Navigating Law School Admissions as a College Athlete: Tips and Insights

By Sydney Montgomery, Executive Director

Are you a Division I athlete with aspirations of attending law school? Perhaps you're an Olympic athlete or deeply involved in a demanding extracurricular activity. You might be wondering how your athletic commitments will impact your law school admissions journey. In this episode of Break into Law School, we'll delve into the unique considerations and opportunities for student-athletes applying to law school.

Let's address some common questions and concerns regarding law school admissions for student-athletes.

The Concerns of a D1 Athlete

At our 2023 Break Into Law conference, we received a question from a Division I athlete preparing to apply for law school. They expressed concern that their extensive involvement in athletics might make their resume less impressive compared to their peers. This worry is understandable, given the significant time commitment required for athletic pursuits, often at the expense of internships and other extracurricular activities.

Highlighting Athletic Achievements

First and foremost, being a student-athlete can be a significant asset in your law school application. Admissions officers value the dedication, discipline, and resilience demonstrated by athletes, whether at the Division I level or in Olympic competitions. Your athletic journey showcases important soft skills that law schools seek in their incoming classes.

In your application, emphasize the values and skills cultivated through athletics. Your personal statement or a diversity statement can provide a platform to discuss the lessons learned and challenges overcome as a student-athlete. Whether it's perseverance, teamwork, or leadership, your athletic experiences offer valuable insights into your character and potential contributions to the law school community.

Addressing Academic Concerns

Some student-athletes worry that their GPA may have suffered due to the demands of athletics. It's essential to remember that admissions committees consider the context of your academic performance. If athletics consumed a significant portion of your time, you can provide an addendum to explain any fluctuations in your GPA. Admissions officers understand the balancing act required of student-athletes and take this into account during the evaluation process.

Crafting Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement offers an opportunity to connect your athletic experiences with your aspirations for law school. Whether your passion for sports informs your career goals or serves as a backdrop to your broader life story, tailor your personal statement to reflect your unique journey. Whether you dream of advocating for athletes' rights or pursuing a legal career unrelated to sports, your personal statement should authentically convey your motivations and aspirations.

Flexibility in Application Essays

While athletics can be a central theme in your application, it's not the only narrative you can explore. You have the flexibility to highlight other aspects of your identity and experiences in supplemental essays or diversity statements. Whether it's your cultural background, family influences, or personal interests, ensure that your application presents a holistic view of who you are as a candidate.

As a Division I athlete or Olympic competitor, you bring a wealth of experiences and attributes to the law school admissions process. Embrace your athletic identity and leverage it as a strength in your application. Whether through your personal statement, addenda, or supplemental essays, showcase the valuable lessons learned and skills honed through your athletic journey.

At Barrier Breakers, we're here to support student-athletes on their path to law school success. We've worked with numerous athletes who have excelled in the admissions process, and we're committed to helping you achieve your goals. Remember, your athletic achievements are a testament to your dedication and resilience—qualities that will serve you well in both law school and beyond.

If you're a student-athlete considering law school, know that you're not alone. Through our services such as personalized one-on-one counseling, Essay Editing Support, our free Essential Guide to Applying to Law School, or our Essay Boot Camps, there is something we can do for you to help make this process a little bit easier. We also offer discounts to first-generation, BIPOC, and other marginalized students!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@barrier-breakers.org!