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Are you preparing to submit your law school applications? Read through this list of law school application mistakes to set yourself up for success.
Applying to law school can be challenging. You have to make sure you hit your deadlines, compile all necessary documents, and fulfill each school’s specific requirements. This can be especially difficult when you have to account for other responsibilities outside of academics. With all of the stress involved, it can be easy to make mistakes.
If you do make mistakes, there is often a straightforward way to remedy them. So take a deep breath and do your best!
Read on to gain insight into common law school application mistakes. This comprehensive guide will help you understand which common pitfalls to avoid in your law school applications. It will also provide advice on how to proactively deal with mistakes, so you can put your best foot forward.
Law school is highly competitive. Gaining acceptance is no easy feat. So, it’s important that you submit applications that set you apart from the crowd. Though mistakes happen, double-checking your applications to make sure they are error-free will definitely help!
The following mistakes are commonly made by law school applicants. They can get in the way of otherwise great applications and first-rate candidates. Learning what not to do will keep you on track when it comes time to polish up your applications.
Your applications are your chance to make a positive first impression on law schools. It’s important that you come across as professional every step of the way. A common mistake that candidates make is submitting their applications without thoroughly proofreading them first.
Many students neglect using proper punctuation and capitalization because they pay more attention to other parts of their applications.
Make sure to proofread your applications several times before submission. Ensure that you triple-check every section. If you save your application to a new file type, ensure it’s formatted correctly. This will help you come across as competent and serious about your application.
It’s critical that you provide all necessary information on your law school applications, even if it doesn’t put you in the best light. Some applicants omit or distort important details, such as their criminal background and evaluations of their character and fitness. Remember that purposely excluding or lying about necessary information is considered ethical misconduct.
Admissions officers take this very seriously. Lawyers are supposed to uphold and protect the rule of law. Consequently, aspiring lawyers are held to a high ethical standard. The LSAC works to maintain ethical standards in the admissions process. Applicants must do their part to behave with honesty and integrity.
There are many components in applications, which can differ between law schools. A common mistake applicants make is not paying attention to each law school's specific guidelines.
Many applicants fail to follow directions laid out for their essays and personal statements. Ensure you stick to the word counts provided and answer the questions being asked. Don’t copy and paste the same answers on multiple applications. Craft essays and personal statements specifically tailored for each school.
It’s important to pay close attention to every application. If you’re unclear about what's required of you, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office for clarification.
You have a few opportunities to let your personality shine in your law school application. It’s important to make the most out of them. Use your interview, essay, and personal statement to breathe some life into your application.
Students commonly provide scripted and overly repetitive answers in their interviews and written statements, consequently failing to connect with the admissions committee. Focus on expressing your unique contribution to law school while remaining professional.
Remember that admissions committees want to get to know who you are behind your application. So try to be as genuine as possible. Rely on engaging storytelling to get your message across.
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your law school applications! Pay close attention to your deadlines, and plan every step well in advance. Rushing the process can result in mistakes and lessen your chances of gaining admission.
Register for the LSAT at least a year before applying. Connect with your references early in your application process. Cross every “t” and dot every “i” ahead of application deadlines.
Submitting early applications can help your chances of gaining acceptance. Law schools that offer rolling admissions assess applications as soon as they’re received, and candidates are accepted throughout the year until slots are full. Sending in your applications close to the deadline is risky, as spots generally become more limited as time goes on.
If you notice a mistake on your law school application, all hope isn’t lost! Many applicants are granted admission despite having a few mistakes on their applications.
Many law schools will allow you to resubmit your documents within a period of time. It’s important that you reach out shortly after submitting your application. The goal is to alert admissions offices of your mistake before they begin evaluating your application.
It’s generally more effective to call admissions offices instead of sending an email. Reaching out via phone will help you get through faster.
Do you have remaining questions on law school application mistakes? Perhaps you’re wondering if you can edit a law school application or if contacting a law school about a mistake is the right course of action. If so, read on to find your answers.
Many law schools allow you to submit new documents if you make a mistake on your original application.
If you’re placed on a waitlist, you can send letters stating your continued interest. If you’re rejected outright, many law schools will permit you to request a reconsideration. If you decide to go down this path, it’s wise to edit your application. Admissions officers generally don’t want to re-evaluate an application that hasn’t been changed.
Yes! If you notice a mistake on your application, contact the admissions office as soon as possible. Mistakes can often be fixed if you reach out before your application is evaluated.
After going over this guide, you should have a good idea of law school application mistakes to avoid.
It’s always a good idea to have someone review your application before submitting it, especially when they’re knowledgeable about law school. Fine-tune your application by connecting with an admissions expert; our team can help ensure your application is free of mistakes and ready to go. Best of luck with your law school application process!
