Harvard Law School Admission Requirements
The first step in applying to Harvard Law School is to have your bachelor’s degree. It is important to have strong grades in undergraduate classes. If you’ve had to take the LSAT, you may want to consider taking a LSAT prep course, which typically offers helpful test tips. While many Harvard Law students pursue various majors, the rigor of an undergraduate education generally takes precedence over the major. Thus, a student with a GPA of 171 may be admitted to the program with a lower score than someone with a major in English. The LSAT score ranges from 171 to 176.
Personal statement
The personal statement is a great opportunity for students to flex their legal skills, as it serves as a sort of advocate on the candidate’s behalf. In essence, the student serves as a lawyer, advocating for themselves in the application process and convincing the admissions committee to accept them. Here are some guidelines for writing a powerful statement:
The tone of the essay should be positive and confident. Discussing your weaknesses in the statement will only highlight them. A better way to handle such concerns is to submit a separate addendum. However, if you’re writing a law school personal statement, you shouldn’t be overly self-conscious or boastful. Instead, keep it positive and confident. Address any weaknesses in the essay in a separate document, such as a law school test, or an extracurricular activity.
GPA
The Harvard Law School requires its applicants to have a Bachelor’s degree and have high grades in their undergraduate courses. While admission requirements do not state average high school grades, it is assumed that applicants will be among the highest students in their class. Interested applicants may enroll in an LSAT prep course, which typically provides useful test tips. While admissions officers at Harvard Law School consider the GPA of all applicants, some may prefer the majors of students who have already completed their undergraduate degrees.
In addition to the GPA, Harvard Law School also requires at least two letters of recommendation. These letters can come from people who know you well, such as employers, supervisors, coaches, mentors, or professors. Students must submit letters through the Law School Admission Council’s Recommendation Service to Harvard. Students are strongly encouraged to submit letters from individuals they consider to be close to them.
Test scores
You may be wondering how to get the highest scores on the LSAT or SAT for Harvard Law school admission requirements. The good news is that you can do all this in college and you don’t even have to pay anything to do it. The Law School Admissions Council website offers an application that can be completed online or on paper. However, if you haven’t submitted your application yet, you should start preparing for it as early as possible.
While it is possible to get away with only two letters of recommendation, Harvard does encourage applicants to submit three. A former professor is a great place to get a letter of recommendation from. Other recommenders can include a former employer, academic advisor, or coach. Regardless of who you ask, remember that a strong letter of recommendation will give you an edge in the admissions process. It’s important to submit letters via the Law School Admission Council’s Recommendation Service.
Application fee waivers
If you have received a tuition fee waiver at another institution, you should apply for one from Harvard Law School. If you have been enrolled in a foreign college or university, your transcripts should be evaluated by LSAC Credential Assembly Service. If you have attended a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program, your transcripts should indicate that you participated in such a program. The other two options are to submit a copy of your transcripts from your home campus, or apply for a waiver.
If you cannot afford to pay the HLS application fee, you can still apply for a waiver. However, you should apply through the LSAC website. This is because the admissions office of HLS may request to see proof of financial need to approve a fee waiver. After receiving a fee waiver, you should expect to receive a call from the school. If you are unable to pay the fee, you should expect to receive an email asking you to submit your LSAC e-app.
Interviews
Interviews are a mandatory part of the application process for Harvard and Yale law schools. These interviews give the admissions committee a more thorough understanding of the applicant. The questions asked in an interview are similar for both law schools. For example, you should dress in a professional manner. Don’t wear Harvard Law School t-shirts or tuxedos to your interview. A button-down shirt, a jacket, and tie are appropriate attire.
Applicants who are older are not considered “non-traditional” anymore. In fact, over half of the entering class this year took two or more years off before attending law school. If you have a non-law school undergraduate degree, you should use your work experience to highlight leadership skills and demonstrate your ability to contribute to the community. While you shouldn’t overly boast about your work experience, it can give the admissions officer an edge.