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The law is a jealous mistress, and requires a long and constant courtship.
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What are "Softs" and How are They Classified?
A comprehensive guide to understanding soft factors in law school admissions
What Are Soft Factors?
Hard Factors
LSAT score and GPA - quantifiable metrics
Soft Factors
Everything else in your application
Remember: Softs are inherently unquantifiable!
Don't take the tiers too seriously - holistic evaluation is the admissions committee's job.
The Soft Factor Tier System
A rough guide to classifying your experiences and achievements
Note: URM status should not be considered when classifying your soft tier
Extremely Rare
- • High military decorations (Medal of Honor, DSC, Silver Star)
- • Rhodes Scholarship
- • Founded multimillion-dollar company/household name service
- • C-suite executive at Fortune 500
- • Professional athlete/near-professional athlete
- • Widely published author/heavily cited academic
- • Groundbreaking expertise (invented medical technique, etc.)
Rare
- • Decorated military service (Purple Heart, Bronze Star)
- • Fulbright/prestigious scholarships
- • NCAA standout athlete (team captain, championships)
- • Overcame extraordinary disability (ALS, blind & deaf)
- • Director-level position in prior career
- • Patents or significant innovations
Uncommon
- • Commissioned military service
- • Prestigious undergrad scholarships/research awards
- • NCAA athlete
- • Overcame significant adversity (poverty, disability)
- • Published academic work
- • Peace Corps/AmeriCorps service
- • Relevant legal/professional experience
- • First-gen college, LGBTQ+, single parent
Common
- • Any military service
- • Legal internships
- • Congressional internships
- • Club/fraternity leadership
- • School newspaper/yearbook
- • Honor societies
Pro Tip
These tiers are guidelines, not rules. A compelling story can elevate any experience.
Application Strategy
Focus on depth over breadth. Show sustained commitment and impact.
Remember
Authenticity wins. Be genuine about your experiences and growth.
This tier system is adapted from /u/whistleridge's Reddit post
Questions or updates? Contact us at [email protected]