Pre-law FAQ: law school
Do I really want to go to law school?
Ultimately, you have to answer this question for yourself. Check out the interactive Pre-law Handbook to contemplate some of the many factors that go into this decision.
When should I apply?
Generally you should apply almost one year before you plan to begin law school. For example, you would apply in September of 2009 if you planned to start law school in the fall of 2010. Most law schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, which means that they give first consideration to the applications received first. In some instances, this means that if your application is received near the deadline (e.g. late January) you may have a harder time getting in because many spots will have been filled by the time that your application is considered. If you take the LSAT in June, you can submit a complete application in early fall. Of course, all of this will vary depending on which schools you are considering or your situation. Reasons to delay might include waiting for an additional semester or grades to be included, or waiting to retake the LSAT (although I generally recommed taking it only once). See the section on LSAT for more information.
Where should I apply?
There are a few basic principles to consider. One is that you should try to get into the best school possible. A highly regarded school will not be much harder for you than a lower ranked school but it will improve your employment prospects and earning potential. In addition, if you graduate from a premiere school, you should be able to get a good job even with average grades. Another consideration is that as you move down the rankings, less highly regarded schools tend to feed firms in that region. If you want to work in Michigan, then go to law school somewhere in Michigan. (Of course, if you graduate from the University of Michigan School of Law, your opportunities will be many.) If you like Florida, then go to law school in Florida. Finally, most students apply to many "likely" schools and one or two "safe" schools.
It's so expensive to apply! What do I do?
Be aware that you can request that the schools waive or reduce their application fees.
How can I find out more about employment of a law school's graduates, bar passage rates, scholarships, etc.?
Go to the Searchable Edition of the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools.
How do I know a school's rank?
The US News Law School Rankings are commonly used, although you can find some studies online that question the validity of their methodology. At the US News site, click on Rankings, then Graduate Schools, then Law.
(Be advised that this is now a site that requires payment.)
How do I know what GPA and LSAT score I need to get into a school?
Go to the LSAC Data Search page of the Searchable Edition of the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools. You can input your GPA and LSAT score and find out how likely you are to be admitted at any law school.
How important are the personal statement and letters of recommendation?
Generally, GPA and LSAT scores are the most important factors. If the decision over your application is close, a well-written personal statement and excellent recommendations can tip the balance in your favor. This will vary depending on the schools you are considering.
How should I approach the personal statement?
Most importantly, tailor your statement to the guidelines of the school to which you are applying. Some schools encourage more creativity than others, and some have more specific guidelines. Absent any guidelines to the contrary, I recommend that you avoid being too personal; sometimes applications take the term "personal" in "personal statement" too literally and disclose inappropriate information. Letters that state why you want a law degree at a particular institution and what you plan to do with it can be very persuasive. This is also a chance for you to attest to any difficult circumstances such as discrimination or economic hardship that you have overcome in your life. Try to avoid turning the letter into a laundry list of your accomplishments. If you can relate a single experience, event or story in a well-written manner, that can be a very effective way to convey information about your character. I personally think that it is helpful if you include a paragraph at the end of your statement that is tailored to the question of why you are interested in each school to which you apply. In other words, review the school's materials and indicate at least one program, specialty, or extracurricular activity offered at the school that interests you.
How should I approach the letters of recommendation?
Generally, law schools prefer writers who can speak to your academic qualifications. However, letters from employers or supervisors at volunteer organizations can be a helpful supplement. If a school requests three letters, I would recommend at least two be from professors. Almost every school requires that you register for LSDAS, which compiles your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT score reports, and sends them to the schools to which you are applying. The LSDAS website contains a form for references. You absolutely must print out a copy for each reference, sign it, and give it to him/her. You should get everything to your reference at least several weeks in advance. As a guideline for how to write the letter, schools desire to know how long the reference has known the applicant, the context of their relationship, how well the reference knows the applicant, and relevant information about the applicant's characteristics and achievements. Detailed examples are helpful. In order to facilitate this process, students should give their references:
-a signed copy of the LSDAS recommendation form
-a resume
-a copy of their personal statement
-a stamped envelope addressed to LSDAS
-a list of courses that you have taken with the professor, with your grade and the semester you took the course
-a deadline.
What is law school like?
For a very cynical take on law school, see Duncan Kennedy's essay "Legal Education as Training For Hierarchy" in the book The Politics of Law (ed. David Kairys, 1998). One of my students recommends Law School Confidential: The Complete Law School Survival Guide by Students, for Students by Robert H. Miller (2000).
For other questions on financing, the admissions process, preparing for law school, and whether you really want to be a lawyer, go to the Findlaw pre-law site.
Check out fastweb.com and your law school's financial aid office for scholarship information. Also, click on the diversity link of this FAQ for diversity scholarships.
For questions about a specific law school, contact the admission counselors at that school. They are very helpful and have the particular information that you need.
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