Department of Sociology & Crime, Law and Justice

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Law School Admissions Information

Can I afford law school?

Most students receive some sort of financial aid while attending law school. The most common sources of aid for law school students are student loans, work-study grants, scholarships, and grants. Tuition costs vary greatly. Make sure that you complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available from the school you are interested in attending or download a copy from the Department of Education's Web site http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

When should I apply to law school?

Begin the process of applying to law schools at least a year before you hope to attend. Although some law schools have early spring deadlines (February or March), many admissions committees begin the application review process in November-the sooner you submit your application, the sooner it will be reviewed. Taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an important part of the law school application process. For more information about this test, check the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
Web site at: www.lsac.org

How are admissions decisions made?

Law schools base most admission decisions on the combination of your GPA and LSAT scores. Strong letters of recommendation and personal statements are good, but they will not compensate for low GPA or low LSAT scores. If your GPA is mediocre, you will need to score very well on the LSAT (over the 70th percentile) to remain competative. Final decisions may be made on the basis of your letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities.

How can I become an attractive applicant?

Maintain a strong grade point average and prepare for the LSAT exam. Do not take the LSAT exam cold; purchase a good LSAT prep book and study or take one of the many LSAT prep courses that are available. When the practice LSAT is offered, take it. Try to get to know two or three faculty members well and who lknow your work, so they can write strong letters of recommendation for you. Learn to write and speak clearly and effectively by taking courses in presentational speech and logical reasoning. Gain some familiarity with economics, accounting, government, and statistical analysis. Consider an internship, which can provide useful and valuable career experiences and insights. Remember that you want to distinguish yourself as much as possible from the large pool of applicants.

Whom should I see for help?

Barbara Rayman is the Law School Resource Coordinator and can offer advice and information to students contemplating law school. The law school resource web site is  http://www.psu.edu/dus/prelaw.  Ms. Rayman's office is located in 121 Grange Building. She can be reached via e-mail at bbr1@psu.edu or by telephone at 865-7576.

Where can I find more information about law schools?

Every fall, Career Services coordinates a Law School Day. Representatives from law schools across the country attend this annual event and are available to answer student questions.