Pre-Law Advising Guide

Law school may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy reading, writing, and critical analysis
• Like engaging with complex ideas, arguments, and debates
• Are comfortable with sustained academic work and long-term projects
• Are motivated by careers involving advocacy, policy, problem-solving, or public service
• Are willing to invest time and effort into a demanding professional degree
• Students pursue law school for many reasons, including careers in law, government, policy, business, education, non-profits, and beyond.

No Required Major for Law School

There is no dedicated or required major for law school admission.

Law school's value strong academic performance (GPA), rigorous coursework and clear writing and analytical skills among other things.

Students are encouraged to major in a field they enjoy and can do well in. Common majors include (but are not limited to):

Political Science, History, Philosophy, English, Economics, Sociology, STEM fields

Your major matters far less than how well you perform and the skills you develop.

First Year: Exploration & Foundation

Primary focus: Academic success, self-awareness, and exploration

• Prioritize a strong GPA by developing effective study habits and time management skills
• Enroll in writing-intensive, reading-heavy, and discussion-based courses when possible
• Explore interests through student organizations, service, or campus involvement
• Begin learning about legal careers and what law school entails
• Meet with Pre-Law Advisor to understand the pre-law pathway and available resources

What matters most this year: Curiosity, academic adjustment, and skill-building

Sophomore Year: Intentional Exploration

Primary focus: Testing interest in law through experience

• Continue strong academic performance and course rigor
• Begin developing a professional résumé
• Seek internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs (legal or non-legal)
• Explore leadership roles or sustained involvement in activities of interest
• Attend pre-law information sessions or alumni/career panels
• Meet with Pre-Law Advisor to reflect on experiences and next steps

What matters most this year: Exposure, reflection, and momentum

Junior Year: Preparation & Positioning

Primary focus: Decision-making and strategic planning

• Clarify whether law school is a likely post-graduate goal
• Review GPA trends and academic readiness for law school
• Learn about the law school application timeline and components
• Begin familiarizing yourself with the LSAT format and content
• Identify potential letter of recommendation writers
• Pursue internships, research, or work experiences
• Meet with Pre-Law Advisor for individualized planning

What matters most this year: Informed decisions and realistic preparation

Senior Year: Application or Growth-Year Planning

Primary focus: Execution or intentional deferral

• Finalize your decision to apply or pursue a gap year
• Take the LSAT (if applying during senior year)
• Request letters of recommendation well in advance
• Research and finalize a balanced law school list
• Draft, revise, and submit personal statements and applications
• Meet with Pre-Law Advisor to confirm timelines and strategies

What matters most this year: Organization, follow-through, and clarity

Alumni / Growth Year Students

Primary focus: Strengthening competitiveness and readiness

• Gain full-time work or service experience
• Retake the LSAT if additional preparation could improve your score
• Refine your school list based on updated credentials and goals
• Strengthen application materials through reflection and revision
• Apply with confidence and intentionality

What Is the LSAT?

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam required by most ABA-accredited law schools. It assesses logical reasoning, analytical reasoning and reading comprehension.

What Is a Good LSAT Score?

LSAT scores range from 120-180. A score around 150 is near the national average. Scores in the mid-to-high 150s can be competitive for many law schools while scores in the 160s and above are competitive for more selective schools.

A "good" score depends on the schools you are targeting, your GPA and the overall strength of your application.

How to Prepare for the LSAT

Effective preparation typically includes 3 to 6 months of consistent study, regular practice exams and reviewing mistakes carefully.

Some ways to prepare are by doing self-study by using official LSAT materials, online prep programs and in-person or virtual prep courses.

Free loaner copies of LSAT preparation books are available in the Center for Student Success (CSS). Students can borrow these materials from the library outside of the pre-law advisor's office

LawHub

LawHub is the official LSAT preparation service provided by LSAC (the creators of the LSAT). LawHub offers four free practice tests, drill sets, and free video lessons from Khan Academy. Additionally, numerous resources on understanding the LSAT and law school application process are available for free. LawHub is the only place where students can take practice tests in the same interface they will use on test day. All Simmons students are encouraged to make a LawHub account.

Note: As of September 3, 2024, all LSAC fee waiver users must complete two full length practice tests on Law Hub in order to use their waiver.

Third Party Online Resources

There are numerous private LSAT and GRE prep services available, ranging from self paced online resources, to classes, to private tutoring, available at a broad range of prices.

Simmons does not endorse any third party test prep resources. However, some students may find certain resources useful. You are encouraged to make an appointment with the pre-law advisor to discuss which prep resources are best for you.

Students should only use LSAC licensed providers for LSAT prep. A list of all licensees can be found here.

Testmasters ($300 off, use your simmons.edu email when you sign up to apply discount)

Kaplan (access discounted rate through Simmons ucommerce site)

LSAC Fee Waiver

LSAC, the organization that administers the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) offers two tiered fee waivers for eligible applicants.  Fee waivers offer significantly more than just free LSATs, including free access to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) which is required to apply to law school, and free access to LSAT prep resources.

Learn more about fee waiver offerings, eligibility, and applications on LSAC.org. Apply for a fee waiver through your LSAC JD account. If you have more questions about LSAC fee waivers, please contact the pre-law advisor.

Other discounts available to fee waiver recipients

Several private LSAT prep companies provide discounted access to their services to LSAC fee waiver recipients.

• Blueprint Prep (50% off for tier 1 waivers, 35% off for tier 2 waivers)
• 7Sage (Access core program for $1, 30% off tutoring)
• LSAT Demon ($38 or 20% off, depending on plan, scroll down to “what is an LSAC fee waiver” for more info)
• Magoosh (1 year free)
• LSAT Ally (50% off, use code LSACFEEWAIVER at checkout)
• Odyssey Test Prep (50% off, email fee waiver to [email protected])
• AdeptLR (20% off, email fee waiver to [email protected])
• LSAT Lab (50% off on Premium or Classroom plan, email fee waiver to  [email protected])
• TestMax (30% off tutoring and 3-6 months of free access)

Note: Simmons does not endorse these providers and has not vetted the quality of their offerings. If you would like to discuss the best LSAT prep resources for you please contact the pre-law advisor.

LSAT and GRE Accommodations

Students who need accommodations on standardized tests are encouraged to request them. Accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Extra time
• Braille exams or digital braille readers
• Human reader
• Scribe
• Food during the exam

View a full list of available LSAT accommodations

View a full list of available GRE accommodations

All accommodations require documentation, but not all require documentation from a medical professional. Learn more and apply for LSAT accommodations and GRE accommodations.

If you have questions about testing accommodations, please contact the pre-law advisor or the Office of Accessibility Services.

Pre-Law Videos

These videos are created by the Law School Admissions Council, Inc. ("LSAC") and are supplemental resources for students and alumni. Content in these videos may not represent the views and opinions of Simmons University. Students and alumni are encouraged to consult with the Pre-Law Advisor for guidance and support.

Mock Admission Panel
1 hour 12 seconds
You work hard with your advisees to compile the strongest application possible. Now see what happens when admission committees review these applications. Our October prelaw advisor webinar featured a mock admission panel to help you strategize with your advisees about how they tell their story. Our speakers included: ~ Meg Krishnan – The University of Chicago Law School ~ Michelle Preston – University of Wisconsin Law School ~ Reyes Aguilar – The University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law

Financial Aid and Repayment
58 minutes 08 seconds
As students explore their law school options, many are likely wondering how they’ll pay for their legal education. Join us for a discussion about financial aid and repayment, including upcoming changes to repayment for Federal Direct Loans. Our panelists are Alan Schieve, Director of Admissions, University of Colorado Law School Rebecca Schreiber, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law.

Application Cycle Overview
58 minutes 09 seconds
There is a lot to think about as you prepare to work with your advisees in the 2023-2024 application cycle. This recorded webinar presents an overview of what you need to know to prepare for the coming year. Kyle McEntee, LSAC’s senior director of prelaw engagement, discusses last year’s applicant and LSAT volumes, what we might expect in this application year, an overview of the updated Law School Transparency personal report onboarding, and other hot topics such as AI and the Supreme Court.

Writing for Impact Pilot
49 minutes 08 seconds
In this webinar, Katya Valasek, director of pre-law advising, and Laura Fonseca, director of DEI programs and initiatives at LSAC, discuss the Writing for Impact pilot program. Writing for Impact aligns with LSAC’s mission to advance law and justice by encouraging diverse, talented individuals to study law and supporting their enrollment journeys from prelaw through practice. Topics include general program structure, changes from last year, timeline and rollout, student experience, and what this means for you.

Law School Waitlist
56 minutes 53 seconds
Many of your students may have been placed on law school waitlists and subsequently asked you what, if anything, they should do. In this webinar, a panel of law school admission professionals share insights and recommendations for how best to guide your waitlisted students.

Insights About Test Optional Admissions
57 minutes 15 seconds
Now that the ABA Council is planning to move forward again with its proposal for test-optional admissions, what insights — about applicant behavior, class diversity and more — can be gleaned from the undergraduate realm, where such policies have become the norm? In this webinar, a top researcher at the College Board discusses some of the lessons learned thus far from undergraduate institutions. Panelists also include a law school dean and a law school admissions leader. Panelists ~ Michele Alexandre, dean, Loyola University Chicago School of Law ~ Jessica Howell, vice president, research, the College Board ~ Rebecca L. Scheller, associate dean, admissions and financial aid, University of Wisconsin Law School

Mental Health Disclosures on Law School Applications
45 minutes 34 seconds
How should you guide your students regarding mental health disclosures on law school applications? In this recorded webinar presentation, you’ll learn about this important issue from a panel of highly experienced law school admission leaders. Discussion topics: ~ How do mental health disclosures affect an applicant’s chances of admission to law school, and, ultimately, to the bar? ~ What information and details should be included as part of a mental health disclosure? ~ If someone who made a mental health disclosure is admitted to law school, is the disclosed information shared with other administrative offices or with faculty?

Law School Transparency
55 minutes 36 seconds
In this recorded webinar presentation, you’ll learn about Law School Transparency, a service that can help your students make highly informed, data-driven decisions about where to attend law school. Kyle McEntee, senior director of prelaw solutions, demonstrates Law School Transparency’s innovative tools and how to make best use of them. The webinar is hosted by Jennifer O’Connor, LSAC ambassador.

School selection should be thoughtful and realistic. Consider:

• Median GPA and LSAT scores
• Geographic location
• Cost, scholarships, and debt outcomes
• Bar passage and employment statistics
• Areas of legal focus or strength

Students are encouraged to apply to a balanced list of law schools. A balanced list improves your chances of admission while allowing you to aim for schools that are a strong academic and personal fit.

A typical balanced list includes:

• Likely (or Safety) Schools
  These are schools where your GPA and LSAT are at or above the school's median or typical admitted student range. Admission is not guaranteed, but your academic profile is competitive. These schools help ensure you have strong options.
• Target Schools
  These are schools where your GPA and LSAT are close to the school's median values. Admission is possible and realistic, though not certain. Most of your applications will often fall into this category.
• Reach Schools
  These are schools where your GPA and/or LSAT are below the school's median range or where admission is highly selective overall. Strong essays, recommendations, and experiences are especially important for reach schools.

When building your school list, also consider:

• Geographic location and where you want to practice law
• Cost, scholarships, and long-term debt
• Employment outcomes and bar passage rates
• Program strengths and areas of legal interest

A thoughtful school list balances ambition with realism and reflects both your credentials and your goals.

Who Should Write Your Letters?

Strong letters typically come from faculty who know you well academically and supervisors from internships, jobs, or research (when appropriate).

Choose recommenders who can speak to your intellectual ability, writing and analytical skills and work ethic and professionalism.

Best Practices

• Ask at least 2–3 months in advance
• Provide your resume and a brief summary of your goals
• Give recommenders clear deadlines

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of your law school application. It gives admissions committees context for your academic record and a clearer sense of who you are, how you think, and why law school makes sense for you.

What Admissions Committees Are Looking For

A strong personal statement helps schools understand:

• Your motivation for pursuing law school
• How your experiences have shaped your interests and goals
• Your ability to reflect, reason, and communicate clearly
• Your readiness for the demands of legal education

There is no single "right" topic. What matters most is thoughtfulness, clarity, and authenticity.

Common Approaches That Work Well

Effective personal statements often:

• Highlight a meaningful academic, professional, or personal experience
• Demonstrate growth, insight, or a shift in perspective
• Connect past experiences to future goals in law or related fields
• Show curiosity, integrity, resilience, or commitment

Your essay does not need to describe a legal experience to be effective.

Best Strategies for Writing a Strong Essay

• Start early. Strong essays take time to develop and revise.
• Focus on reflection, not résumé repetition. The essay should add depth, not list accomplishments.
• Be specific. Concrete details are more compelling than general statements.
• Show, don’t tell. Use examples to demonstrate qualities like leadership or perseverance.
• Maintain your voice. Feedback is helpful, but the essay should still sound like you.

What to Avoid

• Writing what you think law schools want to hear
• Overusing legal clichés or broad statements about justice
• Trying to cover too many experiences in one essay
• Sharing personal information without reflection or purpose

Revision and Feedback

• Expect to write multiple drafts
• Seek feedback from advisors or trusted readers
• Revise for clarity, structure, and tone
• Proofread carefully for grammar and style

A strong personal statement is clear, reflective, and intentional. It should help admissions readers understand why law school is the right next step for you.

Do I need to go straight to law school after graduation?

No. Many successful law school applicants take one or more gap years. Working full-time, gaining legal or non-legal experience, or pursuing service opportunities can strengthen your application and help clarify your goals.

Is Law school super competitive?

Most law schools strive to create a supportive environment for all students. However, 1Ls coming from undergrad may find law school more competitive than what they are used to. For example, most law schools grade on a curve, meaning that only a certain number of students can earn an A, B, or C. Additionally, most law professors rely on cold calling.

Do I have to be a lawyer if I go to law school?

No! A law degree can open up many career paths in fields such as government, business, nonprofit and advocacy groups, and more! There are many jobs known as "JD Advantage" that do not require a law degree or Bar certification, but prefer applicants who have graduated from law school. Examples include corporate compliance and mediation, data privacy and security, government relations, human resources, and risk management. You can learn more about JD Advantage careers on NALP's Website.

It is important to note, though, that law school is very expensive and time consuming, and is ultimately designed to train students to become lawyers. If you don't want to practice law, there may be a better post-graduate path for you, and we encourage you to discuss with the pre-law advisor or the Office of Career Development and Employer Relations.

Do I have to go to a top law school?

No! Any ABA accredited law school can prepare students for successful careers in law. However, it is important to consider what kinds of careers alums from a particular law school go on to pursue. For example, if you are interested in working for a Big Law firm (500+ attorneys), it may be more important to attend a highly ranked law school. You can view career placement statistics for all law schools at lawschooltransparency.com.

When should I take the LSAT?

Most students take the LSAT in the spring or summer before they plan to apply. This timing allows flexibility to retake the exam if needed and still apply early in the fall.

Can I retake the LSAT?

Yes. Law schools generally consider your highest LSAT score, and many students take the test more than once. Retaking can be a good option if you believe you can meaningfully improve with additional preparation.

How many law schools should I apply to?

Most students apply to 6–10 law schools, depending on their goals, competitiveness, and geographic preferences. A balanced list usually includes a mix of likely, target, and reach schools.

Does my GPA matter more than my LSAT score?

Both matter. Law schools consider GPA and LSAT together, along with your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and experiences. A strong LSAT can help offset a lower GPA, and vice versa.

Do internships have to be legal to apply to law school?

No. Legal internships can be helpful, but law schools value any experience that demonstrates responsibility, leadership, critical thinking, or service. There is no single "right" type of experience.

Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?

Ideally, ask faculty who can speak to your academic abilities, especially writing and analytical skills. Supervisors from work or internships may also be appropriate, depending on your background.

How personal should my personal statement be?

Your essay should be thoughtful and reflective, but professional. Focus on experiences that explain your motivation for law school and demonstrate growth, insight, or purpose.

Can I apply to law school if I decide late?

Yes. Many students decide on law school in their junior or senior year, or even after graduation. Advising support is available to help you create a realistic and competitive plan.