Prepare early. Get internships and work experience related to the legal field as early as possible, in high school if you can. Join and serve in pre-law societies or organizations. In college, take classes that are relevant to studying law. It isn't necessary that you major in pre-law, but you should take a wide range of classes that cover the constitution and legal theory.
Complete your undergraduate degree. Choose a major of your liking, but take classes in political science, government and policy. Maintain an excellent grade point average as you will find law programs to be highly competitive upon graduation.
Prepare for and take the Law School Admissions Test, a rigorous half-day exam that includes multiple choice and essay questions to test academic ability and logical reasoning. The total possible score on the LSAT is 180. Earn a very high score if you plan to attend a competitive law school.
Apply to a wide variety of schools. Choose several "reach" schools that may be beyond what you think you will be able to get into. Additionally, choose several "good fit" schools and several "safety" schools. Complete all essays, letters of recommendation, submit fees, transcripts and completed applications by deadline.
Once you are accepted to a law school, determine how you will finance your education. Take out loans as necessary, and apply for scholarships and grants, though these are very rare for law school students unless you come from an unusual background or a background of extreme hardship. Racial minorities and women are most likely to receive funding. Check with law schools, legal firms and professional organizations, and small, privately owned funding sources. Apply to as many scholarships as you are able, even if the amount seems small. Remember these are dollars you will not have to pay back later.