<p>Let’s say a person wants to be competitive for a spot at one of the so-called ‘top 14’ law schools. We all know that he pretty much has to ace the LSAT and get as close to a 4.0 as possible. He’s seen all the LSDAS admissions data---- average LSAT scores and gpas of 1Ls, etc.---- and he has a basic idea of what to shoot for. </p>
<p>But these law schools almost certainly get thousands of applicants with the same high grades and test scores? How does a person stand out from the crowd in order to stand a chance of being admitted?</p>
<p>If I do go into law, I’ve been thinking about spending some time in the lower-paying public service sector (DA, public defender, etc.) or maybe even state or federal government, if I can get it. I also want to spend a few years traveling around the world between my undergraduate and starting law school (or whatever I end up doing). Specifically, I’ve been thinking about applying for the Peace Corps. If that doesn’t work out, I’d at least like to do something that is beneficial to society, like teaching high school or something.</p>
<p>Does anybody think that a gap of maybe two or three years used to do some kind of public service gives a person an edge in applying for the more competitive law schools, assuming the applicant has the standard high grades and test scores? What if he or she is interested in using law as an instrument of public policy or working in the government?</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong— I’m going to try to get into public service after I graduate regardless of what I do with my life. I was just wondering how it might help me if, in fact, I do decide to go to law school. Don’t want to sound mercenary or anything, I was just thinking…</p>