The last application cycle did not work out in the way you had hoped. Perhaps you didn’t receive a seat at your dream school or within your desired geographic location. Whatever your experience, you now find yourself thinking about re-applying to law school. The good news is that law schools will highly value you, as a re-applicant, for your persistence and tenacity.
Before you begin the re-applicant process, assess your initial application effort. Did you receive any acceptances, or waitlist offers? What components of your application were weak?
Consider your school selection. Did you apply only to elite or reach programs? Did you get into any programs that could offer you a solid foundation for your career? Consider carefully if declining any seats and reapplying is the appropriate decision for you.
When in the cycle did you apply? Applying later can negatively impact an otherwise qualified candidate.
Did your LSAT/GRE score and undergraduate GPA fall within the average ranges for admitted applicants at your preferred schools?
Did your application materials present your strongest case? Are written materials clear, grammatically correct, and polished? Did your resume and personal statement adequately demonstrate your commitment to the study of law, as well as show your abilities in critical and creative thinking, and/or leadership, and/or teamwork?
Once you identify your last submission’s weaknesses, consider some of these strategies to improve your likelihood of success this year.
Apply earlier in the admissions cycle.
Consider more accessible programs that could prepare you for your desired career.
If you have a low/marginal undergraduate GPA, consider taking additional coursework to bolster it. And be sure to address any red flags, such as a low GPA, in optional essays. In doing so, you don’t want to make excuses for your low GPA. Rather, you want to guide the reader to those areas of your life, such as professional projects or leadership roles, that you believe are much more indicative of your ability to thrive in a rigorous environment.
Think about how your test scores compare to those of admitted students. Are you willing to get a tutor or take a course to improve your score? The good news is that most law schools will only consider your highest score, and you will have the option to address low LSAT scores in the optional essays too.
Gain intern or volunteer experience(s) that demonstrate your interest in and commitment to the study of law.
Update your application materials, keeping in mind that schools often review your updated submission alongside your initial application. You will want to ensure that your updated materials provide new insight to the Admissions Committee on who you are and how you will fit into their program.
Submit a new personal statement. Show commitment and don’t be afraid to expose some vulnerability. Discuss your re-application and the reasons behind it. Some schools may ask explicitly for the reason you did not matriculate into a law program the prior year. Ensure that your writing is clear, cohesive, and polished.
Some law schools request that you provide new reference letters while others do not. If possible, do include at least one new reference letter from a recent professor or a current professional manager who can attest to your professionalism and/or intellectual capabilities. It is also good practice to let your previous year’s references know that you plan to reuse their submissions.
Update your resume to include the activities and employment you’ve engaged in since your last application. Also, consider strategically, what activities may round out your resume. Look for internship or volunteer activities that will give you relevant experience and that may set you apart from other applicants.