Crafting a strong admissions application is certainly an art, and it’s not an easy task, particularly if you are applying to a variety of law schools. Each school has different requirements, deadlines, and focuses. However, there are a few general guidelines you can follow during the application process that will make things much easier.
- Read everything.
A law professor of mine used to be fond of remarking that she would be happy to answer any questions, but only after the inquiring mind had read and considered all of the material. The truth is that most of the questions we get regarding applications or the application process – and most of the mistakes we encounter – would have been properly answered by a thorough read of the website and application materials. We don’t mind answering your questions; it’s our job, and we love connecting with our community. However, applicants find they are much more knowledgeable and prepared if they have read through everything before they start the application process.
- Ask questions!
Even applicants who read every last corner of our website and watch every available video may not find the instructions clear. If this happens, we encourage you to ask questions. Asking questions accomplishes two things. Firstly, your application has a higher likelihood of being strong if you clear up any lingering questions. We would rather have you be clear on instructions than guess. However, asking a question also might alert us to a gap in our messaging. Future applicants will appreciate your sleuthing.
- Take the time to set things up.
Applying to law schools can be an overwhelming task, particularly if you’re applying to several or many. There are deadlines and elements that differ for each school. I recommend taking notes in a way that is meaningful to you as you peruse websites. Keeping notes by each school of the requirements, dates, and focuses will help make the task of applying to law school less overwhelming. It will also help you tailor your application to the school to which you are applying.
Secondly, it’s worth it noting all deadlines in a calendar that you see often. Then, you can set reminders at points in advance (i.e. twelve weeks prior to deadline) to have tasks completed or underway.
- Apply early.
One theme you will hear throughout your law school career is to apply early. Our applications are due December 1 each year. However, they open up early September. This is a three month window, which is quite a lot of time. We get a lot of early applications, many of which are strong. UVic has relatively small class sizes, and it is possible that our incoming class fills prior to the December 1 deadline in any year. While we will accept applications until then, even the strongest applications that come in after the class is filled are waitlisted. Secondly, if you have technical or personal difficulties while completing your application, starting early will give you more time to overcome them.
- Make sure you have met all of the requirements.
Every year we receive applications that are otherwise strong but that cannot be considered because they are incomplete. Making a checklist with all of the application requirements can be very helpful. Also remember that if you have any questions about what any of the requirements are, it’s better to ask than to miss something.
- Proofread!
Proofread, proofread, and proofread more. Then proofread again. Set your documents aside for 24 hours then look at them with fresh eyes. Have a friend or family member proofread. Look up words you aren’t sure if you used correctly. Better yet, don’t expand your vocabulary in an application. A well-written application with simpler words and clear concepts will be stronger than a poorly-written application with misused words and rambling or unclear concepts. While graduate-level writing is expected in an application, strong writing is better accomplished within the comfort level of the author. Remember: it’s a personal statement, not a dictionary.