Law school admissions are all about LSAT and GPA scores as well as how many A's a student got in the undergraduate years. However, law school admissions also look for potential students who excel not only in the academics, but also in other areas. Though this may sound like applying to college all over again, extracurricular activities and your other pursuits not related to school or work can be the aces up your sleeves. In the same manner that you discuss how being the captain of the lacrosse team in high school helped you channel your focus in your college application essay, in your law school personal statement, you can talk about how you're involvement with certain organizations has opened your eyes to the desire to study the law. Here are just a few of the extracurricular activities that are cited in sample law school personal statements.
Membership with NGOs
Being part of a group such as a non-government organization can work for you in your quest to get into law school. In some sample law school personal statements, authors detail how their passion for saving the earth has prompted them to join an NGO. Good sample law school personal statements also focus on how earning a law degree can help applicants realize their dream for a more environment-conscious society. These NGOs are good training grounds for future lawyers. You are trained in reviewing existing legislation and even help draft new bills for the protection or pursuit of your organization's cause. Going to law school can seal in better knowledge and skills in understanding how the law works.
The debate club
You've probably seen on TV and in movies how lawyers are very eloquent speakers and highly-attentive listeners when it comes to defending their clients and attacking the opposing side. The debate club hones this talent early on. Applicants who have a background in public speaking or debating can very well feel at ease in the courtroom when delivering speeches or launching verbal attacks through depositions. Individuals who also excel in writing can also cite this ability in their law school personal statement. If you have a good command of the language and can fashion these into highly informative and purposeful written output, then you may have the potential to write legal briefs that can be one of the weapons of a lawyer in a case.
Social Work
Though the desire for public service may be for those who aspire for a position in government, having the heart and kindness to serve others is also a great factor that law school admissions panels look for in applicants. Pro bono, that legal service rendered for free by accredited lawyers, actually translates to "for the good of the public." If you possess the intellect and skills for becoming a lawyer and also have the compassion to serve those who need justice, you can do very well by relaying your involvement with social work or community services in your admission essay.
Extracurricular activities also tell much about who you are, your interests, beliefs, and purpose in life. So don't forget to highlight these experiences when writing your admission essay for law school.
