Applying for law school is as competitive as it gets. There are lots of incredibly able students all applying for a limited number of spaces each year, particularly at the best schools. If you have your sights set on a job in the legal profession, take a look at our tips for building a strong application for law school:

Keep Your Grades Up
Law schools select only the best and brightest. This means that you need to apply yourself to all areas of your studies. Even if some of the subjects you study don’t relate specifically to law, law schools will want to see exceptional academic performance across the board. Also bear in mind that your ATAR score is especially important.

Sit the LSAT Exam Early
Many law schools require applicants to take the LSAT exam. The test is made up of five multiple choice sections and one written section. It aims to determine a student’s level of reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logical reasoning and plays a big part in how law schools rank your application. Sitting the LSAT early allows you plenty of time to re-sit if you’re unhappy with your score. Planning far in advance will also give you chance to work on your weaknesses before taking the exam for a second time.

Visit your Law School Shortlist
There’ll be plenty of information online about the law schools you’re interested in. But nothing beats a face to face experience. Go to the open days of your shortlist schools to find out more. That way you can tailor your application to each individual school and maybe even cross a few places off your list.

Get Real World Experience
Experience at a law firm looks great on your law school application. It shows that you’re dedicated to a career in law. It also reassures a school that you like the profession in practice as well as in theory. Contact a few local firms to find out if they need any support and, when you’ve secured a placement, use the opportunity to find out as much as possible about the profession.

Every step of the law school experience – from application to graduation – requires great determination and ability. If you think you’ve got what it takes, start thinking about your application now. The sooner you start building up your knowledge and skills, the better chance you have of making a successful application.