Making Your Resume Stand Out With Extracurriculars

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!