1 answer
Ellie
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What skills and extracurriculars should I focus on if I want to make myself a desirable applicant for law school?
I am completing my Associates in Political Science and transferring to UCLA in the fall. I am curious about what extracurriculars I should join and skills I should build, while I am also juggling working to pay for my undergrad degree.
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1 answer
Hiram Chu
High School College Counselor
1
Answer
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Updated
Hiram’s Answer
To be perceived as a strong law school applicant, your profile should include activities that show you go beyond passive participation to active leadership and specialized research. Admissions committees use these elements to gauge your commitment and potential impact on the field.
Focus your extra-curricular activities on ones that provide evidence of your motivation and ability to uphold institutional standards. Moot Court / Debate can demonstrate oral advocacy and ability to respond to hostile questioning. Legal Clinics / Pro Bono activities can be evidence of institutional fit and real-world application of ethics and discipline. Research Assistant-ships such as co-authoring papers on emerging tech law or international trade can highlight academic preparation and research fit for faculty review. Internships can provide a professional milestone to link past achievements to future goals.
But remember that academic preparation and program fit are still the primary drivers in the law school selection process, so demonstrating traits such as Analytical Reasoning (ability to dissect complex statutes and case law), Advanced Legal Writing (moving beyond fluency to master persuasive, structured argumentation), Logical Deductive Speed (LSAT/LNAT scores and clinical environment tasks), and Professional Integrity (discipline required to complete a high-rigor professional degree) are all vital.
Hope this helps!
Focus your extra-curricular activities on ones that provide evidence of your motivation and ability to uphold institutional standards. Moot Court / Debate can demonstrate oral advocacy and ability to respond to hostile questioning. Legal Clinics / Pro Bono activities can be evidence of institutional fit and real-world application of ethics and discipline. Research Assistant-ships such as co-authoring papers on emerging tech law or international trade can highlight academic preparation and research fit for faculty review. Internships can provide a professional milestone to link past achievements to future goals.
But remember that academic preparation and program fit are still the primary drivers in the law school selection process, so demonstrating traits such as Analytical Reasoning (ability to dissect complex statutes and case law), Advanced Legal Writing (moving beyond fluency to master persuasive, structured argumentation), Logical Deductive Speed (LSAT/LNAT scores and clinical environment tasks), and Professional Integrity (discipline required to complete a high-rigor professional degree) are all vital.
Hope this helps!