What do law schools evaluate? What are the most important admissions criteria?
Law schools view your four-year undergraduate GPA and your LSAT score as the primary criteria in the admissions process. Studies have shown the GPA and LSAT scores are the most valid predictors of first year law performance. Other factors distinguish among candidates of equal numerical qualifications. They include your course of study (pass-fail grades should be at a minimum), quality of your college (this assessment is not based on a specific uniform formula), an improvement in grades over the course of the undergraduate experience, letters of reference, personal statement, college activities, experiences after graduation, and ethnic background. Law schools vary in the weight they give these factors. In the most competitive schools, post-graduate work experience is not likely to offset poor grades and/or a low LSAT score.
