Are you ready to embark on a journey towards becoming a lawyer? The first step is securing admission to law school, but it’s no easy feat. You’ll need to stand out from the competition and convince the admissions committee that you have what it takes to be an exceptional law student.
In this article, we’ll explore three strategies that will help you build a strong case for law school and increase your chances of successful admission.
1. Excel in the LNAT
If you’re considering applying to one of the ten UK law schools that require the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) to be taken, achieving a top score can really boost your application. The 2-hour, 15-minute exam is divided into two sections: multiple-choice questions and an essay.
It’s important to understand that the LNAT isn’t designed to assess your intelligence or familiarity with legal concepts. Instead, it aims to gauge your critical thinking skills and your ability to engage with complex information — essential qualities for a prospective law student. So, while preparing for the test, focus on honing these abilities rather than cramming legal facts or theories.
By understanding the purpose and nature of the LNAT, you can approach the exam with the right mindset and allocate your preparation efforts effectively. But if you’re finding it challenging to prepare, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources out there to help you get ready. For instance, UniAdmissions provides a prep programme led by experienced admissions consultants, who all scored in the top 10% of the LNAT. These individuals offer “personal support that will triple your chances of success” when applying to study law.
2. Do a social media cleanse
Nowadays, lecturers and university admissions tutors are just as active on social media as students. Your online presence — or ‘digital footprint’ — can have a significant impact on your acceptance, so it’s crucial to be mindful of your social accounts when submitting your application.
“Your digital footprint is a ‘trail’ of your digital life,” the University of Portsmouth elaborates. “This footprint includes your online activity like your Facebook posts, tweets and Instagram pictures. Since online services are usually linked to your real-life identity, your posts, tweets and pictures can often be found by searching online for your real name.”
While it’s not guaranteed that admissions tutors will check your social media, it’s best to err on the side of caution and remove anything questionable from your profile. Think about the impression you want to make on tutors, and make sure your account aligns with that image. If you wouldn’t want a lecturer to stumble upon an inappropriate post or a photo from that night out, then consider taking steps to manage your digital footprint.
3. Get involved with supercurricular activities
You’ve probably come across the term ‘extracurricular activities’ before, and you might even be involved in a few yourself. These pursuits are referred to as ‘extracurricular’ because they go beyond your regular school curriculum, like playing a sport or taking up a first-aid course.
While extracurriculars are valuable for showcasing your well-rounded interests and skills outside of academics, ’supercurricular’ activities focus on expanding your knowledge within your specific field of study. It’s all about taking your passion for law to new heights and showing your dedication and enthusiasm to admissions committees.
As a prospective law student, you could explore a wide range of supercurricular activities such as attending summer schools, joining debate clubs, participating in mooting competitions (simulated court proceedings), and visiting courts to watch legal proceedings firsthand. There are also plenty of low-cost options available, such as discovering recommended reading books, watching TED Talks, downloading lectures from renowned experts, and so on.
