1 August, 2023
It’s 2 am, and my computer screen is cluttered with open tabs. I find myself desperately seeking answers to my questions about law school. “What LSAT score do I need for Canadian law schools?” “What GPA is required?” There’s even a tab open on Katie Warwick’s article on the 7 Steps to be a licensed lawyer in Ontario. I’m drawn into countless articles and videos, hoping to find that one source that will alleviate my anxieties and validate my aspirations. If only I could gaze into a crystal ball and see that everything will work out in the end.
And you know what? It did work out, though not as smoothly as I had hoped. The path to law school can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to figure out where to begin. Elle Woods made it look effortless, but the reality is quite different. In this blog post, I’ll share how I divided my law school journey into four manageable steps, which helped ease my nerves and keep me focused on what I can control.
Now, I can’t promise that this article will provide all the answers or solutions to your concerns, but I hope it will give you some comfort and a sense of direction as you navigate through your “Aspiring Lawyer Angst.” Here are my four steps to a successful journey to law school.
Step 1: Why Law School?
The first step involves introspection and reflection. Amidst the application process, interviews, and skeptical friends and family, one question remained ever-present: “Why law school?” It’s crucial to have a clear and authentic answer to this question, regardless of what others think. The legal profession demands dedication and perseverance, both academically and financially (Law school is not cheap!) Knowing your genuine “why” will anchor you during the challenges ahead and ensure you are on the right path.
At this step, I spent several weeks researching and connecting with law students and lawyers. Their experiences and perspectives offered valuable insights and helped me set realistic expectations. Consider reaching out to individuals in the legal field for guidance; many are willing to share their wisdom and support your journey.
My goal is not to sound overbearingly philosophical or scare you, but to suggest that having a strong foundation in your understanding of why you want to pursue a career in the legal profession, may make it easier to dedicate yourself to that pursuit. Take the time to consider what attracts you to the legal profession and whether those attractions both exist and are realistic.
Step 2: LSAT
Now, we come to the toughest step of the process: the infamous LSAT. This standardized test is required for admission to almost every law school in Canada. Instead of diving into score and GPA requirements, let’s focus on what we can control—studying.
The amount of time you dedicate to studying depends on your schedule and current skills. I devoted six months to studying while juggling work, collegiate basketball, and school. To gauge your starting point, take a full practice LSAT under testing conditions, and don’t be discouraged by the results. Remember, progress is made in reviewing your practice exams and understanding why you made certain mistakes. The LSAT is unlike any test you have probably ever taken. It is fast paced, confusing, but most annoyingly it is very straightforward. For every question, all the answers are fatally incorrect, except for one. Studying for the LSAT involves learning how to identify these fallacies, quickly. Make sure you COMPLETELY understand when you got a question wrong and why the correct answer is the correct answer.
Studying for the LSAT is a unique challenge. Learning how to identify fallacies quickly is key to success. Whether you opt for a prep course or self-study, focus on exposing and improving your weaknesses. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to LSAT preparation, so find what works best for you. The best way to improve your score is by seeking opportunities to expose your weaknesses. You may need the help of an instructor to do this, or you may be comfortable doing it on your own!
Step 3: Applications
With the LSAT behind you, it’s time to embark on the application process, and this step was personally my favourite. It’s an opportunity to share your “why” and tell your story authentically.
Your personal statement holds great significance, so keep three essential points in mind while writing it. Firstly, be specific about why you want to attend law school. Relate your experiences to how they make you a competitive candidate. Secondly, focus on your own growth and learning, not just on others who inspired you. Lastly, craft a coherent and themed narrative that aligns with your “why.” You don’t have to tell them everything about you. Choose a theme and stick to it. Understanding your motivations will make the writing process more natural, meaningful and fun!
Step 4: The Wait
Applications are in, and now comes the agonizing wait. It’s a phase I hadn’t fully prepared for, but it’s essential to manage stress and anxiety during this time. Maintain positive self-talk and avoid negative interactions with other applicants. Remember that you’ve done everything you can, and now it’s beyond your control.
While waiting, indulge in activities you enjoy and take care of yourself. If the news isn’t what you hoped for, don’t be discouraged. Every person’s law school journey is unique, and you might need to take additional steps. Embrace the process, believe in yourself, and take it one step at a time.
Next steps
Embarking on the journey to law school is a significant endeavour, but with these four steps as your guide, you can navigate it with more confidence. Remember to stay true to your “why” and focus on what you can control, and success will follow. Embrace your unique path and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
For more information, or if you want to access free LSAT practice tests, visit the Law School Admissions Council website.
Aaron Tennant is a 2025 Juris Doctor Candidate at Queen’s University and completed his Summer Law Student placement at Harrison Pensa.
