Think like an Admissions Committee
There are seven factors that the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is now urging law schools to consider in reviewing an application. Understanding these factors – essentially, how admissions committees think – may help strengthen your applications by focusing on this admissions rubric.

Factor 1—Academic Factors:

  • LSAT score(s)
  • Undergraduate GPA
  • Any advanced work and/or other degrees
  • Major
  • Difficulty of course work (Rigor of curriculum by major, by reputation of school)
  • Relevance of course work to law school
  • Grade trends
  • Course loads
  • College(s) attended and your ranking within your class
  • English your first language?
  • Quality of high school and prior academic experience
  • Other test scores
  • Number of hours worked and other responsibilities during college

Factor 2—Demographic and Diversity Factors:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Ethnic/racial background
  • Geographic residence
  • Socio-economic status (SES)
  • Multi-cultural experiences

Factor 3—Work Experience:

  • Position
  • Level of responsibility achieved
  • Full-time or part-time work
  • Number of years worked
  • Type of industry or business
  • Evidence of follow-through ability
  • Law-related experience or knowledge
  • Military status

Factor 4—Leadership and Extracurricular Factors:

  • Undergraduate leadership activities
  • Community leadership and accomplishments
  • Volunteer activities
  • Academic leadership and organizations
  • High school accomplishments
  • Athletic activities
  • Travel; foreign living and service

Factor 5—Accomplishments:

  • Special skills and talents
  • Debate, music, drama, writing, artistic accomplishments
  • Overcoming/persevering in the face of adversity
  • Significant personal accomplishments of any kind
  • Overcoming substantial discrimination
  • Helping in overcoming discrimination against others
  • Serving under-served communities or peoples

Factor 6—Evidence Supporting Character and Fitness; Personal Qualities:

  • Integrity
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Maturity
  • Honesty
  • Compassion
  • Judgment
  • Motivation
  • Perseverance, tenacity
  • Unique perspectives

Factor 7—Skills and Abilities:

  • Communications skills
  • Planning Ability
  • Analytical skills
  • Advocacy skills