Characteristics we look for
Students often ask what we’re looking for in an applicant, beyond a history of strong academic performance. While there are many other factors, one that often gets overlooked or minimized in the minds of applicants is a demonstrated history of leadership and impact. Intellectual ability is obviously a key factor in admissions here, but we’re very fortunate to receive applications from more talented students than we can possibly fit in an entering class. One thing that really sets applicants apart is what they’ve done with their time outside the classroom or how they’ve built upon their academic work.
Now this isn’t something that you can start to think about around the time you’re starting to fill out your law school applications. It’s more about how you’ve spent the last few years. Have you dedicated yourself to an extracurricular or cause? Have you taken on a leadership role in a group or job that has allowed you to create significant change or have a meaningful impact? There’s no one right answer here – the key is to use your application to let us know about situations where you’ve come in and changed things for the better.
A big part of being at HLS is immersing yourself in a community of people who are dedicated to change and impact across a variety of fields. A great way to convince us that you’ll be a positive addition to this community is to explain how you’re already doing this – I can’t wait to read about it.
- Josh
Chelsea Alexander
November 6, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Josh,
I have a lot of leadership programs that I have been apart of, but they are only locally recognized, so I don’t think you would understand what I did. Do you want all of the explanations in the essay, or part on the resume, or just the most important involvements?
Thanks for any help,
Chelsea Alexander
charlotte
November 6, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
Josh,
In my undergraduate and graduate work, I have taken on activities for the student community of my campus, but they are concentrated on cultural activities. Will this be also considered?
charlotte
admissions
November 6, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
Absolutely! What we’re looking for is leadership – where you choose to focus is completely up to you.
- Josh
admissions
November 6, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
Totally fine – use your resume and personal statement to give more details. If you think its necessary, consider submitting an addendum with additional information about your work.
- Josh
Keon Roy
November 7, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
I am a freshman who attends a public university who doesn”t really have graduates who go on to grad school let alone an ivy league school anyway. I am certain that this is the grad school for me. I work extremely hard to stay on top of all of my work. My question is that would my chances of attending this university be weakend because of my enrollment at this low standard university?
Danielle
November 8, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
I started a organization at my school how far would i need to take it for HLS to recognize me as above and beyond the average applicant?