How do you nail a law school interview?

Asked by: Gerson Schroeder PhD  |  Last update: August 14, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (48 votes)

Here are steps to follow to prepare for a law school interview:
  1. Learn about the school. Research everything you can about the law school. ...
  2. Practice answers to common questions. ...
  3. Think of questions to ask. ...
  4. Practice speaking and nonverbal communication. ...
  5. Do a mock interview. ...
  6. Print a copy of your resume. ...
  7. Plan to follow-up afterward.

What does it mean if you get an interview for law school?

The interview is an opportunity for the school to question you about your application, your autobiographical sketch or any issues on your transcripts or LSAT scores. But it is primarily a tool for the schools to screen out psychological misfits who may not be well-suited for the legal profession.

How do you answer why do you want to attend this law school?

Don't say you want to study law because “it's the greatest career in the world” or because you've never wanted to do anything else. Explain why you think it's the best career for you or why nothing else has ever captured your interest the same way law has.

How much do law school interviews matter?

By the end of the interview, they should be able to determine whether you will be a strong law student, whether you will contribute to the campus culture, and whether you are actually interested in going to their law school.

How do you tell me about yourself law school interview?

A short biography of yourself, no more than two minutes. Highlight unique or interesting aspects of yourself, your skills and your interests. Explain why you became interested in law. Ideally, connect your life experience, interest and skills to the particular organization/position.

How to Answer Law School Interview Questions

36 related questions found

What's in a good law school personal statement?

The personal statement is your chance to REFLECT upon your life and show the law school admissions committee who you are as an INDIVIDUAL. Tell the Admissions staff something about yourself, your experiences and your life. Use vivid, descriptive prose with the intent to draw readers in and keep them interested.

How do you make a good impression at a school interview?

MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION
  1. Offer a firm (but not bone crushing!) ...
  2. Smile.
  3. Maintain eye contact.
  4. Be conscious of your posture; sit up straight.
  5. Listen actively.
  6. Show enthusiasm (about yourself, the conversation, and the institution where you're interviewing).
  7. Watch your grammar and your language.

What matters more LSAT or GPA?

Just how important the LSAT relative to other elements of your overall application package varies a little from school to school. However, generally, your LSAT score alone is thought to be anywhere from twice as important as your GPA to four to five times as important!

What stands out on law school applications?

Be sure to include every relevant activity you participated in during and after college in your résumé too. Whether you were a college athlete and/or a volunteer at the local soup kitchen, you should highlight those activities. Even your hobbies can be helpful in making your application stand out.

What is a good GPA in law school?

Among the 191 ranked law schools that submitted grade data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the average median GPA of entering law school students in 2021 was 3.55. But at the 20 highest-ranked law schools, the average median GPA is much higher – 3.86.

What do you say in Tell me about yourself?

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tips for Answering 'Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?'
  • Show how your professional goals and the job you're applying for align.
  • Focus on the skills you want to learn and get better at.
  • Don't get too specific with job titles or time frames.
  • Never say “I want your job,” “I don't know” or “Not here!”

What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?

My strengths are I am a self-motivated person and I easily adapt to any environment and I'm a hard-working person. And I am very collaborative. I always enjoying on working with the team. My weakness is that fear of public speaking and I am naturally a shy person.

Does everyone get a law school interview?

In law school admissions, interviews are not common. Many schools do not interview at all, and most only offer interviews on a limited basis. If you are offered an interview, take it. It usually means that you are in the discretionary review group, and the committee is looking for ways to distinguish the applicants.

What should I wear to a law interview?

Standard attire for law firm interviews is business formal. This is the most strict and conservative work place attire. Your goals should be to look polished and professional -- not unique, cute, memorable or trendy. Your interviewer should remember you for your answers to questions -- not your attire.

Is it hard to get hired out of law school?

Many law students and graduated law students struggle to find a job after law school. It is no secret that the legal job market is at an all-time low. Law students and new lawyers compete for the few jobs that have openings.

How can I impress law school?

What Do Law Schools Look for in Your Application?
  1. Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. ...
  2. Extracurricular Involvement. ...
  3. Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. ...
  4. Personal Growth. ...
  5. Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. ...
  6. Something Special… ...
  7. Demonstrated Interest in the Law School Itself.

What is the most important part of law school application?

Each law school combines your cumulative GPA with your LSAT score to come up with an index score. This index score is the most important admissions factor, and it is used to benchmark you initially against other applicants.

What kind of experience do law schools look for?

The Skills Law Schools Are Looking For. While legal experience such as working as a paralegal, legal assistant, legal clerk, or court representative will undoubtedly look good on your law school application, gaining work experience in other fields is just as worthwhile.

What's the lowest LSAT score that is acceptable by law school?

How do I get into law school with a low LSAT score? 6 ways to boost your chances of admission: Retake the LSAT - the lowest acceptable LSAT score is 140. Take the GRE - but only if you'll do better percentile wise than the LSAT.

What is the average LSAT score?

Data Summary. The average LSAT score for first-time takers was 151, according to scores tracked from 2006-2013. During this period, second-time test takers had the highest LSAT average score of about 152. The average national LSAT score for full-time, first-year JD enrollees for fall 2022 was about 159.

How common is a perfect LSAT score?

Remember, the LSAT is one component of the application, and the definition of a good LSAT score depends upon your specific goals. While only 0.1% of test-takers get a 180, many more get accepted into law school each year.

What not to say during a school interview?

“I'm applying here as a backup” or “because my dad made me” indicates you are unlikely to attend, even if admitted. Lack of interest also shows if you ask questions that easily would have been answered by looking at the school's website before your interview.

What are 3 ways to make a good first impression?

Now that we've covered why first impressions are so important, here are some tips to nail that first meeting.
  1. Make eye contact. Eye contact is a nonverbal form of communication. ...
  2. Smile. ...
  3. Dress for the occasion. ...
  4. Be authentic. ...
  5. Be a good communicator. ...
  6. Use positive body language. ...
  7. Be empathetic. ...
  8. Do your research and come prepared.

How do you introduce yourself in a school interview?

Introduce Yourself in Boarding School:
  1. Start with Your Background. ...
  2. Tell Them More about Your Traits. ...
  3. Tell Them About Your Experiences. ...
  4. Try To Tell Them A Little Bit About Your Hobbies. ...
  5. Frequent Mistakes You Shouldn't Make. ...
  6. Avoid Bias Political, Ethnical or Religious Views. ...
  7. Avoid Grammatical Error.