What's Going On in the Admissions Cycle Right Now?
As we approach second commitment deadlines at many law schools, AOs continue to assess how their classes are filling up and what more is needed to reach their goals. Several are already beginning outreach to their waitlists, and that “summer melt” will continue to trickle through to August at many institutions.
FAQs from Law School Applicants
Is it necessary to tailor my PS for each school on my list?
Not necessarily. It is extremely important to review the application instructions for each school, to be wary of prompts, and to strategize based on other optional statements that may accompany your PS in the application materials.
Some schools specifically ask candidates to address their reasons for applying to their institutions within their PS while others may allow an optional Why X School statement. In the latter instance, a more generic PS may be perfectly acceptable.
Need more guidance? Check out our PS FAQ here.
Helpful Link
Podcast episode #73 is here: What to Expect as a First-Year Associate! Links here.
Discussion
Deciding where you will ultimately attend law school is not an easy thing to do. As an admissions officer and now as an admissions consultant, I have often had candidates ask me for help and guidance on how to choose amongst multiple offers. While I certainly have my own opinions, it’s so important for candidates to make an honest assessment of fit for themselves based on their priorities and career goals.
First, it’s important to remember that this decision really isn’t all about the money. In the spring, as scholarship offers and reconsideration requests are made, it feels like scholarships become the central focus of many candidates, and all of the other priorities they’d set for themselves go out the window.
In these phone calls with candidates, I stress to them that they should think back to when they initially began applying—what was on the list in terms of priorities? Did they have a list?
If they didn’t, then I help them pose some really important questions:
- How does location factor into your career goals?
- In reviewing each of your potential schools, what employment opportunities are available in your current field of interest, and how does their employment support help you reach your career goals?
- What program offerings excite you at each of the schools you are considering? Do any of them stand out as an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else?
- What do alumni networking and support look like? Are there alumni mentors? As an alumnus, what infrastructure is in place to help you make important career changes?
- What experiential learning opportunities are unique or specific to the area(s) of interest most important to you? What faculty members have direct experience and can help to both connect you to others in the field and/or provide guidance or research opportunities?
- If you are interested in a track for academia, does that school have a specific foundation or plan for students interested in joining the academy?
- With incoming scholarships, continuing scholarship opportunities, potential summer grants, and possible LRAP programs, what is financially feasible? What schools provide the information or resources you need in terms of financial literacy?
- Mental health and wellness are often afterthoughts, but law school can be a stressful time. What resources and accommodations are available for your needs?
- A lot of emphasis is placed on ranking/reputation of schools, and especially for candidates who are trying to select amongst schools within the T14, I hear from a lot of candidates who aren’t sure what to decide. They might have a T3 offer with zero financial aid and a full ride at a T6 school. Either way, that candidate will receive a fantastic education. Is it possible that more doors can open by attending a T3? Sure, but make no mistake, a T6 school is going to offer A LOT of opportunities too. Are there benefits to graduating law school with minimal debt? Absolutely.
There are a lot of things to consider, but if you think about it, selecting a law school is essentially determining where it makes the most sense for you to make a substantial investment. You’ll be committing your time, efforts, presence, money, experience, and perspective to a close community for the next three years on campus. You’ll also be joining the broader community affiliated with a specific law school for a lifetime.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to take the time that you have to weigh everything out. Yes, talk to family and close friends, but this is still YOUR decision, and only you can say what is best for you. Everyone has an opinion, but when you’re considering your future and where you’re going to be connected for the whole of your career, your comfort level matters most.
It might seem trite, but my very best advice is to make sure that you’ve visited the schools that you are seriously considering, that you review all of your priorities, and that you go with your gut. Which campus and visit made you the most excited? Where do you see yourself really thriving? Where is it easiest to envision yourself as a contributing member long after you’ve graduated? Welcome to the next chapter in your journey of joining the legal profession!
7Sage Live Class
Due to popular demand, 7Sage Tutor Nick Place will be teaching a 10-week live class starting June 1! The class is limited to twelve students—first come, first served. For more details, click here.
7Sage Webinar Event
Join us on Thursday, May 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET for a webinar with 7Sage Admissions Consultant Jacob Baska, former Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Notre Dame Law School. Register here.