Is it possible to impress the admission dept.??

[Watch Me]

This probably seems like such a simple answer - as far as just gain any law experience you can but:

If there were two students being considered for admission - same GPA range, same LSAT, both have comparable PS, LOR's, etc. (it's a stretch, I know) - - what is one top thing that someone could have done that would actually make or break that tie?

A friend of mine was just telling me that volunteering on the resume is so overrated because practically everyone who has plans to get somewhere (LS, Med school, etc.) has done at least some volunteer work.

I feel like the same goes now for travelling Europe. I know so many of my undergrad classmates who took a couple months after graduation to travel.

So, excluding grades, tests, the standard undergrad school organizations and typical work experience at a law firm, is there one task/experience/factor that would even make the schools say "Wow!"?

Or do the above activities pretty much cover everything?

[«ě»]

A new law library wouldn't hurt.

[Pink]

A new law library wouldn't hurt.

 

[.zone.]

A new law library wouldn't hurt.

Yeah...if you can't build them a new school, I suppose this would be the most impressive route. 

 

[Jen2bJD]

I feel like they have seen it all by now. I guess the idea is to try and get the best LSAT/GPA possible for you which gets you into the "maybe" pile at a school, and from there it's a crapshoot. This is why it's a good idea to apply to a lot of schools and apply early. Not that I am a good example of these things, so take it for what it's worth haha. Good luck!!

[midjeep]

Different things for different schools. Some schools absolutely hate it when applicants call their offices AT ALL with questions or additional info. Other schools will bump up a student when they receive contact from them as it shows them that you are interested and would accept an offer to attend. Just check out the board on success stories and try and determine where your prospective school lies.

[ProfessorPlum]

Personal statement.  Knock it out of the park and you will stand out.

Just ask Data...3.low/165 and Yale Law School Class of 2010.

[Soft Factors]

This probably seems like such a simple answer - as far as just gain any law experience you can but:

If there were two students being considered for admission - same GPA range, same LSAT, both have comparable PS, LOR's, etc. (it's a stretch, I know) - - what is one top thing that someone could have done that would actually make or break that tie?

A friend of mine was just telling me that volunteering on the resume is so overrated because practically everyone who has plans to get somewhere (LS, Med school, etc.) has done at least some volunteer work.

I feel like the same goes now for travelling Europe. I know so many of my undergrad classmates who took a couple months after graduation to travel.

So, excluding grades, tests, the standard undergrad school organizations and typical work experience at a law firm, is there one task/experience/factor that would even make the schools say "Wow!"?

Or do the above activities pretty much cover everything?

Can you rap?

[Auelan]

Different things for different schools. Some schools absolutely hate it when applicants call their offices AT ALL with questions or additional info. Other schools will bump up a student when they receive contact from them as it shows them that you are interested and would accept an offer to attend. Just check out the board on success stories and try and determine where your prospective school lies.

I feel like that's the big thing. Finding a way to convince them that they're truly your top choice and that you would enroll immediately if offered a position is probably the best thing you can do aside from increasing your GPA/LSAT. I feel like a distant second would be publication of scholarly articles.

[John5705]

Things I have done in an *attempt* to give myself an extra boost at one of my schools are visiting the campus, sending a thank-you e-mail to the admissions department after the visit, and sending a letter of continued interest stating that they are my first choice.  Also, if you know any alumni who are still actively involved in the law school (i.e. alumni organizations or Board of Directors), you can try to see if they can do anything to help you (I tried this one, too).  I don't know if these things necessarily "impressed" the admissions office, but I would hope that if it is was down to me and another person that these efforts would make a difference.