By Brian Reid

Thinking about applying to law school in two or three years? I meet many college students who still have several years before they graduate and want to know what they can do to prepare for law school. Here are 5 tips:

1.   Cultivate relationships with professors and supervisors It’s never too early to think about who will write your letters of recommendation so start building those relationships today.  Tell your professors you are considering law school. Ask your internship supervisor about her career path, and solicit advice about your own career plan.  Most importantly, stay in touch with these folks after the class or internship ends. You will want them to really know you and be able to speak to your best traits when it comes time to write your recommendation.

2.   Explore your interests  You do not need to have a specific major to apply to law school. Instead, study what interests you and within each subject area pursue classes that will build the skills you will need in law school, such as reading comprehension, analyzing, and logical reasoning.  What you study now will give you a unique perspective on the world and the law, which will only enhance your law school classroom experience.

3.   Explore LSAC.org  LSAC.org is a great resource and anyone considering law school should register (it’s free!)  From registering for the LSAT and learning more about the exam, to finding your prelaw advisor, and researching law schools, this is the best place to start.

4.   Brainstorm personal statement topics  The personal statement is an important component to your law school application and should not be rushed.  Start thinking about topics you might want to write about and how those will develop or change between now and when you are ready to apply.

5.   Prepare for the LSAT  At this stage, it is most important to create a timeline for taking the LSAT. Determine when you want to apply to law school and then check test dates to determine when you will take the exam. Allot time to study, making a plan for how often you will study (all summer? just on weekends? three nights a week?) Decide if you will enroll in a commercial or on-campus LSAT prep course, or study on your own. For help in making this decision and setting a timeline, you should reach out to your college prelaw advisor or to the Law School Admission Council’s website, LSAC.org.

Brian Reid, Esq., is the Assistant Director of Admission for Suffolk Law School and a double alumna of Suffolk University.