Law School Application Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them!)
Applying to law school is a competitive and detail-oriented process. While most applicants focus on getting a high LSAT score and strong GPA, many make avoidable mistakes that hurt their chances of admission. Even a small error can delay your application, weaken your candidacy, or cost you scholarship money.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common law school application mistakes and how to fix them before it’s too late!
1. Procrastinating on the LSAT
✅ The Mistake:
Many students wait too long to start studying for the LSAT or take the test at the last possible date. This leaves no room for retakes, which can be critical for improving your score.
✅ How to Fix It:
Start preparing at least 4–6 months in advance.
Take a diagnostic test early to set a baseline.
Enroll in Kappa Alpha Pi’s LSAT Prep Course for structured guidance.
Take the LSAT in June, August, or September of the year before you apply. This gives you time to retake it if needed.
2. Submitting a Weak Personal Statement
✅ The Mistake:
A generic, unfocused, or cliché personal statement can weaken an otherwise strong application. Some students make the mistake of:
Telling their entire life story instead of focusing on a meaningful experience.
Writing a statement that any applicant could have written (e.g., “I want to be a lawyer to help people”).
Submitting an essay with typos, grammatical mistakes, or unclear structure.
✅ How to Fix It:
Tell a compelling story. Your personal statement should showcase a moment of growth, challenge, or inspiration that led you to law school.
Be authentic. Admissions officers want to see who you are, not a generic essay.
Visit your university’s writing center. Have multiple people review your essay for clarity and impact.
3. Choosing the Wrong Recommenders
✅ The Mistake:
Asking for letters of recommendation at the last minute.
Choosing recommenders who don’t know you well or won’t write a detailed, personalized letter.
Submitting letters from family friends, politicians, or “big names” instead of professors or supervisors who actually know your work.
✅ How to Fix It:
Ask for letters at least 2-3 months in advance.
Choose professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to your academic abilities, leadership, and character.
Provide your recommenders with your resume, personal statement, and key talking points about your achievements.
4. Applying Too Late
✅ The Mistake:
Many students underestimate how important timing is in law school admissions.
Most law schools use rolling admissions, meaning early applicants have a better chance of acceptance and scholarships.
Waiting until January or February to apply means competing for fewer available spots.
✅ How to Fix It:
Apply as early as possible—ideally between September and November.
Have your LSAT score, resume, and personal statement ready by the time applications open.
Monitor law school deadlines and submit well before the final cutoff.
5. Ignoring Scholarship Negotiations
✅ The Mistake:
Many applicants assume that scholarships are set in stone and don’t try to negotiate.
Not applying to safety schools where you might get large merit scholarships (which can be used to negotiate with higher-ranked schools).
✅ How to Fix It:
Apply to multiple schools, including some lower-ranked schools where you’ll get strong scholarship offers.
Use competing offers to negotiate for better financial aid from your top-choice schools.
Send a polite but confident email asking if there’s any room for additional aid.
6. Underestimating the Character & Fitness Section
✅ The Mistake:
Failing to disclose past disciplinary actions, arrests, or academic violations.
Not realizing that bar examiners will later compare your law school application to your bar application—and inconsistencies can cause problems.
✅ How to Fix It:
Be honest and upfront about any character and fitness issues.
If you need to disclose something, write a clear, concise explanation taking responsibility for the event.
If in doubt, consult with a pre-law advisor or legal professional before submitting your application.
7. Submitting a Sloppy or Incomplete Application
✅ The Mistake:
Failing to proofread your application before submitting.
Forgetting to double-check application requirements (e.g., optional essays, addenda, or LSAT writing samples).
Submitting a resume that’s too long, generic, or poorly formatted.
✅ How to Fix It:
Proofread everything multiple times. Have a friend, professor, or advisor review your application before submission.
Make sure your resume is one page (unless you have extensive work experience).
Check every school’s requirements—some have unique application components that others don’t.
Final Thoughts: Apply Smart, Avoid Mistakes, and Use KAPi Resources!
The law school application process is highly competitive, but avoiding these common mistakes will boost your chances of getting into your top schools.
Start LSAT prep early and apply as soon as applications open.
Write a strong, personal statement that tells YOUR story.
Choose the right recommenders and request letters early.
Consider all financial aid and scholarship options—then negotiate!
🚀 Use Kappa Alpha Pi’s pre-law resources, LSAT Prep Course, and mentorship programs to submit a winning application!
