Making Your Resume Stand Out With Extracurriculars

KatherineGalland_KCT
KatherineGalland_KCT Posts: 111
in Pre-Law Success Community

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Alright, pre-law gurus! You're navigating the undergraduate maze, aiming for those coveted law school acceptances. Grades and LSAT scores are crucial, but let's talk about something equally important: your extracurricular activities. What makes your resume pop? What tells admissions committees you're not just a bookworm, but a well-rounded, driven future lawyer?

Beyond the Basics: Thinking Strategically

It's not about padding your resume with a laundry list of clubs. It's about demonstrating key qualities that law schools value: critical thinking, leadership, communication, and a genuine interest in the law and public service.

Extracurriculars That Make a Difference:

  • Debate & Mock Trial:
    • These are gold standards. They hone your argumentation, public speaking, and quick-thinking abilities – all essential for legal practice.
    • Demonstrates an ability to handle pressure and think on your feet.
  • Student Government & Leadership Roles:
    • Holding positions in student government, clubs, or organizations shows leadership, responsibility, and the ability to work collaboratively.
    • Highlight instances where you initiated change or resolved conflict.
  • Volunteer Work & Community Service:
    • Demonstrate your commitment to public service and social justice.
    • Focus on experiences that involve advocacy, problem-solving, or working with diverse populations.
    • Volunteering at a legal aid clinic, or a local non-profit is highly relevant.
  • Internships & Research:
    • Internships with law firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations provide valuable exposure to the legal field.
    • Research positions, especially those involving legal or policy analysis, showcase your analytical skills.
    • Any internship that helps you develop professional skills is a plus.
  • Writing & Journalism:
    • Contributing to your school newspaper, literary magazine, or online publication demonstrates your writing and communication skills.
    • Legal writing, in particular, is a crucial skill.
  • Language Skills:
    • Fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, is a valuable asset in today's diverse society.
    • Shows an ability to connect with different populations.
  • Philosophy & Political Science Clubs:
    • These clubs encourage critical thinking, and the ability to analyze complex issues, which are all skills needed in the legal field.

Key Considerations:

  • Depth over Breadth: It's better to be deeply involved in a few meaningful activities than to be superficially involved in many.
  • Show, Don't Tell: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying "participated in debate," say "won best speaker award at regional debate tournament."
  • Connect the Dots: In your personal statement, explain how your extracurricular experiences have shaped your interest in law and prepared you for law school.
  • Authenticity Matters: Choose activities that genuinely interest you. Your passion will shine through.
  • Document Everything: Keep a record of your activities, dates, and accomplishments. This will make writing your resume and personal statement much easier.

Remember: Law schools are looking for well-rounded individuals who are passionate about the law and committed to making a difference. Choose extracurriculars that reflect your interests and values, and use them to tell a compelling story about your journey to law school.

What extracurriculars are you focusing on? Share your experiences in the comments!

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