| Topic Name: |
Just beginning to consider law school |
| Message Name: |
gpa, lsat |
| Date Posted: |
11/16/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
I'm comtemplating thinking about considering to look into the possiblities of going to law school, and have a few general questions...
I've been working as a business analyst at a boutique (READ: f'in small)strategy consulting firm for about three years, after graduating w/ an engineering degree.
1)Besides an kick-ass LSAT score, what do I need to get into a top tier law school?
2)Would the fact that I want to work another 1-2 yrs (total 5 yrs) before applying hinder or help my chances? Would I be better off applying sooner?
3)Is where you work, or what you do, before applying to law school a major factor in getting in? If so, what sort of job/company would bolster my chances? (looking to change jobs currently)
4)Lastly, do I need to know anything about law before applying or attending?
I know these probably seem like really silly questions, would any help would be appreciated. Gracias. |
| Message: |
A high GPA and a high LSAT are almost "all of the law and all of the prophets" when it comes to law school admissions. Your work experience won't hurt, and your having taken a traditionally "challenging" major in engineering will help, but for most admissions for most people, it's pretty much a high lsat and a high gpa that gets you in. Where you work or what you do can be a factor, but it is only a factor if you are in the final running with others of extremely similar credentials.
It makes no difference whether you apply now or in 2 years from now, other than perhaps unforeseeable application volume issues (this year apps are rumoured to be up, who knows in 3 years?). Law school itself is demanding, but not as demanding as a rigorous engineering program might be.
Engineers who have good communication skills tend to do well there; engineers without communication skills tend to do less well but survive. The key difference between law school and some fields is that memorization or being able to "grind through" much material is less important than being able to see the forest instead of millions of trees.
|
|
