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Don't Give a 'One-Track Story' When Applying to Law School

By William Vogeler, Esq. on October 24, 2018 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

One-track mind. One-trick pony. One-and-done.

Call it what you want, it's usually not a good thing to be all about one thing. That's true in applying to law school, too.

Think of your law school application like a financial portfolio. It's a good idea to diversify.

Diverse Backgrounds

Daniel Waldman, a Harvard law grad, counsels law students about applying to law school. According to U.S. News & World Report, many of his students get admitted to the top law schools.

While he personally excelled in the law school admission game, he didn't really figure it out until late in the game. It happens to many applicants -- making the decision to apply to law school at the end of their undergraduate studies.

Many pre-law students major in political science, philosophy, economics, or humanities. But Waldman said students who pursue non-traditional majors can use it to their benefit.

In fact, the legal industry wants more lawyers who have diverse backgrounds in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Recognizing the trend, many law schools accept GRE in lieu of LSAT scores for admission applicants.

No One-Track Story

Applicants with non-traditional undergraduate degrees should explain how their education fits into their choice to pursue law. Changing educational or career goals, Waldman said, will "contextualize your motivation and education for the committee."

"A one-track story of how you've always wanted to become a prosecutor and make your community safe is nice, but it's no coincidence that well-written characters in books and movies are constantly evolving," he says. "Make yourself that well-rounded individual who had a chance to reflect on his life choices and came out better for it."

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