-law advisor recommends writing out the answers to the following questions:
- Why do I want to go to law school and what in my past supports that desire?
- Why am I unique?
- What do I bring to a law school class?
- What is my greatest adversity and how did I overcome it?
- What is my greatest joy/success and what felt so good about it?
- Where do I see myself in 5 years?
- Where do I see myself 10 years after law school?
The following suggestions should make this task more manageable:
- Read each law school application carefully; schools may ask you to write about specific topic.
- Make sure that your application backs up the personal statement. If you are talking about your passion for a certain activity ask yourself if you show evidence of it in your resume. Use concrete examples from your past to support your points.
- Start with a clearly defined theme and make sure that you return to that theme in your conclusion.
- Grab the reader’s attention in your opening paragraph. Remember, they are reading thousands of these statements!
- Don’t wait until the last minute; start your statement by the spring of your junior year and hone it over the summer before you apply to law school. Give yourself time between reading the various versions; time often brings clarity to a subject.
- Make sure the essay is letter perfect. There must not be any errors in grammar, spelling or typing. Proof the statement, edit the statement and proof it again!! After that , have a friend read it and then give the edited version to your advisor.
- Use active language, not passive. Remember, titles and quotes are not advised
- Do not, under any circumstances, use the personal statement to explain a low GPA or low LSAT score. Those explanations belong in an addendum.
- Limit the final draft to two pages.
back to top
Guidelines for Letters of Recommendation
- Start to develop relationships with professors early in your college career.
- If you like a professor, take several classes with him/her.
- Give the professor adequate time to write a thoughtful letter; 2 weeks is not enough time! 2 months is more appropriate.
- Make sure that the professor knows your work. Did you write a substantive research paper for the professor’s class?
- Bring a sample of your written work with you when you ask for the professor’s help.
- The most important issue is whether the professor knows your work. It does not matter if he/she is an adjunct or a full time professor.
- If he/she seems hesitant, or does not remember your name, go to someone else!
- Encourage the writer to compare you with your peers in the academic setting; the letter should speak to your ability to work under pressure, your contributions to class discussions, and your ability to think and write in a critical and analytical fashion.
- Make sure you provide the writer with a stamped, addressed envelope.
- Bring a copy of your most recent transcript.
- Bring a copy of your resume.
- Bring a copy of your personal statement.
- Make sure that the professor knows how to reach you in case she/he has any questions.
back to top
