by Tara Kuther, Ph.D.

So you think you want to go to law school? Here's what you need to do, complete with links to get you started.

Begin preparing for law school admissions as soon as you think you might be interested in becoming a lawyer. Most law programs prefer a broad liberal arts education, so you should plan your curriculum carefully. Writing and critical thinking skills are vital to law school admissions as well as success in law school.

What courses should you take?

• Expository Writing
• Philosophy and/or Logic (provides exposure to the Socratic method and critical thinking)
• History and Government (gain knowledge of governmental institutions)
• Business Finance
• Speech or Public Speaking

For more suggestions on what courses to take, see this Pre-Law Handbook, from the University of Florida.

Timing
An important part of planning for law school admissions is timing. This timetable for junior and senior students will keep you on track for admissions.

Where to apply?
First, you must find programs. The Boston College Law School Locator is unique. Plug in your GPA and LSAT scores and it spits out a list of schools in your academic range.

Believe it or not, most law schools charge $50 or more in application fees. So if you've got a list of potential schools, it's time to start narrowing the list, unless you've got money to burn. Choosing a Law School will help you evaluate schools and narrow your list to a reasonable number (say, five to ten).

Before you commit to applying to law school, stop and think. Are you ready for this? Do you know what you're getting yourself into? This article discusses what law school is like. If you're still raring to go, you're dedicated!

What factors determine admission?

• GPA. Obviously your grade point average is important, but so are your choices of courses throughout collage. A 3.8 GPA earned with difficult courses has more weight with an admissions committee than a 4.0 GPA earned with easy courses.

• LSAT scores. Your scores on the Law School Admissions Test are vital, especially if your GPA is not as high as you'd like. (More info on the LSAT is available below).

• Letters of recommendation. Most schools require 3 or more letters from professors or others in a position to know you, your abilities, and work habits well.

• Personal Statement. This is the place where you can show your strengths and unique abilities. What is special about you and why should you go to law school? That's what the admissions committee wants to know. (More info on personal statements is available below).

Application due dates usually begin in January. Then the wait begins. You'll hear whether you've made it in Spring. Good luck! (By the way, it's not over once you're accepted. Actually, the fun is just beginning. Check out the law school survival links, study tips, bar review info, and more on the Law Resources page).