What Law Schools Do I Apply To?

By Morgan Smith, 2L USC Gould School of Law

With so many law schools to choose from, it can be a daunting task to decide which schools you should apply to.  The application process is also expensive: application fees are around $80 per school and LSAC charges an additional fee of $16 per school.  Here are some factors to consider when narrowing your search:

1. GPA and LSAT: These are the two most important factors in your application and can be very good predictors of whether you will be admitted, wait listed, or rejected.  To get started, look at the list of schools and their LSAT and GPA quartiles on http://www.top-law-schools.com/rankings.html and see what schools’ ranges encompass your numbers.  LSAC has a search engine that allows you to submit your GPA and LSAT to search for schools.  Once logged into your account, click on the Apply tab, then Overview, and then Search for Schools.  Another useful website is http://www.lawschoolnumbers.com/,

Last-Minute LSAT Tips

As we rapidly approach the October LSAT, I wanted to share some tips with everyone to get yourself ready for (logic) game day. Although most of these tips apply to almost any test, some of them are LSAT-specific.

Pack your belongings for test day the night before, or even better, the day before. Doing so ensures that you won’t be stressed out looking for your admission ticket or ID while making yourself late for the test. Pack some snacks to eat during the break (something high energy, like trail mix, works well), some water, and any medication you will need for the day. A lot of people also bring an analog stopwatch to help them time their answers. If you don’t have an analog stopwatch, resetting an analog watch to noon at the beginning of each section also works well. Remember, you cannot bring a digital watch of any kind. Don’t forget the basics, like pencils, erasers, and maybe some tissues. Do NOT bring any digital items, including your cell phone, digital watch, and save your ear plugs for law school exams.

Upcoming Events

Personal Statement Workshop & USC Gould School of Law info Session

Speaker: Chloe Reid, Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions, USC Gould School of Law
Date: Wednesday, October 5th @ 4:30pm
Location: TCC 352

RSVP now by emailing prelaw@usc.edu

Blackstonians Application due Friday, September 23

Blackstonians is a pre-law honor society that recognizes academic excellence in undergraduate students and thrives to expand their knowledge and perceptions of the legal profession through the ideals of William Blackstone. Blackstonians focus on using law and the legal system for the moral improvement of society as a whole. In accordance with its bylaws, membership is restricted to those who have completed at least 32 units (16 of which must have been at USC), but not more than 118 units. An overall grade point average of 3.5 is required as well. Accepted members must participate in a minimum of two events per semester, which include meetings, lectures and social events.

Applications are due Friday, September 23^rd at 4:00pm in VKC 327.

Email Alex Fullman, fullman@usc.edu, if you are interested.