{"id":3701,"date":"2018-11-01T16:33:48","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T20:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.law.temple.edu\/voices\/?p=3701"},"modified":"2018-11-02T16:43:22","modified_gmt":"2018-11-02T20:43:22","slug":"admissions-office-tips-application-components","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.law.temple.edu\/voices\/admissions-office-tips-application-components\/","title":{"rendered":"Admissions Office Tips: Application Components"},"content":{"rendered":"

To kick off the start of application review season, our Assistant Director of Admissions breaks down the various application components to help potential law students apply as strategically as possible.<\/em><\/p>\n

Numerical Indicators<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of the most common things on an applicant\u2019s mind are the numerical indicators \u2013 the LSAT score and the UGPA. They can be intimidating factors for some applicants, or something to brag about for others. What\u2019s important to remember is that the application process is about highlighting your strengths and putting your weaknesses into context. A strong application will do both.<\/p>\n

Taking the LSAT more than once isn\u2019t bad \u2013 either is taking it only once. It all depends on the individual\u2019s application, and no two applications look the same. Think about your LSAT score or scores \u2013 what story do they tell? If you\u2019ve taken it only once, was that your ideal score? If you\u2019ve taken it more than once, does it show a persistent effort to improve? Whatever your LSAT story is, make sure to frame it in a way that shows the Faculty Admissions Committee what kind of test taker you are \u2013 after all, there\u2019s going to be a pretty big test at the end of law school. (The bar exam \u2013 hint hint!)<\/p>\n

As for the UGPA, what story does that tell? People switch schools and majors, take time off, and grades can fluctuate. Life happens! The Faculty Admissions Committee will be looking very closely at your undergraduate transcripts, so don\u2019t hesitate to lend some context to a situation that impacted your UPGA.<\/p>\n

You can refer to our Entering Class Profile<\/a> to see our median numbers \u2013 but always keep in mind that your application means more to us than just your numbers.<\/p>\n

The Application Form<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is one of the first pieces of advice I give to applicants. Take your time filling out the application! This is the first impression you make as an applicant, so be sure to answer the questions thoughtfully and carefully, avoiding any spelling or capitalization errors. Making silly mistakes on the application could imply that you aren\u2019t particularly interested in Temple Law, or that you aren\u2019t detail oriented \u2013 both implications that you want to avoid if they\u2019re not true.<\/p>\n

Letters of Recommendation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Letters of Recommendation are not required, but applicants are encouraged to submit up to four letters as part of a well-rounded application. A common misconception is that applicants can only submit academic letters. This is not true! While the faculty admissions committee does appreciate academic letters, professional letters are incredibly helpful and in some cases, may be more relevant than academic letters if an applicant is far removed from undergrad.<\/p>\n

Try to avoid submitting letters from family or close friends. While these letters are usually absolutely glowing, they tend to be less objective, and therefore less helpful when reviewing an application.<\/p>\n

Resume<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You\u2019re applying to law school, not business school, so don\u2019t feel pressured to boil down your resume to a single page. Don\u2019t leave any of your work history out because you feel that it isn\u2019t relevant to the field of law. If you do have gaps in employment, make sure to account for them in an addendum, which we\u2019ll touch on later.<\/p>\n

Written Statements<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Temple Law allows applicants to submit two written statements – a Personal Statement and a Sp.A.C.E. Statement.<\/p>\n