Experiences for Med School vs. Law School Applications: What Really Matters

Each year, thousands of students dive into the admissions process for law and medical school. These are two paths that demand focus, strategy, and a deep understanding of what each profession values. While both journeys require academic excellence and strong communication skills, the ways you prove "readiness" differ dramatically.

Let's break down the key distinctions in what law and med schools look for, and how to position yourself for success.

For Future Physicians: Experience Comes First

Medical schools want to see one thing above all else: evidence that you understand what a career in medicine truly entails.That understanding comes through hands-on patient interaction and exposure to clinical settings—not just through coursework or reading about healthcare.

If you’re pursuing the med school route, prioritize:

• Shadowing physiciansin a range of specialties and settings (urban hospitals, rural clinics, community practices).

• Volunteering or working directly with patients, even in non-traditional environments like hospice care or crisis hotlines.

• Journalingyour experiences as you go. Reflective writing helps you identify themes and insights that will later shape your personal statement and interviews.

If you’re lacking this kind of experience, consider taking agap year. Use that time intentionally to build patient-facing exposure, deepen your understanding of healthcare challenges, and strengthen your application.

For Future Lawyers: It’s About Perspective, Not Practice

Unlike medical schools,law schools don’t require—or even expect—legal experience. You don’t need to have worked at a firm, interned for a judge, or written a brief to be competitive.

That said, some exposure to the legal world can help you confirm your interest and demonstrate awareness of what the practice of law involves. This might include:

• Interning in a legal, policy, or advocacy settingto see how laws affect real people.

• Networking with professionals in the field and treating every interaction with professionalism and respect.

• Engaging in debate, writing, or analytical work that demonstrates the reasoning skills central to legal education.

Ultimately, though, some of the biggest determining factors in your law school application are your GPA your LSAT score. Time spent focusing on your undergraduate coursework and also mastering the LSAT are almost always more valuable than time spent chasing “legal experience.” Think of your GPA and the LSAT as your foundation—everything else builds from there.

Different Requirements, Shared Goals

While the metrics differ, both med and law schools want students who are motivated by purpose, resilience, and curiosity.

• Med schools: value empathy, commitment to service, and the ability to handle human complexity under pressure.

• Law schools: seek strong critical thinkers who can analyze, argue, and advocate effectively.

Both paths benefit from applicants who have taken time to explore their interests deeply—through real-world experiences, thoughtful reflection, and consistent effort.

Getting Ready to Apply

No matter which track you’re on, preparation is key.

• Med school applicants:focus on gaining meaningful patient experience, documenting your growth, and building strong science foundations before tackling the MCAT.

• Law school applicants:prioritize LSAT prep, maintain strong academic performance, and engage in activities that sharpen your analytical and writing skills.

Your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s—but it does need to show that you’ve done the work to understand the path ahead.

Bottom line: Both med school and law school admissions reward students who combine strong academics with authentic, intentional experiences. Know what matters for your path, and invest your time where it counts most.

Questions? We'd love to talk to you about your personal path to law or med school! Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with us today!