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Selection Criteria Beyond LSAT and GPA

While LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA are still important factor, non-numeric factors are becoming more importnat in the law school selection process.Because law school admissions committees are looking for applicants who are "talented, diverse, and engaged," applicants should prepare for more than just the LSAT and GPA. See the selection criteria and admission policy of some law schools.
We do not utilize a GPA or standardized test score cutoff of any kind in our review process. - Yale Law Schools
Thus, the College of Law seeks to enroll students who, collectively, bring to its educational program a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and perspectives. - Levin College of Law, UF
The Committee evaluates the academic potential of applicants through a thorough assessment of each applicant's academic record, professional and educational experiences, and accomplishments. In addition, the Committee identifies candidates who will enhance the professional development of their peers and will contribute positively to the law school community as a whole. - Francis King Carey School of Law, University of Maryland
However, each application is reviewed holistically, and many factors are considered. These factors are found in the personal statement, letters of recommendation, résumé, optional statement(s), and interview notes and are extremely important in the decision-making process. - Baylor Law School

Common Requirements for Law Schools Applicants

The following items are commonly required by most law schools when applying to the schools. You can view the deatiled description about each item at Common Components for Law School Application.
  • Completed Application and LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report
  • Transcripts including Bachelor's Degree at least
  • LSAT Scores and/or Alternatives
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • Application Fees

Non-numeric Components that Admission Committee Considers

Applicants with high LSAT scoresans GPA may be rejected and those with low scores may be accepted. As mentioned above, the non-numeric factors becomes more important and the admission comittees consider those factors more carefully. The following components are examples of the non-numeric factors.
  • Courses completed and Grade patterns - The quality, difficulty, and strength of your undergraduate program.
  • Graduate Coursework: Indicates your motivation and can be a predictor of success in law school.
  • Public or volunteer service: A significant and sustained commitment to public or community service
  • Work Experience: Achievements or activities emanating from work.
  • Mastery of written / oral communication skills and analysis / reasoning skills
  • Vision, creativity, and commitment to the legal profession
  • Military or public service activities
  • Social, personal or economic background and circumstances
  • Leadership positions and experience
If you have good scores of numeric components, then check the admission policy and selection criteria of schools that you desire to be admitted. You can find more non-numeric factors that the schools require.
Data Source: ABA (American Bar Association), IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), Self Research by CompareLawSchools.com
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