Prepping for law school is a daunting task. Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and preparing a writing sample all take time, and this is not even considering the applications themselves or prepping for the LSAT (law school admissions test). The difficulty in completing these tasks is often compounded by work demands and family demands that are non-negotiable. Alas, there are ways to streamline the process. Below are some ways to cut some time of the law school application process.
Narrow Down the List of Schools You Want to Attend
Resist the temptation to apply to every ABA-approved law school out there. There is little variation in the formulas used by schools that consider your application. If you live in State A, there is no need to apply to a law school in State B and a similar law school in State C, when you have no interest in living in State C. Keep your applications between 5 and 10 schools. Any more and you will drive up costs and anxiety, and any less and you will not be giving yourself a good range of options.
Be Efficient With Your LSAT Prep
Students prepping for the LSAT view it (rightfully) as a highly competitive exam. To compete, they literally review every single LSAT question ever published, take an LSAT course, and buy several LSAT prep guides on top of that. The truth is, there is no need to kill yourself in prepping for the LSAT. The LSAT is a teachable test, but exhaustion will not help you learn the exam. Focus on the most recent materials, and focus on LSAT prep that is not time intensive. You could consider an online LSAT course, which will save you time that would otherwise be spent sitting through lectures and materials that are not tailored to your needs, not to mention the commuting time that you will save.
Avoid Campus Visits Until After You Have Been Admitted
Many law schools offer open houses and other events where they show you around the campus. There is really no need to attend these events (or any others) until you have been admitted to a law school. The costs of travelling to law schools and taking part in these events can take time away from more important endeavors, like working on your personal statement, or LSAT prep. There will be plenty of time to visit law schools. Focus first on getting your application completed as soon as possible.
Rob Janeiro - Robert Vander is a LSAT instructor, writer, and blogger. For more information about LSAT the only LSAT prep course and LSAT online prep ...
