LSAT Test Prep Course Online – AlphaScore.com LSAT Test Prep Course Online – AlphaScore.com
  • Features
  • Curriculum
  • Testimonials
  • Pricing
  • Resources
    • LSAT Score Conversion
    • Online LSAT Prep Course
    • LSAT FAQs
    • Free LSAT Course
    • Free LSAT Practice Tests
    • Guide to Canadian Law Schools
    • LSAT Proctor
    • Guide to Law Schools in the US
    • Create your own LSAT Study Schedule
    • LSAT Study Guide
  • Blog
  • Login
LSAT Test Prep Course Online – AlphaScore.com LSAT Test Prep Course Online – AlphaScore.com
  • Features
  • Curriculum
  • Testimonials
  • Pricing
  • Resources
    • LSAT Score Conversion
    • Online LSAT Prep Course
    • LSAT FAQs
    • Free LSAT Course
    • Free LSAT Practice Tests
    • Guide to Canadian Law Schools
    • LSAT Proctor
    • Guide to Law Schools in the US
    • Create your own LSAT Study Schedule
    • LSAT Study Guide
  • Blog
  • Login
Apr 28

Who should write my law school reference letter?

cute-kid-studying“My daughter, Lisa, is the most amazing person. She is exceptionally smart and has always wanted to be a lawyer. Any law school would be lucky to have her! I attach a photo for your review.”

This is part 3 of the series, beginning with – Reference Letters – Part 1

Schools often have their own list of who should write your reference letters. They may ask for two academic references, or some combination of academic and other references. Always make sure you meet the requirements of the school to which you are applying.

References should come from:

Someone who fits the requirements of your application package. E.g. don’t have an employer write your academic letter.

Someone who knows you well and has had some experience with your academic or other successes. References from Professors that hardly know you are not likely to be very effective.

A professor, academic supervisor or employer.

References should NOT come from:

A relative. No matter how much mom or uncle Bob thinks you are wonderful the admissions committee won’t care.

Politicians, clergy, celebrities, Judges, lawyers, or other authority figures that have no direct involvement in your education or employment. All too often students think that a positive letter from a figure of authority will carry great weight with admissions personnel.  Unless the person has direct knowledge or involvement in your employment or education leave them out. Law schools are looking for an honest appraisal of your abilities not a vote from a famous or powerful figure.

Teaching assistants – unfortunately while TAs may have a great perspective on your academic abilities most schools do not consider them to be sufficiently reliable objective sources for reference letters. If you are left with no other options you might fall back to a TA but it will not carry near the weight of a professor’s letter.

Quality vs. Authority

A reference letter from someone of greater reputation, position or power might seem great but quality comes before authority. It is far better to have a reference from your professor that sings your praises and clearly demonstrates personal experience with you and a great respect for your abilities and character strengths than it is to have a mediocre letter from the dean of a university or a supreme court judge saying they like you and they recommend you for admission to law school. While there is a minimum requirement for authority (TAs don’t usually make the cut) you should focus on quality over authority.

A quality reference has a good knowledge of you and has direct experience with your employment or academic activities and successes.

Your priorities for determining who to ask for a reference letter should be as follows (listed in order of importance)

  1. Meet the requirements set out by the school to which you are applying
  2. Know you and are able to write a well informed and positive reference
  3. Are in a position of, or carry a title with, influence
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

About The Author: Greg Smith

Greg took the LSAT in 2002, attended law school at the University of British Columbia and has practiced law with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP in the area of Securities and Capital Markets. He has been teaching LSAT classes and tutoring students since 2003 and has helped many students get into the law school of their choice. Have a question about the LSAT or Law School? Leave a comment here or get in touch with Greg@alpha-score.com
April 28, 2010

Related Posts

  • Review: Law School Admission Game – Play Like an ExpertFebruary 24, 2011
  • Still time to apply to Yale Law SchoolFebruary 21, 2011
  • Reference Letters for Law SchoolApril 23, 2010

Comments are closed.

Our LSAT Course

  • Learn anytime from anywhere and replay the course at your own pace
  • 50+ HD Video Lessons and Tutorials
  • 12 months subscription for only $389
  • Actual LSAT exams and practice questions
Try Our Complete Online LSAT Prep Course

Pricing and Enrollment

Ask our Students


More Student Interviews

Take the Free Trial
or
Enroll Now

Take a quick LSAT Lesson





Free Trial - LSAT Course

  • Learn anytime from anywhere and replay the course at your own pace
  • 50+ HD Video Lessons and Tutorials
  • 12 months subscription for only $389
  • Actual LSAT exams and practice questions
Try it Free

Pricing and Enrollment

Ask our Students


More Student Interviews

Try it Free
Pricing and Enrollment

Take a quick LSAT Lesson





Free Trial - LSAT Course

  • Learn anytime from anywhere and replay the course at your own pace
  • 50+ HD Video Lessons and Tutorials
  • 12 months subscription for only $389
  • Actual LSAT exams and practice questions
Try it Free
Pricing and Enrollment



30 Day Free Trial LSAT Prep Course


Buy it Now or Try it Free

LSAT Logic Games Course

  • Learn anytime from anywhere and replay the course at your own pace
  • 40+ HD Video Lessons and Tutorials
  • 12 months subscription for only $189
  • Quizzes, assessments and practice questions
  • Guaranteed Satisfaction or your money back
Try it Free Logic Games Course
3 Hours of Free Videos
Alpha Score is about providing the best possible way to study for your LSAT online. We provide a complete solution for you to study from anywhere you want from your mobile phone to your desktop. Pick up and carry off where ever you left off with our extremely powerful course delivery software.

Online LSAT Course

  • Home
  • Features
  • Course Curricullum
  • Testimonials
  • Online LSAT Course Pricing & Enrollment
  • Try it Free
  • Login

LSAT Prep Resources

  • Resources
  • Guide to Canadian Law Schools
  • Free LSAT Practice Tests
  • Free LSAT Course
  • LSAT FAQs
  • LSAT Proctor
  • LSAT Study Guide
  • Create your own LSAT Study Schedule

Copyright © 2015 LSAT Test Prep Course Online - AlphaScore.com | Affiliate Program | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Sitemap