Sincerity is the Key to Compiling a Strong Activities Record

One of the great things about college is that you have the opportunity to get involved in all kinds of extracurricular activities. But that wealth of choices can almost be too much for students who are planning to apply to law school.

Future J.D.s know (or should know) that law school applications have an ‘Activities’ section, and they know (or should know) that what they list there can make a difference in their admissions outcomes.

One question that our consultants hear from time to time is “what kind of activities look good on a law school application?” Does participation in your school’s student government look better than heading a sports team or theater group does? Do you need to do something that shows political or social activism, or that gives you a byline in a newspaper or magazine?

The answer to those questions is simple: Do something you are genuinely interested in.

You are more likely to get involved in an activity that you care about much more fully and deeply than you are if you pick something completely random. It’s the quality of your participation, not the particular thing that you get involved in, that can help convince admissions committees that they want you in their next J.D. class.

There really is no such thing as a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ extracurricular pursuit. Just do something with some demonstrable commitment and passion!