Myth #1: If your undergraduate academic record is strong, your LSAT score isn’t that important when you’re applying to law school.

Fact: The LSAT is arguably the most important factor in your admission portfolio. The four hours you spend taking the test may be the most important four hours of your academic career. Preparing for the LSAT in a disciplined and consistent way will be crucial if you want to get to law school.

Myth # 2: If your undergraduate major is not related to law, you should not apply to law school.

Fact: There are no prerequisite majors or courses for law students; in fact, law school admissions committees look for students with diverse interests in science, the humanities, math foreign languages, and fine arts. Focus your energy on building your reasoning and writing skills in the course of study you choose.

Myth #3: Admission to law school is based primarily on LSAT scores and GPA; the personal statement is the least of your worries.

Fact: Law schools receive applications from dozens, even hundreds, of students who have impressive grades and test scores. Make yourself stand out from the bunch by writing an outstanding personal statement.

Myth #4: Diversity at law school is all about race and ethnicity.

Fact: In order for law schools to be accredited by the American Bar Association, they must demonstrate that they are committed to diversity, which includes race and ethnicity, but also extends to nationality, economic background, age, geography, and language. When applying to law schools, communicate exactly how you will add diversity to the incoming class.

Myth #5: Studying to become a lawyer is like preparing for a starring role in a courtroom drama.

Fact: The legal profession isn’t as glamorous as many people believe. Many attorneys never see the inside of a courtroom, and for those that do, the hours spent in the office or law library far outnumber the “on-stage,” courtroom hours. Keep the realities of law school and legal work in mind as you gear up to write your personal statement.

Myth #6: All law students leave law school with a massive amount of debt.

Fact: According to Brigham Young University pre-law advisor Eileen Crane, many law schools have programs to help you pay your loans if you work in public service. If you have an interest in working in the public sector (government, academics, non-profit organizations, Legal Aid, or other organizations), there are programs that may help you pay back your student loans after law school. Pay attention to the details of financial aid at the institutions to which you are applying.

Myth # 7: Only geniuses and overachievers should apply to law school.

Fact: Discipline, determination, and a commitment to work will carry you much further than “innate” intelligence will. Interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic are just as important for success in the legal world as your IQ.

Myth #8: Law School Admissions Committees will only consider your GPA for the last two years when reviewing your file.

Fact: Don’t be fooled into thinking that your first two years of coursework won’t matter. In reality, students’ whole academic records are considered. If your grades improve during your last tow years, you should explain your growth as a student, but the committees will still be most concerned with your cumulative GPA.

Myth #9: Getting into law school is nearly impossible.

Fact: Statistics produced by the Association of American Law Schools and the Law School Admission Council show that almost 70% of all law school applicants will be admitted to at least one law school.

Myth #10: The decision to go to law school is best made in your senior year of college.