Law School: Getting In

That means on your GPA and your LSAT. Not that you can be reduced to just a number, but they are the two best predictors of success, say admissions counselors. GPAs that get better with age demonstrate maturity and can make up for a poor freshman year.

Sure, it's important. And your personal statement allows you to emotionally connect with the overworked admit dean. But it's less important than you'd imagine. Use it to put some meat on the bare bones of your acronyms (see above). Having something to write about is also critical (see below).

Perhaps the best topic for personal statements is work experience. Volunteering for a legal aid society or working as a legal intern shows you've already invested time in the field. A growing number of schools say you need some legal work under your belt.

For starters, see where past graduates have landed. If the strengths of the school are aligned with your own ambitions, your application has a better chance.