Self-Assessment Tables for Pre-Law Students
(Open printable version of the Self-Assessment.)
To be a successful pre-law student, law student, and lawyer,
there are certain activities that are essential, or at the very
least beneficial. Below is a self-assessment guide that you
should use as a periodic tool to evaluate your strengths and
weaknesses with regards to a legal career. Score yourself on
a scale of 1-5 with the lowest score, 1, indicating that you lack
preparation, knowledge, skills, or have not participated in
relevant activities, and the highest score, 5, meaning that you
have attained the relevant knowledge, skills, or participated in
the indicated activities.
Academics
Law school admission committees are looking for proof that you
think critically, write analytically, and in general will be
successful at their school. They will use your GPA, LSAT
scores, and letters of recommendation to judge whether or not you
have these required skills. Your cumulative GPA is important, but
it is as important that you take challenging courses.
Finally, do not underestimate the value of strong letters of
recommendation. You should develop professional relationships
with at least three of your professors so that they will be able to
write you compelling letters.
| Criteria |
Score |
Activities & Strengths |
Ways to Improve |
| Course selection |
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| Working with your primary academic advisor |
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| Working with your pre-law advisor |
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| Meeting with professors at office hours |
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| Cumulative GPA |
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| Practice LSATs |
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Co- and Extra-Curricular Activities
You want to make the most of your undergraduate career, and that
means being involved. However, an overly full schedule of
activities cannot replace good grades and an indication that you
chose your activities wisely. Choose activities that will
help you grow as a person, intellectually and personally.
Here is your chance to explore different avenues. A
well-rounded individual, who has engaged in various experiences and
spent time with lots of different people, will be able to work and
empathize with people in a variety of situations. When
working with clients, it is important to connect with them on a
personal level. Beyond the personal satisfaction you will
derive from your extracurricular activities, they will also provide
you with the means to build bridges with likeminded individuals as
well as to those with whom you previously had little in common.
| Criteria |
Score |
Activities & Strengths |
Ways to Improve |
| Involvement in organizations on campus |
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| Leadership roles on campus |
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| Involvement in organizations off campus |
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| Leadership roles off campus |
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Law-Specific Activities
Before embarking on a legal career, it is a good idea to know
what it entails. Law school and the life of a lawyer are
often very different than they appear. The best way to find
out more about different potential careers is to be involved with
pre-law activities on campus and talk with practicing lawyers or
others who have used their legal training.
| Criteria |
Score |
Activities & Strengths |
Ways to Improve |
| Participation in pre-law activities on campus |
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| Meeting with pre-law advisor |
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| Job Shadowing |
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| Internships |
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| Mentorships |
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| Exploration of different legal professions |
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Discussion with advisors, professors, and legal
professionals about your career choice |
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| Reflection on your motivations to go to law school |
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Service and Work Experiences
Look for volunteer and work opportunities related to the
law. If you think you want to work for the government or a
political party, look for positions in state and local government
offices or with a campaign. Perhaps you want to work for a
non-profit agency or in sports law. Whatever you think you
may want to do, work or volunteer in a similar office so that you
can gain relevant experience and figure out if you like that kind
of work on a day to day basis.
| Criteria |
Score |
Activities & Strengths |
Ways to Improve |
| Volunteer experiences on campus |
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| Volunteer experiences off campus |
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| Work experiences on campus |
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| Work experiences off campus |
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Communication and Work Skills
Law school and working in a law-related position will require a
great deal of self-motivated work. You will read a lot!
But you will also need to be able to work collaboratively or
independently to solve problems, as well as serve as your clients'
advocate. The skills involved in the above situations
are not easily gained through one specific activity. They are
abilities that develop over time through a variety of
experiences. Many of them can be improved by engaging in
service and volunteer activities. If you sense the need to work on
any of them and are not sure what to do, consult with your
advisors, friends, and family to discover new opportunities for
growth.
| Criteria |
Score |
Activities & Strengths |
Ways to Improve |
| Ability to present yourself in person |
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| Ability to present yourself in writing |
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| Ease of communicating with people different from yourself |
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| Ability to work alone & collaboratively |
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| Proactiveness |
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| Time management skills |
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| Interest in local, national, & international events |
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Law School Applications
Of course, to succeed at law school you first need to get
in. Do not underestimate the time it will take to prepare for
the LSAT and complete your application. Your pre-law advisor
is here to help guide you through the process, but it is up to you
to stay on track.
| Criteria |
Score |
Activities & Strengths |
Ways to Improve |
| Have prepared for the LSAT |
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| Have registered with LSDAS |
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| Have chosen recommendation letter writers |
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| Have researched & chosen schools |
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| Have completed personal statement |
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Have chosen method of application, such as
early decision, early action, etc... |
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